Comparing north to south

It feels like we are taking two vacations back to back. The experience in the north is so different than the south. I'll try to explain. As I mentioned in a previous post, 2.5 million tourists do the trip we took in northern India around what's referred to as the Golden Triangle; Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Tourism in those cities is a major source of income. The tour package is very business-like: the drivers know the way to every stop, the restaurants and shops the tourists like are well defined, the hotels are efficient. It's a machine that works really well. The stops along the tour are larger than life and unbelievable ( Taj Mahal, palaces, ornate mosques, markets). We were among many other tourists every day, even in the slow season. On a more practical level, the cities are crowded and busy. Honking and street noises goes on all day and night. There are more people there, including street venders and beggars. The heat was intense as we made our way around the attractions.

Now we are in the south where life is more peaceful and not as rushed. The terrain is mountainous and lush. The weather is cool and rainy. The tourist stops here are populated by Indian tourists on vacation, very few foreigners (it's the slow season here too) . People here are curious about us, several have asked where we are from and engaged us in pleasant conversation, but no one is tripping over themselves to serve us like in the hotels up north. Our hosts here at the home stay are gracious and kind, but not over the top. They have given us suggestions for things to do in the area, restaurant recommendations, and help with our difficult driver. We went out to some of the local sights yesterday. I was left with the inner question " is that it?". I'm adjusting my expectations, not every building is the Taj. People come here to enjoy the outdoors and the animals. Trekking is very popular here, I assume that means backpacking. The nice part about this phase of the trip is that we are getting more time to relax. Our time is more flexible, and no one is in a hurry anyway (except our driver).