In a viral social media review, a foreign traveller has shared his detailed ratings and experiences from a journey through some of South India's most beloved destinations. Rory Porter, who visited India twice this year, created a video review that has captivated audiences, praising the region's stunning landscapes, delicious food, and exceptional hospitality.
Goa: The "Unbelievable" Starting Point
Rory Porter began his Indian adventure in Goa, acknowledging upfront that while it's not technically classified as South India, it was his gateway to the region. He described Goa as "an absolutely unbelievable place" with a great coastline and a unique, relaxed atmosphere where cows and dogs roam freely on the beaches.
He highlighted the super-friendly people, good food, and the fact that it's an excellent place to rent a car or motorcycle due to its chilled-out roads. Porter expressed a wish to have stayed longer and ultimately awarded Goa a high rating of nine out of ten.
Exploring Kerala's Gems: Backwaters and Hills
Porter's next destination was Alappuzha (Alleppey) in Kerala, famous for its serene backwaters. His experience involved staying overnight on a traditional houseboat and exploring the riverine network. He enjoyed freshly cooked fish by a chef on board and met lovely people, leading to what he called an "overall very pleasant experience." This destination also received a stellar nine out of ten from the traveller.
Moving inland, Porter visited the hill station of Munnar, renowned for its expansive tea plantations and lush greenery. He enjoyed the natural beauty, friendly locals, and even caught a martial arts show. While he praised the great food and tea, his stay was brief, lasting only one night. Consequently, he rated Munnar a solid eight out of ten.
Kochi's Colonial Charm Impresses
The final stop on Porter's South India tour was the historic port city of Kochi. He was impressed by the city's cleanliness and its distinctive colonial-era architecture, influenced by Portuguese and Dutch settlers. Porter once again noted the exceptional kindness of the people and enjoyed the overall vibe of the city. For its unique character and atmosphere, Kochi earned an eight out of ten rating.
Audience Reactions and Broader Perspectives
The viral video sparked a flood of reactions from social media users. While many appreciated Porter's reviews, some pointed out that his journey covered only a fraction of South India's diversity. One Instagram user noted that he visited just two of the region's six states, missing Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Other users suggested future destinations, with recommendations to explore the northeastern states like Mizoram. Many echoed the sentiment that Kerala remains one of the best and most tourist-friendly places in India to explore and live in.
Rory Porter's journey, shared via his Instagram handle @roryporter.1, offers a snapshot of a foreign tourist's positive encounters with South India's hospitality and natural beauty, encouraging others to explore beyond the usual tourist trails.
