India is one of those places that defies expectations at every turn. I thought I was ready, armed with my guidebook, a half-packed rucksack, and a serious dose of wanderlust. Little did I know that in four short weeks, I’d encounter a whirlwind of experiences across four totally unique states: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Ladakh.
My Indian Adventure: 4 States in 4 Weeks
Each state felt like a different world—different food, different vibes, different everything. From sun-drenched temples in Tamil Nadu to the snow-dusted peaks of Ladakh, this trip was a kaleidoscope of chaos and beauty. Buckle up, because it was a ride! [This post was brought to us by our friend Mukesh - thanks, Mukesh!]
Tamil Nadu: Where Temples Touch the Sky and Sambar Touches the Soul
My first stop: Tamil Nadu. The land of ancient temples, never-ending beaches, and coconut-heavy curries. It’s also where I got my first taste of “India time.” You know, when things happen at their own pace, the buses may or may not show up, but somehow, you still get where you're going—eventually. Chennai was my entry point, and let me tell you, this city is a bit of a hot mess, but in the best possible way. I wandered through the chaos of Marina Beach, which felt more like a festival than a seafront. Street vendors hawked roasted corn and balloon animals, while local families spread out picnic blankets as if they owned the sand. But the real star of Tamil Nadu? The temples.
I hopped on a bus to Mahabalipuram, and if you’re into ancient carvings and ridiculously detailed stonework, this is your paradise. The Shore Temple stands dramatically by the sea, and the stone chariots—aka the Pancha Rathas—are nothing short of jaw-dropping. I’m still convinced the artisans had superpowers because, seriously, how did they manage this level of detail with basic tools? Also, fun fact: I got slightly sunburnt while contemplating ancient history, so don’t forget your sunscreen, folks!
Kerala: Coconut Trees, Canoes, and Ayurvedic Bliss
Next up, Kerala. Imagine this: floating along the backwaters in a traditional wooden canoe, surrounded by swaying coconut palms, while the sun dips below the horizon in shades of orange and pink. Yes, Kerala really is that dreamy. It’s like Mother Nature took an extra minute here to add a little sparkle. I kicked off my Kerala chapter in Kochi, which is this artsy, laid-back city where colonial Portuguese vibes mix with local Indian culture. You can literally walk from a 500-year-old synagogue to a bustling spice market in about 10 minutes. I’m not even a history nerd, but this was super cool. And if you're an art lover, Fort Kochi is packed with galleries and street art that’ll make your Instagram pop.
From Kochi, I headed to Alleppey, which is famous for its backwaters. Now, you can either book yourself a fancy houseboat or do what I did—grab a canoe and hire a local guide. It was way more authentic, plus I didn’t want to miss out on the hilarious stories my guide told me about life in the little villages dotted along the water. Also, can we talk about the food in Kerala? It’s all coconut everything—coconut chutney, coconut curries, coconut pancakes. Basically, if there’s a coconut involved, you’re golden. I couldn’t leave without indulging in some Ayurvedic treatments (when in Kerala, right?). Picture me lying on a massage table while someone pours warm herbal oil all over me. It was heaven, except for when the masseuse tried to crack my back, and I thought I’d never walk again. All part of the experience, I guess.
Rajasthan: Forts, Folk Music, and That One Time I Almost Rode a Camel
If Kerala was like a tropical dream, Rajasthan felt like a wild, colourful desert fantasy. I touched down in Jaipur, the Pink City, and from the moment I saw the Hawa Mahal, I knew this place was about to blow my mind. Rajasthan is basically a living, breathing postcard, with its towering forts, vibrant textiles, and a soundtrack of traditional folk music that seems to follow you everywhere.
Now, I could have tried to tackle the madness of Rajasthan’s roads on my own, but let’s be real, Indian traffic is an Olympic-level challenge. So, I booked myself a driver via Rajasthan Tours and Drivers—best decision ever. My driver, Mr Singh, was a legend. Not only did he expertly navigate the chaos, but he also stopped at the coolest roadside stalls for chai and samosas, which should definitely be part of any road trip. I felt like I was living my best “Rajasthan road movie” life. In Jodhpur, I wandered around the Mehrangarh Fort, which is as massive as it is mesmerising. Climbing up those ancient stone steps, I felt like I was on some sort of medieval adventure, minus the chainmail. Oh, and I almost rode a camel in Pushkar. I say almost because as soon as I remembered that I believe in animal rights and think it's morally wrong to ride an animal, I bailed. No regrets, though—I stuck to wandering around the sacred lake and got blessed by a priest instead.
Ladakh: High Altitude Thrills and Mind-Blowing Landscapes
Last but definitely not least—Ladakh. I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous about this part of the trip. I mean, snow-capped mountains, high altitudes, and thin air aren’t exactly my comfort zone. But hey, go big or go home, right? Ladakh is straight out of a fantasy novel. Stark mountains, deep valleys, and Buddhist monasteries perched on the edge of cliffs. I joined a group trek with Ju-Leh Adventure. Sure, I wasn’t exactly a seasoned trekker, but with Ladakh’s insane views and a fun group of fellow travellers, I quickly forgot about my sore legs.
We trekked through remote villages where locals welcomed us with warm smiles and tea (which, by the way, is an acquired taste). At night, we camped under the stars, which are ridiculously bright when you’re at 15,000 feet. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so small and so alive at the same time. If you’re into outdoor adventures, you absolutely have to check out the different tours in Ladakh—this place is a dream for thrill-seekers. Also, one major highlight? I didn’t die of altitude sickness, although there were a few moments when I seriously questioned if my lungs were working properly. Word of advice: take it slow, drink lots of water, and don’t try to run up any mountains (trust me on this).
The Grand Finale: What I Learned (Besides How to Sweat and Freeze in the Same Day)
So, what did I learn from this whirlwind tour of India? First, it’s a country that throws everything at you—heat, cold, spices, serenity, noise, colour, and chaos—all at once. And yet, somehow, it works. Tamil Nadu taught me that time doesn’t really matter when you’re surrounded by beauty. Kerala showed me how to slow down and savour life (and coconut chutney). Rajasthan reminded me that history is alive, and it’s important to skip the camel ride. And Ladakh? Ladakh made me realise that the world is big, and there’s so much left to explore.
India is like nowhere else on earth. It’s overwhelming, inspiring, exhausting, and exhilarating—sometimes all at once. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. (Top photo by Naveed Ahmed on Unsplash)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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