How to Celebrate Bastille Day in the U.S. http://ift.tt/29C6YGF

The French celebrate their national pride this week, and while it is probably best experienced partying with firefighters at a traditional Bals de Pompiers (Fireman’s Ball) in gay Paree, you don’t have to be in France or French (or even interested in French history) to get in on the general joie de vivre, Champagne, Nutella-filled crêpes, and Les Miz singalongs of [the US version of] this festive occasion. Here are a few ways you can get your oh-la-la on stateside.

Bastille Day Fête, New Orleans

If you’re looking to celebrate all things French and Bastille, head to America’s most French city, New Orleans—its annual weeklong celebration of French culture that (excusez-moi!) kind of makes Paris’s attempts at parades and pomp look tame. Events include the annual French Film Festival, featuring the best in classic and contemporary French cinema; a block party with food, music, and awards for the best Napoleon and Marie Antoinette costumes; and a speedwalking contest between local bartenders bearing trays laden with Champagne and croissants. The Bastille Day Fete (July 15) at the New Orleans Museum of Art offers a musical lineup that includes New Orleans’ blues and folk band Bon Bon Vivant, petanque games, tours of the museum in French and English, and a gallery talk on French Impressionism. The pièce de résistance? A Bastille Day dog costume contest with awards for Best Pup à la Francaise!  

Bastille Day on 60th Street

For over two decades, the French Institute Alliance Française has been hosting New York City’s largest celebration of French Independence across three city blocks on 60^th Street between Lexington and 5^th Avenues. This year’s celebrations (July 10) include performances from the cast of the musical An American in Paris; Champagne and chocolate tastings (as well as other French offerings and delicacies from local French restaurants); readings, workshops, and language lessons; and family-friendly activities like puppet shows, crafts, and face painting.

Philadelphia’s Bastille Day

Philadelphia’s Bastille Day celebrations are a huge summer event, with something for everyone, Revolutionary and Royalist alike. Events include a huge block party with live music, food, and other festivities all culminating with a theatrical reenactment of the French Revolution in song, dance, and beheadings by experimental cabaret troupe The Bearded Ladies at the Eastern State Penitentiary (standing in for the French Bastille). The crowd benefits from Marie Antoinette’s “Let Them Eat Cake” philosophy when more than 2,000 Tastykakes (local specialty dessert) are flung from the prison towers. Bet they don’t do that in Paris!

UEFA Euro 2016

Bastille Day celebrations got a huge boost and an early start on July 7 when host nation France beat Germany (2-0) to qualify for the UEFA European Soccer Championship finals. The final will be held in Stade de France, the national stadium of France just north of Paris on Sunday, July 10 at 3 pm EST. It might be nice to hop on your private jet and pay through the nose for last minute tickets but if you’re feeling lazy, know that ESPN and WatchESPN will stream the game live, or, if you prefer your soccer with a crowd (La Marseillaise and the wave are not as much fun on your own), you can hit up your local sports bar. 

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America's Most Iconic Carousels http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

While amusement parks consistently wow visitors with record-breaking speeds and new technology, carousels tap into our collective nostalgia, hearkening to a simpler time of a bygone era. Generations converge on the spinning platforms as horses gallop, organs blare, and brass rings descend. From a stunningly modern glass carousel to a long-standing relic that dates back to the 1800s, these are country’s best carousels.—Zachary Laks

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Long Weekend in Montauk http://ift.tt/29C6O2c

Montauk just isn’t like other beach destinations on Long Island. Sure, it has white-tablecloth dining, posh boutiques, and lovely places to sip a martini. But unlike the Hamptons, this town has the naturally salty flavor of a windswept coastal town that about 3,400 proud residents care for all year round.

Come summer, those locals adapt to and even welcome the dramatic influx of New Yorkers and other regional tourists, some of whom have escaped here for generations. They come for the easygoing flavor of this historic oceanside town, where recreation, fresh seafood, and a legacy of leisure are what it’s all about.

FRIDAY

Kick off the weekend with the always-fun vacation game known as “what should we eat?” Luckily Montauk has loads of great choices. Navy Beach, located on the sandy shore of Fort Pond Bay, will get you in the right frame of mind with a full menu of mussels, scallops, and other seafood dishes. For something more casual, duck into the Montauk Bake Shoppe on the central plaza for wraps, sandwiches, and panini.

