MunnarLocated in the Western Ghats at an altitude of1,524 metres, Munnar is close to Anamudi, thehighest peak in South India. The surroundingNilgiri Hills are covered in a dense carpet of teaand a visit to the town's Tea Museum revealshow the plant was first introduced and cultivatedin the area. As a former colonial hill station, theBritish would retreat here from the heat of theplains in the summer months and the refreshingclimate and stunning hill scenery continue tomake it a popular escape. The area is perfect forall types of walking from light hiking to several day treks. Munnar is easily accessible from bothCochin and Periyar as well as Madurai in TamilNadu and a stay here is recommended as part of a Kerala tour. CASADELFAUNOONTHEHILLS,NEARMUNNARThis tea estate bungalow offers excellent value formoney and is located an hour's scenic drive alongwinding roads from Munnar. Set in the midst of acardamom plantation and tea estate, this remoteproperty has spectacular views which can beenjoyed from the mature garden at the front ofthe house. There are seven spacious but homelybedrooms. Guests can enjoy locally-sourcedKeralan food provided by the welcoming host,who is also happy to take you for a walk in thesurrounding area.www.audleytravel.com/southindia ?01993 838 355 ?Kerala65WINDERMEREESTATE, MUNNARSituated a short drive away from Munnar town,Windermere enjoys peaceful surroundings andbeautiful views of rolling tea hills. The charmingfamily-owned property offers a relaxed andfriendly atmosphere, great value and has for sometime been an Audley favourite. Set meals of localdishes are served in a cosy dining room in themain farmhouse where you can mingle with other guests. You can enjoy the reading room,afternoon walks with a local naturalist andbreathtaking 360 degree views from a nearbylookout point. Windermere Estate, MunnarA tea planter's bungalow, MunnarKathakali performer, CochinCasa del Fauno on the Hills, MunnarChinese fishing nets, CochinHill walkingThe cool air of Kerala's Western Ghats,often fragranced with the scents ofspices and tea, makes for an idealwalking climate. The terrain andvegetation are wonderfully varied withgood trails passing through plantations of tea, coffee, cardamom or pepper. Paths made by elephant cut throughendemic evergreen shola forest andgrassland, or valleys of rhododendrons.After the monsoon rains, waterfalls arein full flow and there are alwayswonderful views to be enjoyed. We canarrange easy hikes of half a day or treksof several days with a local guide whileall you need to carry is your daypackand picnic lunch. Exploring on foot is agreat way to truly appreciate this littlevisited part of Kerala.Trekking in the Munnar hills

THEWILDERNEST, PERIYARNATIONALPARKThe Wildernest is a simple bed and breakfast,with a relaxed feel and friendly service. Therooms are modest but comfortable and it isideally situated, close to the Periyar National Parkand only a two minute walk from the town ofKumily. The property only serves breakfast, aswell as tea and cakes through the day, but it isjust a minute's walk to a number of fine hotelssuch as the Spice Village next door, where thereis a good selection of cuisine.SPICEVILLAGE, PERIYARNATIONALPARKOnly 500 metres from Periyar National Park, this delightful property seems to blend into thesurrounding hills. Scattered on the hillside, the 52 guest rooms and cottages offer a wonderfullypeaceful experience. Each room has beencarefully decorated with traditional Indianfurniture. The property has been thoughtfullydesigned to provide you with a completeexperience of Periyar, with excellent facilities,guided walks through the spice garden and talkson wildlife. In and around the hotel grounds,many bird species can be heard and spotted. There is a pool as well as an Ayurvedic centreoffering a range of treatments.SERENITY, VAZHOORLocated three hours by car from Periyar, Serenityis a former planter's home built in the 1920s andsurrounded by 25 acres of spices, coffee andrubber plantations. The six guest rooms aredecorated in a fusion of styles, with modernsculptures and locally produced coir mats. Forthose who come to relax, there is a pool andyoga pavilion, or you could spend the day withLakshmi, the resident elephant. Mountain bikesare available for exploring the local area. Each dayends with guests dining together, either in theupstairs dining room or on the outdoor terrace. Thekkady and Periyar National ParkThekkady, a popular resort and spice tradingtown next to Periyar National Park in theCardamom Hills, provides convenient access tothe park. Early morning walks are recommendedas the forest comes to life with the calls of birdsand monkeys, while a day spent inside the reservetrekking, bamboo rafting or taking a boat trip onPeriyar Lake can be a good way to spot elephant,gaur and deer. You can also stroll through one ofthe spice plantations, a highly educational andenjoyable experience seeing how crops such aspepper and nutmeg are grown and harvested. SHALIMARSPICEGARDEN,PERIYARNATIONALPARKSet in a tranquil rural location, surrounded by fruit trees and plantations, Shalimar Spice Gardenis the nearest you will get to a jungle experiencein Periyar. It has a total of 18 rooms and cottageswith modern boutique style interiors. Each roomand cottage is individually decorated with brightsplashes of colour provided by the softfurnishings. From the terraces of the rooms youwill be overlooking the spice gardens where awide variety of birds can be spotted and heard.Spices from the garden are used in the cooking.An Ayurvedic centre offers a range of treatmentsand there is also a small pool for relaxation.66Bamboo rafting in Periyar National ParkShalimar Spice Garden, Periyar National ParkSerenity, Vazhoor