Exploring the Southern Part of India
Posted: Monday, July 10, 2006
by ngoldman
Norm Goldman
Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel.com is pleased to have as our guest Santosh Kumar who lives in
Santosh is an expert in exploring venues south of
Good day Santosh and thank you for participating in our interview.
Norm:
Santosh, could you tell our readers something about yourself and how you became interested in the tourist industry?
Santosh:
I live in
I was never interested nor good in academics. At some point I gave up on my graduation and started working with non- government organizations in hill areas. I stated living in small towns experiencing their cultures, lifestyle and warm hospitality. I landed up in some amazing jobs.
I worked with people building power fences for wildlife management in the various wildlife sanctuaries and
Over a period of time these odd jobs and the experience offered me new challenges. I got myself certified for Trip leading and wilderness first responder courses. This put me to a new level exposed me to a whole new world of adventure and travel. I guided rivers as white water guide, provided logistics support for biking expeditions. It just went on.
Norm:
Which areas of south of
Santosh:
I concentrate mostly on the
They are mostly Hindus with a sizeable population of Muslims and Christians. In the hills and around wilderness areas one can find ethnic tribes some of them still living off the land.
The climate is tropical most prominent being the summer and the monsoon. The areas where I concentrate see the best of monsoon which last for nearly 3 months from June to late august.
The tourist industry is booming now in these parts. This is supported by the IT industry and their need to de-stress from stressful work. And with the aviation industry booming with airlines flying from all over the world there is a big increase in people visiting south
Norm:
I understand you are involved with some Internet sites. Please indicate which ones and what are they about?
Santosh:
I have set up www.getoffurass.com which is basically a resource site for people who want to travel off the beaten track. It focuses more on Karnataka and Tamil nadu as of now. It is about places that I have discovered over the last few years traveling into unknown areas. These are little home-stays, farm stays and estate stays in exotic locations, with exquisite surroundings. Not just that the people who own them are the hosts, they are among the nicest people I have met. You get to live with them in their homes, taste the local food, get a first hand experience of their culture, traditions, and be a part of their life. It is not intrusive at all and they respect you space and freedom. The site also has some of the trekking trips that I organise and campsites for people to experience the wilderness.
www.fringeford.com is the other website it has been set up to promote Fringe Ford which I believe is last of the Malabar forest left untouched. All I can say is it is end of the road and it is a mesmerizing place. Needless to say, have a look at the site.
Norm:
What is there to do in the Southern part of
Santosh:
We have the best of temples for those interested 1000 year old temples which are remnants of the past. We have the best of wildlife parks, well managed and very tourist friendly. The west coast if you love the beach. Hills supported by tropical forests and endemic species. There are some very fine treks and different seasons to experience. Every state has a new language, dialect, attire, food. There is so much to explore.
Norm:
If you had to choose six of the most romantic venues in and around the southern part of
why?
Santosh:
*** Wayanad for its breathtaking landscape
*** Coorg for its people, culture and hospitality. Not to forget the rivers, forests and the hills
*** West coast which welcomes the monsoon first and for its untouched beaches
*** Nilgiris for its unbelievable isolation and blue haze
***Back waters of Kerala water is life. Here u can experience life on the water in a house boat. You stay in one place and the world moves around you.
****Forests of Annamalai so dark so deep unforgettable.
Norm:
How safe is it to travel around the South of
Santosh:
As compared to rest of
Norm:
Could you tell our readers what to expect in the way of lodging and dining in and around the south of
Santosh:
The tourism industry is well developed because of the IT industry and other multinational companies setting up base in
The concept of home-stays have caught on very well, you can expect to stay in exotic location deep inside the estates and wilderness. The hosts live in the location and take good care of you.
It is a great experience exploring their lifestyle, culture, food and festivals. Of late with health tourism and Ayurveda getting popular some of the finest spas and ayurvedic resorts are being set up.
How expensive is it? It can range anything from 25$ to 100$. There are some really upscale market destinations that can cost more the 200$ per night.
Norm:
When is the best time to visit your area?
Santosh:
The best time to visit this part of the country is during September and March. But again it depends on what is your interest, for example, if you want to experience the monsoon- it is July and august. For wildlife trips- specific to elephant viewing, April-May is great time to watch the congregation in the Kabini Reservoir. Generally early October to March is the best time
Norm:
Is there anything else you care to comment on that we have not covered?
All I would say is start thinking out of the map. You will meet some interesting people here. You will have some unbelievable and memorable experiences. You will be surprised at every step you take. Have a smile on your face. They say don't be a gama in the land of lamas. Welcome you all to my beautiful country!
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