The circular plaza is the town’s hub, and from there you can browse familiar upscale shops like Cynthia Rowley or Calypso, or head to the old-school White’s Drug and Department Store to stock up on flip-flops, Frisbees, and other essential beach gear.

Just off the rotunda, grab an ice cream at John’s Drive-In, and then burn off those calories with a rental from Montauk Bike Shop (daily or hourly rates available; no reservations needed). The friendly staff there will help map out your perfect ride, like a scenic 12-mile round-trip jaunt to the Montauk Lighthouse—which, by the way, is a national historic landmark whose museum explains its tie to George Washington. Cruise the rolling hills of Montauk Point or Camp Hero state parks, or park your bike for a scenic hike along the shore.

When dinnertime rolls around, you can’t go wrong with Salivar’s Chowder House at Westlake Marina. Home to arguably the best seafood chowder in town, the restaurant also has a sushi bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and a top-floor deck overlooking the harbor. Alternately, next door is the more atmospheric Swallow East, serving inventive small plates made for sharing and zingy cocktails suited to the dockside locale—with outdoor movies every Friday night (and live reggae on Sundays).

SATURDAY

Fuel up for a fun day at Joni’s Kitchen, a standout breakfast and lunch eatery serving delicious, healthy-leaning meals like egg-white breakfast wraps, açai and quinoa bowls, and a kids’ menu that’s light on the deep-fried foods for a change.

Recreational options abound on a typical summer day in Montauk. For anglers, reserve ahead at Montauk Fishing Charters for a full- or half-day excursion to catch striped bass, cod, tuna, flounder, and other fish. Horseback riding is a family-friendly option, made even cooler by saddling up at Deep Hollow Ranch—the oldest working ranch in the country, established in 1658. If the waves are calling, head to Air and Speed Surf Shop to rent gear, take an offshore lesson, or sign up the kids for surf camp.

Opt for a more laid-back Saturday at the lakeside Montauk Yacht Club, where you can catch live music every weekend afternoon on the great lawn. You can sip drinks, stroll the marina, play volleyball or bocce, and grab a lobster roll at the food truck parked on site in July and August.

It’s amazing how vacationing can work up thirst. Quench it at local haunt The Dock, where you can enjoy an authentic no-nonsense, crusty-sailor kind of vibe—and adhere to “the list” that includes no screaming kids, no whining, no cell phones, and no sensitive drunks. There you can sample daily-caught seafood, soft-shell crabs, clams on the half shell, and homemade desserts. If you’re over seafood, there are juicy burgers and pasta on the menu too.

A more polished alternative awaits at Gosman’s Dock, a family-run property open since 1943, and home to both casual and upscale restaurants, as well as a retail fish market. Or you can head downtown for a beer and a bite at Shagwong—which, despite the sound of its name, is not a Chinese restaurant. Under new ownership since 2015, this vintage Montauk tavern is still a comfort-food mainstay known primarily for its lively bar.

SUNDAY

Round out your weekend’s activities with a Sunday morning tee time or driving-range bucket at Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course. Traveling with kids? Maybe mini-golf or a paddleboat rental at Main Street’s old standby Puff ‘n’ Putt is a better fit.

One of the best casual restaurants that isn’t high on the radar of most tourists is the Hideaway. It’s located in the Diamond Cove Marina and is so nondescript from the outside you may wonder if you’re in the right place. Wander around to the side entrances to feast on excellent Mexican or BBQ plates at sweet prices, topped off with a Mexican soda, tequila, or fruity sangria.

Also off the main drag but worth the drive is Melet Mercantile. Though it has a showroom in Manhattan, Melet’s Montauk outpost has an impressive selection of fine vintage beachwear for all ages, plus accessories and art. Although they may be out of most people’s budgets, the inventory here is cool enough to warrant some quality browsing anyway.

For those heading home on Sunday, consider a last-stop souvenir from the centrally located Montauk Brewing Company. Grab a six-pack of Driftwood Ale or maybe a seasonal brew to conjure your weekend memories later on.

On the other hand, if you’re lucky enough to extend your weekend, cruise over to the Montauket on the edge of Fort Pond Bay. It’s part real-deal-retro inn (as in, they have no website but are already booked all summer); part fish shack; and, most important, a great western-facing spot where you can relax and enjoy the ultimate vacation spectator sport: watching the sunset.

 

WHERE TO STAY

For such a small town, Montauk has no shortage of motels, hotels, AirBNBs, and other short-term rentals. The key, as always, is to reserve in advance, and be prepared for the sticker shock of high-season rates.

