Kerala's national parks are home to theAsian elephant and many species of bird.Between the cool hills and sandy beaches arethe Backwaters, a network of waterwaysproviding fish, water for farming and acommunication route for villagers. ForTravellers, a meandering tour along thewaters provides a complete picture of locallife; gliding slowly past the Chinese fishingnets, grass-topped homes and mile upon mileof coconut groves. The entire result is a lush,tropical land inhabited by warm, welcomingpeople who ensure that the weariest oftravellers unwind and slip into the localpace of life. Whether you visit Kerala on itsown or as part of a longer journey, you willgain an impression of a place where life canbe as languid as the Backwaters. Kerala calls itself 'God's own country' andit is easy to see why. Occupying just anarrow sliver of land in the southwest ofIndia, Kerala is undoubtedly one of India'smost beautiful states. Bordered by theArabian Sea to the west and the mountainsof the Western Ghats to the east, it's a fertileparadise of verdant rice paddies, coffee andspice plantations and hills carpeted with tea.62Kerala

Audley in KeralaSince the 1990s, Kerala has become a hugelypopular destination and is now well and trulyon the travellers' map, but it still retains itscharm and friendly atmosphere. We havedeveloped strong friendships in Kerala, from our drivers to homestay hosts, who all work hard to ensure that you have thebest experience. Our specialists have acomprehensive and passionate knowledge ofthe state and return time and again to revisitour favourite places and seek out newexperiences. We recommend you adopt theKeralan pace of life and take things slowly,including time to relax and enjoy the culturalhighlights as well as the more tranquil spots.AccommodationWe are happy to recommend a range ofhand chosen accommodation that variesfrom simple, clean guesthouses to eco-friendly resorts. With just a few exceptions,there are no truly luxurious hotels in Keralaand tourism has developed around relativelysmall traditional properties, built in thevernacular style and which blend seamlesslywith their environment. Nothing could becloser to this than a homestay, where well-travelled and educated hosts welcomeguests into their home as temporarymembers of the extended family. Colonial houses, whether in rural locations in the hills or conveniently situated in towns,have been renovated into heritage hotelsoffering period living with modern amenities.Elsewhere, certain features of traditionalKeralan tharavads, such as wooden pillars anddecorated doors with brass locks, have beenincorporated into the design of boutiquehotels. Spending the night on a privateconverted houseboat with your own crew is a unique experience and the perfect wayto explore the Backwaters. Find out more For suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in Kerala, please see pages 74-75.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our South Indiaspecialists 01993 838 355?Fort CochinDiscover the influence of pastEuropean traders and marvel at the ingenious cantileveredChinese fishing nets.The BackwatersExplore life along theBackwaters by houseboat,manned by your own crew and cook.MunnarRolling hills of neatly clipped tea plantations and old colonial bungalows.321Western GhatsCool hills and spectacular viewsbeg to be explored on foot.ElephantsWild elephant can be spotted in Periyar's jungles, or spend the day getting to know adomesticated elephant on theKanam Estate.BeachesPalm-fringed beaches along theMalabar Coast are perfect forpure relaxation.465HomestaysThe concept of staying with anIndian family was first developedin Kerala and hosts continue tooffer guests a warm welcome.AyurvedaTry a traditional holistic herbalmassage to relax, or follow acourse of treatment forimproved health and well-being. CookeryLearn the secrets of deliciousKeralan cuisine with a cookerylesson or demonstration.Performing artsEnjoy the ritualistic and colourful dance forms ofKathakali and Theyyam attemples and arts centres.Kerala63123456Tea pickers, MunnarWild Asian elephant