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.

Places to See

Marine Drive Walkway offers views of the sprawling sea from the Rainbow Bridge. The touristy beaches are Fort Kochi, Cherai beach and Puthuvype beach. Fort Kochi boasts of the unique Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church, Vasco Da Gama House and Santa Cruz. Basilica Cherai beach close to Vypin Island is ideal for swimming. Puthuvype beach is is amazingly beautiful. The lighthouse at Puthuvype is open for visitors.

Bolghatty Island, a honeymoon destination, is the most visited of all.

Jew Town and the Jewish Synagogue at Mattancherry are irresistible with their vivid culture and antiquity. The Paradesi Synagogue is a dazzling sight with its steep roof and Chinese tiles that glow in the dark. The Belgium chandeliers inside are huge but delicate. Check out the shops in the narrow lanes around the synagogue.

The Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) on Palace Road is a treasure house of great works of art, mythological carvings and portraits of Cochin kings. Museums like Hill Palace Museum, Palliport Fort and Museum of Kerala have many rare and valuable artefacts that are many centuries old as well as archaeological finds.

Athirapilly Waterfalls are located near River Chalakudy, Boothathankettu and Kalady, the birthplace of Shankaracharya. Paliamkara Palace, Malayattoor Church and Kadamattom Church are other interesting sights.

Places to eat

The traditional Kerala breakfast includes Lacy Appams (pancakes) with Mutton Stew, Idiappam (string hoppers), Upma (a semolina dish), Idli (steamed rice cakes), Puttu (steamed rice and coconut) with chana or a banana, Masala Dosa (similar to crepes), Uthappam (a thicker version of dosas) and Kappa (tapioca) with Coconut Chutney or Stew.

Steaming rice and spicy fish curry s the staple meal for an average Keralite. Do not forget to try the Karimeen Pollichathu (grilled pearl spotted fish) or Prawn Masala that are favourites.

Sadya is a conventional vegetarian meal prepared during festivals like Onam and Vishu. Served on plantain leaves, it comprises of 28 dishes like Sambhar (stew), Kalan (yoghurt curry), Olan (pumpkin curry), Avial (salad), Pappad (similar to crackers), Achar (pickles), Sharkara Varatti (sweet banana chips) and Payasam (sweet pudding). Each item has a specific significance and position on the banana leaf. Grand Hotel on MG Road is known for traditional Kerala food.

Kashi's Art Cafe, both a cafe and an art gallery, is the ideal place for a cup of tea or coffee of any flavour. Their special chocolate cakes are out of the world.


Food joints at Marine Drive Road, Parade Road, Burgher Road and Market Road are great. Malabar Junction on Parade Road serves exotic seafood.

Shopping & Popular Buys

Textiles, handicrafts, jewellery, spices, curios and books: you name it and Kochi might just have it. MG Road, an obvious choice for shoppers, offers products ranging from international brands to local artefacts. Many jewellery showrooms are also located on MG Road.

Marine Drive Road is studded with food courts. You can buy spices and clothes for reasonable prices. Jew Street, the oldest shoppers street in Cochin, is lined with numerous tiny shops showcasing an array of antiques, curios, sculptures, homemade aromatic oils, wooden furniture and organic spices.

At Fort Kochi, if you see the unusual spindle, Karelian birch whorl with Cochin rosewood shaft, do consider buying it. The cottage industries and Kashmiri stalls are usually overpriced. Broadway Road has numerous narrow lanes aligned with small shops selling spices and clothes among other things.

Things to Do

Go for a leisure boat cruise from Marine Drive along the fabled backwaters. The cruise covers the long pristine stretch of Cochin bay, shipyard and the naval base.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, four hours away from the city.

Kerala boasts of many ancient art forms like Kathakali (dance-drama), Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottanthullal, which have retained their true form for centuries. Kalaripayattu, an ancient form of martial arts is equally fascinating.

Mud Therapy is a specialty of Ayurvedic Treatment Centres in Cochin. Arogya Ayurvedic Centre is known to be the best place to get an Ayurvedic massage in Cochin.

