WayanadOne of the most beautiful regions of Kerala,with its vast open spaces and green hills coveredin early morning mists, Wayanad is a transitionzone between the northern and southern eco-regions of the Western Ghats, themselvesone of the world's biodiversity hotspots withover 500 bird species and 139 mammals. Since the British defeated the local rulers, muchof the area has been cultivated for perennialcash crops such as coffee, cocoa, cardamom andpepper. The area is perfect for walking, perhapsto the prehistoric Edakkal caves, or taking a jeepsafari in Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, wherespotted deer, wild boar, gaur and a variety ofbirdlife are commonly seen. TRANQUILHIDEAWAY,SULTAN'SBATTERY, WAYANADAn Audley favourite, visitors to TranquilHideaway are always guaranteed a warmwelcome from its charming hosts, Victor and Jini and their family. There are eight guest rooms and two tree houses perched ten metresabove the ground among leaves and branches.A variety of way-marked walks around thesurrounding coffee estate take from one hour to three hours. Alternatively, the beautifulflower-filled garden and refreshing pool areperfect for relaxation. Meals are generally eatentogether with the family, with lively discussionscovering a variety of subjects.The concept of the homestay in India was first developed in Kerala and the naturallyfriendly Keralites continue to welcome visitorsto their homes. The homestays we use haveguest rooms with en suite bathrooms butotherwise facilities can be limited. Shown hereare a few of our favourites, although otheroptions will be found throughout the brochure.In some properties, one or two rooms areoffered in the family house, in others a separateannexe or detached cottage is provided. Cuisine is local, often made from home-growningredients. This is Keralan cuisine at its best andmeals are usually taken together with the family,a great opportunity to enjoy Keralan hospitalityand learn more about local life. Homestays68Tranquil Hideaway, Sultan's BatteryTranquil Hideaway, Sultan's BatteryYellow browed bulbul, WayanadYoung boys near Kandath Tharavad, Palakkad

PalakkadPalakkad is located in central Kerala in a naturaldepression in the Western Ghats and providesan interesting insight into typical rural life ofSouth India. The local economy relies on theproduction of rice, so you will find its landscapefilled with paddy fields and small villages wheretraditional farming methods continue to bepractised. This sleepy area suddenly comes tolife in the months of March and April, whencolourful festivals fill the streets and temples. KANDATHTHARAVAD,PALAKKADLocated in a small village and surrounded by rice paddies, Tharavad has been the ancestralhome of the Kandath family for over twocenturies. The house is entered via a raised areawith large carved teak pillars where moneylending was once conducted by the presentowner's grandfather. The accommodation is infour simple, air-conditioned en suite guestrooms. While staying here you can visit the localpottery maker, basket weavers' colony and aBrahmin village. In the evening, guests have theopportunity to taste typical local cuisine andstroll through the paddies at sunset. www.audleytravel.com/southindia ?01993 838 355 ?Kerala69TellicherryLocated on Kerala's north coast, the British builta fort here in 1708 to protect their valuabletrade in spices. The once bustling streets andfort are now much quieter, although the fishmarket is still as rowdy as ever, with vendorsraucously selling the day's catch. Though notsuitable for bathing, the long beach is great for a walk, and fascinating visits can be made to seeweavers at handlooms and beedi makers whohand roll local cigarettes. Between Novemberand March you may be able to visit a localHindu temple to see the energetic ritualTheyyam dances, involving elaborate costumesand masks. AYESHAMANZIL, TELLICHERRYThis old colonial mansion overlooking the IndianOcean was built for a British cinnamon planterand is now home to your hosts C.P. Moosa and Faiza, who have furnished it with antiquesand family heirlooms. Although the five guestrooms are a little faded, this homestay is a truefood lover's haven and hot, spicy Mopillahcuisine is a speciality. You can enjoy learningFaiza's recipe secrets and, when not enjoying the superb cuisine, this is a lovely place to relaxin a hammock or beside the green-tiledswimming pool.Entrance to Kandath Tharavad, PalakkadRolling beedis, TellicherryAyesha Manzil, TellicherryThattekad Bird SanctuaryA bird lover's paradise, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary,also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, isone of the richest bird habitats in peninsularIndia. It certainly lives up to this reputation withover 200 species of bird in a relatively small areaof only 25 square kilometres. The wordThattekad means flat forest and the region is anevergreen lowland forest woven with smallstreams and tributaries of the Periyar River.Some of the rare species of bird found hereinclude the mottled wood owl, spot-bellied eagleowl, Malayan night heron, Sri Lanka frogmouthand the Nilgiri wood pigeon. The sanctuary isalso home to an interesting variety of otherwildlife, including Indian elephants, sambar andmild barking deer, macaques, wild boar, giantsquirrels and the rare Travancore flying squirrel,thought to have been extinct for 100 years.MUNDACKALPLANTATIONHOMESTAY, NEARTHATTEKADThis hidden gem is set in a peaceful rubberplantation surrounded by pepper and coconutpalms. The homestay is an hour and a half'sdrive from Cochin yet you could not be furtherfrom the hustle and bustle of the city. Mundackalis the family home of Jose and Daisy. Here youwill enjoy friendly conversation and Daisy'sfreshly prepared and plentiful Keralan dishes. Thebeautiful gardens around the house are perfectfor early morning birdwatching and the house isa great base for visiting the nearby sanctuary.Faiza and C.P. Moosa from Ayesha Manzil, TellicherryGardens at Mundackal Plantation Homestay, Thattekad