Katterikuppam Village in South India is a quiet rural area, away from the usual tourist spots. It was one of those unforgettable moments that reminded us of the simplicity and beauty of rural life. This visit was particularly meaningful for Basker, as it is his ancestral village. His great-grandfather once owned land here, which now houses a small temple. We spent the day exploring the village, walking through rice fields, along with fields growing other crops like groundnuts and lentils, exploring the village, and observing daily life. Here’s an overview of our visit.
Itinerary
Click Here: Our South India Itinerary
- Arrival in Chennai – January 3, 2024 After a morning flight from Goa, we arrived in Chennai and settled in for the night. This was a brief stop before heading to our next destination.
- Trip to Mahabalipuram – January 4, 2024 After breakfast, we drove to Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient rock-cut temples and coastal charm. We spent the day exploring the famous monuments, including the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance, before continuing our journey.
- Kanchipuram and Vellore – January 5, 2024 The next leg of our trip took us to Kanchipuram, a city famous for its temples and silk weaving. After sightseeing, we proceeded to Vellore, where we stayed overnight.
- Return to Chennai via Kattarikupam – January 6, 2024 On our way back to Chennai, we made a stop at Kattarikupam to spend some time before returning to the city for another overnight stay.
- Exploring Chennai – January 7, 2024 This was our main sightseeing day in Chennai. We visited key landmarks, including the famous Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple. The afternoon was free for shopping, which gave us time to explore some of the local markets and pick up souvenirs.
- Departure from Chennai – January 8, 2024 After breakfast, we transferred to the airport for our departure, wrapping up our journey through this part of India.
Interacting with the Village Kids
While walking through the village, we encountered some local children. They were friendly and curious, asking us questions mostly in Tamil but of course Basker was happy to translate into English. It was a brief but warm interaction that highlighted the friendliness of the community.
Walking Through the Rice Fields
We began by walking through the rice fields, a key part of the village’s livelihood. Farming here is still done largely by hand, and it was an opportunity to see the effort behind food production. I happened to be standing, lost in the peaceful rural surrounding, when suddenly, a woman in a lovely colourful sari approached me. She looked at me curiously and said, “Hello, where did you come from?” We chatted and laughed, and I remember thinking that I could have been in another world… which, in a way, I was!
Visiting the Temple
The temple located on the land once owned by Basker’s grandfather was a highlight of the trip. It’s a small, modest place, but it carries a lot of significance. We spent some time there, in quiet reflection and appreciating the peaceful environment.
Paddling Through the River
We then made our way to a nearby river, where we paddled across to reach the great Banyan tree. The river is essential to the village’s farming, providing water for the crops. It was a peaceful experience, surrounded by nature.
The Banyan Tree
One of the significant spots in the village is the great banyan tree, which serves as a symbolic focal point for worship. Villagers, including Basker’s extended family members, gather here once a year to meet, share a meal, and worship. It’s a longstanding tradition that connects people to their heritage and environment.
Sitting with the Local Women
Later, I sat with a group of women cleaning and sifting toor dhal to remove small stones and debris. This simple daily task provided insight into the community’s shared labour and traditions. Their hand-processing methods were fascinating to observe, and they warmly welcomed me to join them.
Real Village Life
Life in Katterikuppam is centered around agriculture and community. The work is demanding, and everything depends on the land. The visit was a reminder of the effort behind food production and the resilience of rural life.
Where We Stayed
Our day trip didn’t involve an overnight stay in Katterikuppam, we spent the night back at Regency Kanchipuram by GRT Hotels, a nice place to relax.
Getting Around
We had a local driver with us, which made the trip much easier. The roads leading to Katterikuppam can be rough, and having someone who knew the area was a real help. The drive itself wasn’t long, but it did take us off the main highways and through rural parts of the region.
Wrapping Up the Day
Katterikuppam provided a peaceful break from city life. It was an opportunity to see rural India firsthand and appreciate a way of life that is deeply connected to the land.
More from the heart of India soon – take care till then! ♡ Janet
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