Draped over a hill, surrounded by tea plantations and backed by a splendid stretch of the Western Ghats, Munnar is a choice retreat in summer. Honeymooners frequent this hill station during all seasons for a taste of its cool and salubrious weather. The three rivers Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru give Munnar its name, which means 'three rivers'. The Duke of Wellington's visit to Munnar in the 19th century put it on the map. Soon it acquired the status as a popular hill resort in south India and was nicknamed as Kerala's Scottish Highlands.

After enjoying the views from Echo Point or Top Station, take a short walk through tea plantations or go for a ride in a disco rickshaw. Lined with stalls selling tea, fruits and vegetables, the streets are crowded with people, cows and goats. Though most of the people are Tamilians, both Tamil and Malayalam are spoken.

The tribal colonies, where ancient customs are still practiced, are worth a visit. Attukal Pongala in February is their biggest event. Fort Munnar, a resort, hosts performances by tribals donning feathery headgear. Payippad Jalotsavam is when the excitement runs sky-high. It is the annual boat race held on Onam.

Picnicking at Anayirangal, looking out for the blue beauty, Neelakurinji (a flower that blooms every 12 years), watching pink dragonflies dancing around flowers, and practicing yoga at Chinnakanal Ayur Resort or Kaivalyam Retreat, fishing at Devikulam or High Range Club, or camping out at Hornbill or Anayirangal, there's lots to do in Munnar. And more, like trekking, cycling, kayaking, rafting, paragliding or a helicopter ride.

Wildlife enthusiasts can immerse themselves in lush greenery, sandalwood trees, sounds of animals, hidden streams, calls of birds and the myriad colours of flora. Oblivious to the world outside, the Eravikulam National Park, Thattekad (Salim Ali) Bird Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and shola forests (Butterfly forests) are dense with animals like Mountain Goats, Bisons and Tigers.

With stunning greenery, rolling mists all around, and a nip in the air, it is easy to lose track of time.

Life in Alleppey is a little too perfect to be real and is fit for a painting. A fisherman frozen in a snapshot while flinging a net, the sea waves capturing the sun in twinkles that disappear in the folds of the waves and the fresh green of the paddy fields make a lovely portrait. Regular life does not overwhelm nature but revolves around it. The Venice of the East likes it organic.

To know how the folks here do it, look at your plate of Kerala food. Your plate will mostly be plantain leaf. The coconut and spices, fish curry and boiled rice offer a clue. At a coir making factory, the coir made from the husk of coconut is transformed into baskets and mats. The coconut shell is turned into aesthetic souvenirs.

Snake boat races, temple festivals, beautiful beaches, spa treatments, scrumptious food, an more; Allepey is sure to sweep you off your feet.

Learn the trick to cultivate rice 7 ft below sea level at Kuttanad. Catch a fish with tapioca and wonder at the wild fire that gobbled up the forest that once covered Kuttanad. The ground under your feet holds the answer to whether it is the truth or just a myth. But with paradise above ground, it is easy to let the thought slip away.