Summary of "Kerala Might be my Favourite Place in India! 🇮🇳 (THIRUVANANTHPURAM)"

Summary of the vlog (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala)

The vlog starts in Thiruvananthapuram (the narrator struggles a bit with pronunciation, but repeatedly refers to it as the destination).
Initial plans:
- Find an ATM (for cash)
- Rent a bike/scooter
- Travel further into the city/region to explore
They take a tuk-tuk for a short ride around 150 rupees (roughly $1.50).

The narrator uses an international bank card to withdraw cash with zero fees (though it can sometimes be around ~3%, which they describe as “not too bad”).
Tips they share:
- If an ATM asks to accept currency conversion, don’t accept it—choose withdraw in Indian rupees instead.
- Withdraw around 10,000 rupees at a time to reduce repeat transactions.
They note that ATMs feel generally trustworthy so far.

Scooter/bike rental pricing:
- One place quotes roughly 650 rupees/day.
- The narrator compares it to paying about ~400 rupees/day in Goa, so it feels about 30% higher.
A potential driver’s license problem comes up:
- A rental place won’t accept a UK license without an IDP (International Driving Permit).
Booking fails, so they end up going to the train station instead.

They buy a general class train ticket and wait about ~1 hour.
Street food try:
- Samosa for 12 rupees each (vegetable-filled)
- The narrator says they’re tasty, calling it a favorite snack.
On the train:
- They head toward Thenmala (Kerala) and onward areas.
- Seating/class isn’t exactly “general,” but they say it still feels fine.
- They get off closer to the busier city area.

After the station, Thiruvananthapuram feels busier and more urban, with traffic plus construction/dust.
They take an Uber to Kovalam Beach, with the fare around 100–120 rupees.

The beach is described as having huge waves, among the “craziest” the narrator has seen.
Experience details:
- Black sand (compared to Tenerife)
- Waves keep soaking them, especially near rocky areas.
Lifeguard warning:

The narrator is told they’re in a “danger area” / the most unforgiving zone.
Other observations:
- The narrator sees plastic and trash around the beach and on trails, calling it disappointing.
Lighthouse walk:
- They walk toward a lighthouse (~20 minutes), but the path has landslide damage.
- They reach a mini lighthouse viewpoint to watch the waves and the rip-current risk.
Nightfall:
- The beach feels effectively “closed,” and they return via Uber.

The Uber driver makes a detour to try Kerala-famous chai.
The tea arrives served with a sieve, looking like a milk-based confection.
Taste & rating:
- Rich and sweet; the narrator calls it excellent and rates it 10/10.
They also mention the driver gave them snack + chai and that they plan to tip.

They visit Lulu Mall, described as the best place to shop.
At Lulu Hypermarket:
- Prices are “not bad,” but the narrator feels value isn’t great because prices seem similar to smaller corner shops.

Al Baik (first time in India; previously tried in Saudi Arabia)
- Orders:
  - Mutton mandi (slow-cooked mutton)
  - Pepsi and fries
- Reaction:
  - Meat portion felt small
  - The narrator suspects meat/lamb may be expensive.
Beef in Kerala
- Found it tender but slightly dry
- Rates it around 7.6
Dessert:
- Brownie + biscuit ice cream item (~500 rupees)
- Described as decent.

The narrator praises Kerala overall:
- People: amazing
- Vibe: great
- Calls it their favorite place in India so far
They suggest the South of India feels better than the North (while noting it may be biased).
Fitness plan:
- They plan to go to the gym, but say it’s closed
- So they go back home to relax and edit.

Locations: Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam Beach, train station, lighthouse (mini lighthouse), Lulu Mall, Lulu Hypermarket
Transport: tuk-tuk, Uber, train (general class), attempted bike/scooter rental
Food/Drinks: samosa, Kerala chai (milk tea), Al Baik (mutton mandi, fries, Pepsi), beef dish, brownie with biscuit ice cream
Notable figures/topics: lifeguard (warns about the “danger area”), train staff/boarding experience, mention of the upcoming South Asia tour after India (with Bangladesh as the next country)