The Montauk Yacht Club has lovely, high-end accommodations with the added bonuses of a marina (with slips for rent); an on-premises spa; plenty of amenities and activities; a friendly bar with excellent wine and cocktails; and two restaurants. The Surf Lodge (from $295) is a hip hotel that lets its rustic-chic style shine, with a sophisticated restaurant and an almost-daily on-site wellness program. The breezy Ocean Resort Inn (from $329) has a courtyard and pool area for lounging, friendly staff, and, perhaps its best feature, a nice location near Montauk’s central plaza.

 

GETTING THERE

It’s a hearty three-hour drive to Montauk from Manhattan along the Long Island Expressway, although it’s far easier to endure summer traffic jams aboard the tried-and-true Hampton Jitney or its luxury-bus alternative, the Ambassador. Skip the highways altogether via the Long Island Rail Road to Montauk (the LIRR’s eastern terminus).

 

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Montauk Guide, or Fodor’s Montauk cheat sheet for quick links.

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What's New in Amsterdam http://ift.tt/29lUssG

Once a 13th-century fishing village, the historic northern European city of Amsterdam has transformed itself into a modern, bustling hub of business and culture. While it certainly does its tulips, bicycles, cobblestone streets, and distinctive 17th-century Golden Age canals extremely well, it’s also a charming walking and pedaling city, a place where rich culture, bustling cafés, trendy boutiques, hip nightlife, world-class museums, and chic hotels seamlessly coexist with magnificent Renaissance architecture.  Below, we show you what’s new in this buzzy urban city.

New Places TO EAT

After a morning of sightseeing, dig into to Amsterdam’s burgeoning food scene. An old tram depot houses industrial-style Foodhallen, a series of local vendors hawking delicious (and reasonably priced) fare from pizza to burgers to Vietnamese street food. Meanwhile, some of the city’s best food is found tucked inside hotels. At the airy, subway-tiled Lotti’s (at the hip Hoxton Hotel), order a juicy burger and crisp truffle French fries flecked with parsley and Parmesan (and best dipped into the obligatory side of creamy mayo). For dessert, the salted caramel brownie is the perfect treat.  Situated in an old apothecary, the sunny Jansz (part of the Pulitzer Hotel) is in a handsome room with an open kitchen preparing deliciously simple bistro fare. To start, the king crab on toast and diver scallops are highly sharable, and for mains, enjoy the tender roasted lamb with red lentils. Don’t leave without a bite of the New York cheesecake with pistachio sorbet. And, on the subject of sweets, in the Jordaan district, the small Winkel43, serves a hearty homemade slice of apple pie with a thick, dense crust while locals meet at the nearby Finch, an ideal sunny spot for a cup of coffee or a pint.

For healthy food and juices, Cold Pressed Juicery offers a welcome reprieve from the addictive, traditional Dutch stroopwafels. For breakfast, the highly Instagrammable Pluk has assorted baked goods, fresh coffee, juices, and açai bowls. Vegan Moroccan dishes with a twist are enjoyed at the trendy De Pijp concept store Ninour, where afterwards, you can shop the collection of earrings, home goods, and vintage clothing. Nearby, the boutique deli Goutdeli serves fresh watermelon juice and smoothie bowls with crunchy granola. 

For fresh and delicious Asian-inspired cuisine, seek out Taiko (Japanese for drum), situated in a minimalist dining room. The chef’s tasting menu unveils surprises like watermelon sashimi paired with unusual sakes. Post-meal, opt for the tableside matcha service. For casual Asian street food, Happyhappyjoyjoy melds Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese with a menu full of Asian beer and teas.  The bar at the dimly lit Restaurant C whips up a light, tart Colombian Lulo fruit cocktail.

New Places TO DRINK

Skip the Heineken and seek out smaller local brews. At the fun-spirited Hoppa, sip over 30 tasty craft drafts including varietals like Butcher’s Tears Triple Cripple Pale Ale and Two Chefs Howling Wolf Porter. When the sun’s shining, the hip head for the tropical vibes of Waterkant and its generous beer sprawl. Nearby, Calle Ocho melds Cuban, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisine with drinks like rum-based libations and tequila-spiked frozen margaritas. 

