The Lakshadweep IslandsThis collection of islands lies off Kerala'sMalabar Coast and its main island, Agatti, isreached by air from Cochin. Set in the ArabianSea, only ten of the 'one hundred thousandislands' are inhabited. Foreigners were firstallowed to visit the archipelago just over 20years ago. It still receives relatively few visitorsand travellers are allowed to stay on just threeislands. The local people make their living fromfishing and coconuts, while the pristine whitesandy beaches and warm water lagoons are aparadise for sun seekers and those wanting toescape from the pressures and trappings ofmodern day life. Off shore, the coral reef ishome to sea turtles, dolphins, lion fish andparrot fish, making it a great destination fordiving and snorkelling.BANGARAMISLANDRESORT,LAKSHADWEEPISLANDSReached by boat from Agatti, Bangaram isisolated and surrounded by turquoise bluewaters and white coral sands. To preserve thenatural beauty of this idyllic destination, theBangaram Island Resort is low key, withouttelevisions or air-conditioning, and the huts aresimply furnished. The restaurant serves avariety of dishes with fresh catches from thesea a speciality. The bar hut is a great place torelax with a sundowner. It is no surprise thatthe snorkelling and scuba diving from here areexcellent, with the surrounding waters andlagoons rich in marine life.74Tailoring your tripThe itineraries shown are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible, and are routes thatwork particularly well. We can use these as abasis to plan your trip or can design a completelydifferent itinerary to suit your tastes and interests.Please call one of our South India specialists tostart planning your itinerary.Telephone: 01993 838 355Getting aroundKerala is one of India's smallest states and mostjourneys can be comfortably undertaken by road.We provide an air-conditioned car and a driverfor your convenience. Lowland roads are inreasonable condition, but those in the hills areoften narrow and winding so distances can takelonger to cover than you might expect. We do,of course, take this into account when planningyour trip. A converted rice barge is the perfectway to explore the Backwaters. Kerala's threeinternational airports offer regular flights to theUK via the Gulf or Mumbai.When to go??The best time to travel.?A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.~Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.?Travel is not recommended.Temperatures range from the mid-twenties tohigh-thirties celsius through the year. The westerlymonsoon winds drop high rainfall from May toOctober. The hills can be cold at night, while asea breeze helps to moderate the heat on thecoast. The best time to visit is from December to March when skies are clear and humidity is lowest. Time difference:GMT+5.5 hoursFlight time from UK:12 hours via Delhi or DohaPricesWe offer trips to cater for a wide range ofbudgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Kerala on our website,alternatively please call our specialists to discussyour plans.Fishermen inspecting their nets, Lakshadweep IslandsPearl starfishBangaram Island, Lakshadweep IslandsBangaram Island Resort, Lakshadweep IslandsPalm fringed beach, Lakshadweep IslandsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec???????~???~?????Village children, Munnar

Suggested itinerariesClassic KeralaThis tour is a great introduction to Kerala as itincludes a number of the state's highlights and avariety of experiences. Starting in the old colonialport town of Cochin, you will head inland to theWestern Ghats to explore this natural area onfoot. A few days in the Backwaters gives you thechance to experience the laid back way of life inthis unique area and take a cruise on a traditionalrice barge.Day 1Fly overnight from the UK to Cochinvia the Gulf.Day 2Arrive in Cochin. Afternoon at leisureto stroll to the waterfront to seefishermen working the Chinese fishing nets.Day 3Guided tour of colonial Cochinincluding St Francis Church and theSanta Cruz Basilica.Day 4Drive to Munnar and enjoy the fresh hill air with a walk through thetea plantations.Day 5Morning at leisure in Munnar to soakup the scenery or visit the fascinatingTea Museum. Drive to Periyar.Day 6Rise early for a guided jungle walk.Later visit the spice plantations forwhich the area is famous. Day 7Drive to Alleppey and board your houseboat for a cruise along the Backwaters. Day 8Disembark your houseboat andcontinue exploring the Backwaters.Day 9Short transfer to Marari Beach.Remainder of the day at leisure totake a stroll along the beach or relaxunder a palm tree with a book.Day 10Full day at leisure. You might like totry an Ayurvedic massage or hire abicycle to explore the quiet lanes.Day 11Transfer to the airport. Fly fromCochin to the UK. Stay longerYou could extend this tour by crossing the stateborder into Tamil Nadu to visit Madurai. TheMeenakshi temple here is one of the most vibrantand colourful in south India.Kerala ExploredKerala may be a small state but it offers a wealthof different experiences in a variety of differentenvironments. This tour combines colonial Cochinwith birdwatching in the jungle, getting to know anelephant, and the welcome of a local homestaybefore heading to the beaches. Day 1Fly overnight from the UK to Cochinvia the Gulf.Day 2Arrive in Cochin. Afternoon at leisure.Day 3Guided tour of colonial Cochinincluding St Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica.Day 4Morning at leisure to explore FortCochin. Drive to your homestay nearThattekad to learn some of thesecrets of Keralan cuisine.Day 5Morning guided excursion for birdwatching in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.Afternoon to relax.Day 6Drive to Vazhoor. Take a walkthrough the coffee plantations orexplore the area by bicycle.Day 7Full day at Serenity in Vazhoortospend time with the residentelephant.Day 8Drive to Alleppey for a guided walkof the old quarter where you canshop for silksand cottons.Day 9Boardyour houseboat in time forlunch. Cruise along the Backwaters.Day 10Disembark your houseboat and drivesouth to the beach at Kovalam.Days 11-12Two daysat leisure in Kovalam. Take a dip in the pool or relax in the shade. Day 13Fly from Trivandrum to the UK.Stay longerYou could extend this tour by adding a couple ofdays in the tea plantations around Munnar or fly tothe Lakshadweep Islands for snorkelling or diving inlagoons rich in marine life.A Journey Through KeralaKerala has a strong culture, a wealth of religiousfestivals, delicious cuisine and the relaxing setting of the Backwaters. Begin in the north with somerelaxation in Neeleshwar before heading south forcookery lessons and to witness ritual performancesat a temple. After experiencing life on a plantation,discover traditional dance-drama in Cochin andend with some relaxation in the Backwaters.Day 1Fly overnight from UK to Mangalorevia Mumbai.Day 2After arrival drive to Neeleshwar.Afternoon to relax.Day 3Full day at leisure in Neeleshwar. Join a yoga class or take an Ayurvedic treatment.Day 4Relax at your resort, visit the nearbytemple or explore Bekal Fort.Day 5Drive south to Tellicherry. Visit thelocal cottage industries and attendthe Theyyam festival at a nearbytemple (date dependent).Day 6Full day in Tellicherry. Afternoon to relax or enjoy a cookingdemonstration.Day 7Ascend to the hills of Wayanad.Follow one of the marked walkingtrails around the estate.Day 8Visit the prehistoric caves or take ajeep safari in Muthanga WildlifeSanctuary in Wayanad.Day 9Drive to the coast and take the trainsouth to Cochin.Day 10Explore Cochin with your guide andwatch an evening performance ofKathakali dance.Day 11Drive to the Backwaters for yourcruise on board a houseboat.Days 12-13Relax in the BackwatersDay 14Transfer to Cochin airport and fly to the UKStay longerYou could extend this tour by starting in Bangaloreand travelling west to Mysore to explore this cityof the Wodeyar Maharajas.www.audleytravel.com/southindia ?01993 838 355 ?Kerala75MunnarPeriyar National ParkAlleppeyMarari BeachCochinAlleppeyCochinThattekad Bird SanctuaryVazhoorTrivandrumKovalamNeeleshwarTellicherryWayanadThe BackwatersCochin