It is said that Kerala's best kept secrets lie in the heart of Thekkady. A lush green oasis that sprawls across the Periyar Wildlife Reserve, this is where man and beast live as one. Snarling Tigers, screeching Crickets and naughty Langurs, the mysterious calm of the jungle is enough to tempt anyone who yearns to explore the wild. Thekkady is a naturalist's dream. With tea and spice plantations, it has lent much to Kerala's commerce as much as it has to its beauty. The incredible wildlife preserved in Periyar Tiger Wildlife Sanctuary today attracts naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Declared a tiger reserve in 1978, the Periyar Wildlife Reserve is one of the few reserves where one can catch sight of the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger that is fast dwindling in population. Shed your inhibitions and take a day off to enjoy a bamboo raft ride across the Periyar river, explore the forest at night, never knowing what is to come, and succumb to the temptation of traditional Kerala Fish Curry and Rice in every restaurant you visit.

Ride through the jungle on elephant back or make your way through the village on a bullock cart. Wild and raw, the countryside embraces you with warmth that is almost forgotten. On a longer day, visit the Mangala Devi Temple, a short distance from Thekkady town, or to its bustling cousin Kumily, known for its spice plantations. Peermade is another plantation town that lures people on that extended weekend in Thekkady. Cascading waterfalls, misty hilltops and plunging valleys of emerald green, let loose your wild side.

Visit the Tribal Heritage museum inside the Mannan settlement and explore artefacts from a lost generation. Finally, give in to the mellow breeze and soothe your mind as you enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, and let time stop at its tracks. Virgin and raw, Thekkady is for those who yearn to leave the world behind and retrace a journey back in time.

Cochin will make you come alive at the very first sight. It offers a wealth of history, art and culture to travellers. Shuffled in the hands of Maharajas, and colonial powers like the Portuguese, Dutch and British, the present Cochin is chequered with impressive colonial landmarks as well as contemporary ones.

The essence of Cochin lies in its pristine beauty and the beaches dotted with palm trees. Its culture, nature and hospitality will surly lure you in. Cochin offers you more than beautiful beaches with architectural gems like Bolghatty Palace and Fort Kochi. Uncovering Cochin through Onam, the banquet of Sadya, the Malayattoor Perunnal Festival, yoga, Ayurveda and Kerala spices at the Spice Market is a fascinating journey of discovery.

Cochin is the only place where Chinese fishing nets are used outside China. You'll see local fishermen braving the waves on coracles. More than the ways of the fishermen, the palaces and ruins left behind like the Hill Palace offer a glimpse of the splendour of Kochi. Visit the Dutch Palace and the nearby Jewish Synagogue which is famed for its Belgium chandeliers and Chinese tiles.

Deep in ancient history, the city will make you snap back to the present in a jiffy with dazzling shopping complexes and places, such as Veega Land, a water theme park, the largest in South India.

Cochin tempts you with a boat cruise in the backwaters against the idyllic backdrop of the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. You can hire a ferryboat and row to Vypin Island from Mattancherry town to catch sight of dolphins making merry.

Cochin's diverse charms, and the relatively quiet, clean and rather conservative atmosphere set it apart from other cities. Don't be surprised if you take back more than a few unforgettable moments.