@priya-nair
Trying to leave Bangalore every other weekend.
Wayanad
Treehouse stays, the Edakkal caves, and Kerala meals on banana leaves. Bangalore feels a lot further than five hours. Hike Chembra Peak early to see the heart-shaped lake. Book a homestay with home-cooked meals.
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Twins in Kerala, a family tragedy, and language like nothing else. I underlined half the book. Push past the first 50 pages. The way it's told only makes sense once you're in.
Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
Four messy brothers in a half-built house by the backwaters, slowly learning to be a family. The glowing water scene! Watch it on a slow evening. It takes its time, and that's the point.
Sakleshpur
A coffee-estate homestay where the owner walked us through the plantation, then fed us akki rotti and pandi curry. Go in the monsoon if you love rain. Manjarabad Fort is a short drive and worth the climb.
Hampi
Climbing Matanga Hill at dawn and watching the light hit a whole ruined empire. Boulders as far as you can see. Rent a cycle or moped and give it at least two days. Cross the river to Anegundi for the quieter side.
Pondicherry
Cycling through the yellow streets of White Town at 7am, before anyone else is up. Croissants, then the Promenade. Rent a scooter. Spend a morning at Auroville, and book the Matrimandir viewing in advance.
Laapataa Ladies (2024)
Two brides get swapped on a train and it turns into the warmest, funniest film I've seen in years. Perfect for watching with parents. Everyone in my family loved it.
Kabini
A boat safari at dusk, with elephants coming down to drink on the banks. We saw a leopard on the drive out. Book the Jungle Lodges stay well in advance; it includes the safaris. Summer is best for sightings.
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
A driver writes letters about how he got out, and partly it's set in Bangalore. Darkly funny and very sharp. Watch the film afterwards, not before. The book's voice is the best part.
