Exploring India with locals is, in my opinion, the best way. I set out on my tour of Mysore early evening and met with my guide, Afrine, at the clock tower, situated at the end of Devaraja Market. She greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a brolly - because looking at the sky, it could rain any minute.

The clock tower stands as a proud reminder of the city’s regal past. Built in 1927 to commemorate the visit of the then Prince of Wales, this elegant structure has watched over Mysore for nearly a century. 

Fun fact - the clock is still manually wound every day, a tradition lovingly carried on by the same family for generations. Though it may not be as grand as the nearby palace, the Clock Tower holds a quiet charm.

I was told that our tour offered the perfect blend of food and history, the ideal recipe for any great city experience, if you ask me. Our evening began with a visit to the magnificent Amba Vilas Palace, the city’s crowning jewel. By day, the sunlight shines across its marble floors and stained-glass ceilings, and by night, thousands of twinkling bulbs illuminate the palace.

A short walk from the palace leads you into the lively maze of Devaraja Market, a maze of tiny stalls and hidden gems. The air is thick with the scent of jasmine, incense, and fresh produce, and every corner bursting with colour. We weaved between fruit stalls, spice shops, and old wooden counters piled high with Mysore silk and sandalwood, I said to Afrine - 'I wish I had a local market like this to visit at home, instead of Tesco'. In the heart of the banana market, we stopped to chat, peeling back our bananas and raising them in a cheerful toast, as the sounds of the market carried on around us.

As darkness started to fall, we headed to our next destination, the 'Samosa Centre', with the aroma of fried pastry and spice wafting around us. Balancing a warm plate in hand, I bit into a perfectly crisp samosa, golden on the outside, soft and spiced within. Next came a round of pani puri, bursting with tangy, spicy water, and a steaming cup of masala tea to wash it all down with. The sweet, spicy chai was the perfect ending to a wonderful evening.

At first glance, the village looks like any other. Sun-baked lanes, quiet courtyards, and the unhurried rhythm of rural life. But step a little closer, and everywhere you look, there are clay dolls. And I mean everywhere! Every house you pop your head in is piled high with dolls. Some are freshly moulded, others drying in the sun, and many waiting for their final coat of paint.

I was lucky enough to visit Mysore during the Golu Festival. Golu (or Kolu) is a regional tradition of Navaratri, mainly in South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and parts of Andhra Pradesh). During Golu, households arrange these dolls on stepped platforms, depicting gods, goddesses, mythological stories, and scenes from everyday life. Families invite friends and neighbours to view the displays, share sweets, and celebrate together.

I met my guide in a local potter’s workshop and sat down to watch the artisans at work. With hands coated in soft clay, they carefully shaped gods, goddesses, animals, and everyday scenes. Once moulded, the figures are then dried, fired to harden, and then painted in vibrant colours that bring each character to life. Watching them work was wonderful, it felt like a real community spirit, as everyone all sat around on the floor together, chatting and listening to music, continuing on this centuries-old tradition.

'I don't need to see more tea plantations, I've seen them before, ' is something I hear often when people are planning their trips to Kerala. I do, however, think Munnar should be at the very top of your Kerala bucketlist. Recently, I had the chance to explore this green paradise, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a charming hill station in Kerala known for its endless tea plantations, misty hills, and cool, refreshing air. Beyond the tea gardens, there are waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and quaint little towns that make wandering here a joy.

My first walk was the Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari. Think lush greenery and gentle trails. You take a Jeep up for the first part, winding up rugged roads to the highest tea plantation in the world. Halfway there, I got out and walked the rest. You can actually walk from the bottom, too, if you are feeling adventurous! There are so many variations of walks you can do, so there are enough options to suit all abilities. Once at the top, you arrive at the Kolukkumalai tea plantation, and of course, I enjoyed one of the freshest cups of tea imaginable, as I sat and soaked up the misty landscapes.

The next day came a slightly more adventurous trek: Letchi Mills Trek. At a good pace, you can do this in about 3-4 hours. You begin at a small village, and then wind up the rolling hills and through some tea plantations. The path then takes you through dense patches of forest and open clearings. For bird lovers, don't forget your binoculars! The trek moves at a comfortable pace, giving you time to take in the views of misty hills and the occasional waterfall tucked among the trees. 

Tip: Pack comfy shoes, Leech socks, and a rain jacket. The hills are cooler than you think!