Overlooking the stately Stedelijk Museum, slip into the stylish, intimate Tunes Bar, catering to a well-heeled, after-work crowd (a DJ cameos on the weekends). Serving 40 varietals of gin from all over the world, the genial bartenders whip up boozy specialty concoctions like Fifty Pounds with 1724 tonic and fruit.  And, with last month’s 325th anniversary celebration of nearby Nolet Distillery (the 11th-generation family business that produces the venerable Ketel One Vodka), ditch the tonic in favor of their limited Reserve Dry Gin, a mix of spicy saffron and cool verbena, best served neat.

Late night, hidden speakeasy-style bars are having a moment. In De Pijp, one requires a password to walk through the “freezer door” of a burger bar to find Butcher (Albert Cuypstraat 129), while Door74 dazzles with its tin ceiling, jazz music, and potent cocktails. At the small, sophisticated, Porem, bartenders sling unfussy cocktails like a Java Mule with Indonesian rum, Saya liqueur, lime, and ginger beer, alongside Asian snacks.

New Places TO SHOP

In the heart of the Canal District, saunter down the narrow, famed “Nine Streets” where trendy boutiques and sweet cafés line the streets. For easy basics like striped shirts, the unisex We are Labels is an organized spot with international labels like Dr. Denim and Second Female.  Another stylish choice, Ou sells chic brands like Love Stories alongside timeless shoes and sweaters. For on-point Scandinavian fashion, Rum Amsterdam fashion carries basic brands like Dante6.  The feminine Sky stocks beloved labels like Isabel Marant and APC. Uncover the latest fashion sneakers at Japanese label Onitsuka Tiger. In De Pijp, Gathershop carries natural skincare alongside well-curated linens and books.  Pieter and Tosch carries darling home collectables and gifts like handmade scissors, bowties, and framed butterflies. The fashionable Hutspot has a vast array of home goods and hip, inspiring clothing. There’s also a barber shop on site and a lunchroom serves a dish packed with sausages, lettuce, yogurt, tomato salsa, and coriander.

New AT THE MUSEUMS

After a lengthy renovation, the gloriously restored Rijksmuseum is a place to lose yourself in all things art. Housing Golden Age Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, there’s also a mix of diverse special exhibitions like this summer’s highlight of 170 Japanese prints from Elise Wessels (through Sept. 11). A few blocks away, the venerable Van Gogh Museum offers a glimpse of artist’s bright colors. In July, catch a glimpse into the late master’s mental decline and how it affected his work. Among the 200 paintings and 500 drawings, classic works like Sunflowers and The Potato Eaters are easily accessed. Meanwhile, the recently renovated Stedelijk Museum houses a renowned collection of modern and contemporary art. This summer, check out the top-floor galleries dedicated to Dutch artist Jan Dibbet’s colorful series of automobile bodywork.

New Places TO STAY

Housed in an erstwhile 19th-century bank building and most recently, a music conservatory, the appropriately titled Conservatorium offers 16 different room types. Luxe, mod suites flaunt beamed ceilings and stunning city views. Bathrooms feature rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs, or you can visit the spa’s hammam, sauna, and indoor lap pool. In the morning, stretch your legs with a walk or jog around Amsterdam’s lush, tree-lined Vondelpark.

For the stylish budget traveler, the new Generator Hostel is set in an former university building with detailed Scandinavian design sensibilities like local Kamp Horst artwork. The small, minimalist rooms feature a mix of twin, double, or mixed quadruple rooms with private bathrooms.  A former lecture hall reveals a relaxed lounge and bar, and in the former boiler room, uncover a secret late-night spot.

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Neighborhood Guide: Fishtown, Philadelphia http://ift.tt/29lUjW6

Like so many other neighborhoods in so many other American cities, Fishtown, Philadelphia, is in the throes of full-blown renaissance. Fishtown 2.0 unofficially got underway in 2003, when a bar/restaurant/live music venue called Johnny Brenda’s opened; countless indie businesses (and the attendant real estate speculators) colonized the neighborhood in the following decade, creating a vibrant area that celebrates its past while moving forward.

Fishtown is a neighborhood that takes its name seriously. The neighborhood originally got its name from the booming shad fishing industry along the Delaware River. It became a stronghold of blue-collar Irish- and Polish-American families, many of whom still live in the area. Spend time wandering this area and you’ll notice many of the houses, from tidy trinities with shamrock flags to modern townhomes, have aquatic mascots hanging from their doorframes. Some are made of wood, others of scrap metal, still others are bedazzled and jeweled. They hang beneath exterior lights and above mailboxes, swinging in the breeze that comes in off the Delaware River at Fishtown’s eastern border.

