India with Soul – Runaway Ann’s Travel Guide
The scent of incense, the sounds of temple bells, and flavors you’ll never forget.
These are my India – full of emotion, early mornings with masala chai, train rides through chaos and calm, and conversations with people who shift your perspective.
If you’re searching for a journey that stays with you forever – you’re in the right place.
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India – 3 Weeks of Soulful Travel
3 weeks, 8 destinations, one soulful journey. Explore my route through Goa, Hampi, Kerala, and Mumbai – with practical tips, handpicked stays, and reflections from the road.
My India – Guides with Soul
Mumbai – A Personal Guide
Unfiltered magic of Mumbai, seen through the heart – from slums to palaces, from street chai to sunsets over the ocean.
Palolem – A Soulful Guide to Goa
A crescent-shaped bay, barefoot mornings on the sand, and a silence that lingers. This is Goa, the slow way.
Hampi – What to See
Stone temples, the silence of the hills, and a fresh coconut with a view of ancient ruins.
Hampi is another world – raw, beautiful, and utterly hypnotic.
Kerala Backwaters – Is It Really Worth It?
Jungle, silence, and a boat gliding through green waters. But is a backwater cruise in Kerala truly a magical experience?
Kochi, Kerala – Best Places to Visit
Tropical ease, fishing nets, temples, and coconut coffee. Here’s what to see in one day in the heart of Kerala.
Munnar Hills – A Soulful Guide
Tea-covered hills, eucalyptus-scented air, and misty mornings.
Discover how to slow down and feel the quiet magic of Munnar.
Matanga Hill – Sunrise Over Ancient Ruins
The most breathtaking sunrise in Hampi. A dawn climb, complete silence, colorful rooftops, and a river winding below.
Wayanad, Kerala – Safari with Wild Elephants
In the green heart of Kerala, we set out on a morning safari… and met wild elephants. Wayanad is a place where nature still leads the way.
Map & Budget – India on Your Phone
Don’t want to get lost (or overspend)? I’ve got you.
I created a map with my favorite places in Mumbai – full of flavors, lights, markets, and temples – plus a real, unfiltered budget for 3 weeks in India.
You can download both straight to your phone, so your journey can be easier, safer, and more… yours.
Mumbai Map
I marked the places that moved me – temples, local alleys, scenic viewpoints, and everyday rituals.
My India Budget – 3 Weeks
No filters, no fluff – exactly how much a 3-week trip to India really costs, step by step.
India, Practically Speaking – How to Plan a Trip Your Way
When to Go to India
India is like a continent in a nutshell – each season feels different depending on where you go.
Love lush greenery? Travel just after the monsoon, when Kerala smells like rain and the tea plantations of Munnar disappear into the mist.
Chasing the sun? December and January are perfect for the south – Goa, Hampi, and Kerala are warm, dry, and full of life.
Avoid May and June – that’s when the heat scorches both colors and energy.
In India, it’s not about the date. It’s about rhythm – yours, and the land’s.
How to Get Around India
In India, travel isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s part of the experience.
Trains are slow, but they reveal the beauty of everyday life – where stations smell of tea and dust.
Local buses are wild rides, but they offer a window into real life. Where the train can’t reach – take a rickshaw, a scooter, a boat… or simply, trust.
In South India, hiring a car with a driver works surprisingly well – more affordable than you’d think, and a hundred times calmer.
In India, it’s not about time. It’s about the journey.
What to Pack for India
India teaches simplicity.
Pack light clothes made of natural fabrics – a linen shirt will serve you better than a trendy dress.
A scarf will be your best friend: in temples, on buses, at sunset.
Good sandals, something for your head, and a notebook for your thoughts.
As for medicine – bring probiotics and something for your stomach.
For cosmetics – less than you think. You’ll find plenty once you’re there.
The most important thing? An open heart. The rest will come.
Where to Stay in India
In India, the most beautiful nights are spent in places with soul.
Sometimes it’s a simple homestay, with incense in the morning.Sometimes, an old palace turned into a hotel.
I love sleeping where there’s silence, cardamom coffee, and someone who asks where I’ve come from.
What & Where to Eat in India
Eat local – on the street, in tiny eateries, in warm-hearted family homestays.
Look for fresh puris, masala dosa with coconut chutney, and thali served on banana leaves.
If it smells good and the place is buzzing – go for it.
My favorite meals cost $1, eaten at a plastic table, always served with a smile.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel to India
India is one of the most budget-friendly countries I’ve ever visited – and also one of the most intense.
Prices will surprise you: sometimes you’ll get a full meal for $1, and other times you’ll spend $20 on a train ride across half the country.
But it’s the little details that truly make the difference.
Want to see my full 3-week India travel budget – including stays, food, transport, and tips on where to save and where not to?
What to Watch Out for in India
India is intense – beautiful, but full of contrasts.
Drink only bottled water, be mindful with street food, and stay aware in crowded places.
Respect local customs (like taking off your shoes in temples), cover your shoulders and legs, bargain with a smile, and don’t let anyone take advantage of you.
It’s a country that will amaze you – if you approach it with openness and a little caution.
Want more soulful travel inspiration from India and beyond?
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