Fishtown is located northeast of Center City (what Philadelphians call their downtown business district) and directly north of Old City, the historic center, and Northern Liberties. Philly is a compact city, so you’re never more than 20 minutes away from where you want to go, including Fishtown. You can take a taxi or an Uber, but you can also get to Fishtown via public transportation: From Center City take the Market-Frankford line (AKA the “el”) and get off at Girard Avenue station. A block east brings you to Frankford Avenue, the neighborhood’s main commercial corridor.

WHERE TO EAT

Across all budgets and tastes, there is no shortage of great dining in Fishtown. The majority of restaurants cluster on Frankford and Girard Avenues, with some, like Philly Style Bagels tucked into the residential side streets. There, you can find the city’s best bagels, dressed with things like ramp cream cheese. The owners got their start as a pop-up baking overnight at Pizzeria Beddia, whose thin, blistered pies topped with local ingredients were called the best in the nation by Bon Appetit. Down the street from Beddia, Murph’s Bar (202 E. Girard Ave.) is an Irish pub with incongruously awesome red-gravy Italian fare, while Murph’s neighbor, Stock, trades in spruced-up Vietnamese pho, eclectic salads, and spicy crudos. Kensington Quarters serves one of the city’s best burgers—only at lunch—and if you like it a lot, you can pick up the house-ground beef blend at the attached butcher shop.

WHAT TO DO

At the foot of Fishtown, the new music venue the Fillmore hosts live shows nightly for acts like Lukas Graham, Jane’s Addiction, and the Go-Gos. On the same block, dance at the Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.) and play vintage arcade games at Barcade, a Brooklyn offshoot. Check out the one-of-a-kind museum of pizza memorabilia—and grab a slice—at Pizza Brain; wacky ice-cream parlor Little Baby’s is attached. For hardcore and casual art lovers alike, Frankford Avenue Arts is an invaluable resource for gallery shows, pop-ups, and events in the neighborhood, like the annual Kinetic Sculpture Derby and First Fridays.

WHAT TO BUY

Fishtown of one of the only places in the country for try-before-you-buy Kit + Ace; this Lululemon offshoot specializing in “technical cashmere” essentials opened on Frankford last year. Jinxed is a warehouse-like vintage gallery that locals scour for antique seltzer bottles, Tiffany lamps, and secondhand frocks. A couple doors down, Philly coffee-roasting powerhouse La Colombe operates their flagship café, where partner Todd Carmichael also distills his coffee-infused Different Drum Rum.

WHERE TO STAY

There aren’t proper hotels in Fishtown—yet. Restaurateur Stephen Starr’s boutique property is currently under construction on Frankford Avenue, next to his German-inspired beer garden, Frankford Hall. In the meantime, Fishtown residents are savvy about their neighborhood’s tourist appeal, so the local Airbnb supply is robust. If you prefer a hotel, your closest bet is Old City, where options include the cozy Penn’s View (rooms from $195) or the recently renovation Holiday Inn Express on Columbus Boulevard (rooms from $134).

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10 Budget-Friendly Summer Trips http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Summertime is prime vacation season, but just because you want to get away doesn’t mean you have to splurge on a trip. Whether you want to travel by car, train, cruise ship, or plane, there are many destinations in the U.S. and abroad that will enchant you without emptying your pockets. Looking for cities, shorelines, or mountains? No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find something intriguing among our 10 budget-friendly ideas.—Andrea M. Rotondo

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4 Perfect India Itineraries http://ift.tt/29m37vB

India is a dream destination for many travelers, and this vast and diverse country offers so much to see and experience that it can be challenging to do it all in one trip. Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re a veteran visitor who’s eager to explore more of the country, these four itineraries will help you refine your options.

Sacred Spots

7 Days

Fly In: Varanasi

Fly Out: Delhi

Culture and spiritual life are deeply intertwined in India, and the country has numerous holy towns and sacred spots that attract religious pilgrims and travelers with an interest in Eastern philosophy. A good place to start is in Varanasi, the most revered city on earth for Hindus, straddling the banks of the Ganges River. The best way to experience Varanasi is by taking a boat ride on the Ganges, preferably at sunrise, when scores of pilgrims approach the riverbank to offer their morning prayers. From here, it’s a five-hour drive or a quick flight to Bodhgaya, the most important site of pilgrimage for Buddhists, for it's here where Gautama Siddhartha is believed to have reached a state of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The main draw here is the UNESCO World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple Complex, which houses a tree believed to have grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree. From Bodhgaya, it’s a two-hour flight back to Delhi, where you can catch an express train to Amritsar, home to the holiest of all Sikh gurdwaras (temples), the Sri Harmandir Sahib (known colloquially as the Golden Temple). Dating back to the turn of the 17th century, this beautiful structure is open 24 hours a day and, as with all gurdwaras, all religions and backgrounds are welcome.

Desert Trails 

9 Days

Fly In: Jaipur

Fly Out: Udaipur

Known for its stark, arid landscapes, ornate palaces (many of which have been converted into heritage hotels), and vibrant cultural traditions, the desert state of Rajasthan is one of India’s most visited regions. Start your visit in the capital city of Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” after the salmon-hued walls of its busy old town. Don’t miss the City Palace, a multi-winged palace museum and the official residence of the Jaipur Royal Family. Be sure to visit the ruins of the 500-year-old Amber Fort, just outside of town, before heading off to Pushkar, a sleepy oasis town known for its annual Camel Fair. From here, it’s a four- to five-hour drive to Jodhpur, characterized by pale blue houses leading up to the enormous hilltop Mehrangarh Fort, which dates from 1449. Spend the night at the 20th-century Umaid Bhawan Palace—half of the palace is a luxury hotel and the other half is the residence of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The next day, head south to Udaipur, Rajasthan’s romantic lakeside city and home to the largest palace in Rajasthan, known simply as the City Palace. This five-story structure houses numerous chambers full of decorative art pieces and antique furniture along with the largest private collection of crystal in the world. The city’s other star palatial attraction, the Lake Palace, sits submerged in the middle of Lake Pichola and now operates as a luxury hotel. If it looks familiar, it may be because it was the setting of much of the James Bond film Octopussy.

Iconic Monuments

12 Days

Fly In: Delhi

Fly Out: Mumbai

India has 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and while you’d need months to visit them all, a few of the country’s most spectacular can be seen within the span of two weeks. Start your trip in Delhi at the 238-foot-high Qutub Minar, believed to have either been built as a symbol of victory or, more practically, as a high point from which to call people to prayer at the nearby Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. From here it’s a short drive to the recently restored Humayan’s Tomb, a sandstone and marble complex considered to be the earliest example of proper Mughal architecture. From Delhi, it’s a few hours by car or train to the city of Agra, best known for the Taj Mahal, believed to have taken 17 years and the efforts of 20,000 laborers to complete. After visiting the city, head back up to Delhi to catch a flight to Mumbai, which has a few iconic monuments of its own, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly known as Victoria Terminus) an ornate British-built railway station and one of the country's finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Trains run from the station to Aurangabad, the jumping-off point for visiting the ornate cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, some 65 miles apart. The Ajanta Caves are the older of the two, and feature statues and columns that depict the life of the Buddha, while the Ellora Caves have Jain and Hindu shrines.

The Best of South India

10 Days

Fly In: Kochi

Fly Out: Chennai

South India isn’t always the first part of the country that travelers consider visiting, but it’s certainly one of the most enchanting regions. Start your visit in the tropical state of Kerala, which spans the southwestern tip of India. Begin your visit in the old port town of Kochi, preferably in the historic Fort Cochin neighborhood, by far the most charming part of town. The area has a significant Indian Jewish population, and most visitors stop by the beautiful Paradesi Synagogue, which dates to 1568 and features blue-and-white Chinese-tile floors and antique colonial light fixtures. Other popular sites include the ivory-hued Santa Cruz Basilica, featuring pillars covered with mosaics and bright depictions of Catholic saints, and the Chinese Fishing Nets, giant pulley nets that are believed to date from the 15th century. From here, it’s a short drive down the coast to Allepey, the main launching point of Kerala’s famous backwater cruises, essentially small boats that slowly travel through the state’s extensive lagoon system, stopping by quaint towns along the way. Beach lovers may want to make a pit stop at Varkala, a relaxed coastal town popular with international travelers for its sandy shores and beautiful cliffside views. Alternatively, head straight to Kerala’s capital city of Trivandrum and catch a flight over to Chennai (formerly Madras), the capital of Tamil Nadu. You can take a taxi directly from the airport to Pondicherry, a former French colony characterized by traditional Gallic architecture and lovely public squares. If you have time, stop at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage temple complex dating back nearly two millennia.

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