Local Customs

Performing arts and festivals are community affairs. Kathakali (dance-drama), Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottanthulla continue to fascinate. The District Kathakali Centre often hosts performances for tourists and researchers. The deft moves of Kalaripayattu, an ancient form of martial arts, keep you glued to your seat.

Onam and Vishu are unique to Cochin and the entire state of Kerala. Contrary to misconceptions, Vishu, the Kerala New Year, is not a Hindu festival but only the New Year as per Malayalam Calendar.

The Onam celebrations start nine days before the main day, Thiruvonam. It begins with Athachamayam when flowers carpet courtyards. It is closely linked to the history of the Cochin royal family, as it started as a celebration of Kochi Raja's victory in wars. Women wear the traditional Kasavu sarees with jasmine in their hair and traditional jewellery. Men wear white mundu. Other highlights of Onam are Puli Kali (folk dance), Thiruvathirakkali (traditional dance), boat races and of course, Sadya (banquet).

Traveller Tips:

• It pays to know what you are doing if you are thinking of antique shopping at Fort Kochi. The products may not be authentic
• Don't buy sharkson display at the fish markets. Animal conservation groups are trying to bring an end to this.

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.

Places to See

The lush greenery spread over the undulating hills is home to the Nilgiri Tahr, a Mountain Goat. The hills are tinged with the fragrance of the lemon grass growing here. Enjoy trekking to Anamudi Peak, the highest peak, in Kerala and Echo Point, another great place for a trek that will leave you clear-headed with flushed cheeks.

Feast your eyes on the breathtaking view of tea plantations sprawled for acres. You can even sample some tea. Tata Tea Museum showcases the history of plantations and tea making methods used during the colonial era. The tour winds up with a display of modern tea-making methods. Excursions to Top Station and Kolukkumalai Tea Estate are dream spots for ambitious photographers. The fine expanse of blue sky and greenery as far as one can see are a soothing sight.

Mattupetty Dam and Mattupetty Lake look ravishing with rock-topped mountains surrounding them. Plan your trips to forest reserves such as the Rajamalai National Park where Tahrs and Atlas Moths thrive, the shola forests and Chinnar Sanctuary in the afternoon, and birding in Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary early in the morning. Home to migratory and rare birds like the Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Golden Oriole, Grey Wagtail, Thattekad (Salim Ali) Bird Sanctuary is heaven for bird watchers. Thattekad Rubber Plantation is famous for its bird life.

Pallivasal is a favourite among campers and hikers. Meesapulimala (Mountain of the Whiskered Tiger), Anayirangal (Many Thousands) and the deep blue lake by its side, and Boothathankettu (Ghosts' Corner): the options are endless for picnickers and campers.

Places to eat

Munnar's cuisine is limited but do try local delicacies like Appam (rice bread) and Egg Curry. Saravana Bhavan located in the heart of the town is highly recommended. It is a wholesome and affordable vegetarian meal served on banana leaf. You will be served a variety of dishes like Sambhar, pickle, Olan (pumpkin and black-eyed beans curry), Kalan (yoghurt curry), Avial (salad), Matthan Pachadi (a side-dish made with pumpkin and curd) and Pappad (similar to a cracker). It ends with Payasam, a sweet dish. In some hotels, you may help yourself to as much as you like by paying a fixed price. You may have to share a table with other people.

The Bamboo Hotel down GC Road, Food Court and Silver Spoon are some of the posh restaurants where you can try out fancy food at a reasonable price. Tourists often drop in at the Tree Top Restaurant situated right beside the main bus stop. The menu at Mahavir Jain Restaurant is exclusively north Indian and serves dishes like Dal Makhni, Mushroom Chowmein and Paneer Masala. Do not miss out on the hot filter coffee. Most of the tea stalls provide a wide array of south Indian snacks like Pazham Pori (fried banana), Bajjis (fritters) and different kinds of Vada (a fried snack) and Bonda (similar to dumplings).

During summer, Munnar is full of strawberries and finds its way into ice creams, pickles, sauces and puddings. You can also try salted strawberry, shakes and juices. The special Masala Tea of Munnar is available everywhere, so sip on it and keep warm.

Wildlife

The wildlife of Munnar never ceases to amaze you. Every year wildlife aficionados flock to the town to catch sight of Mountain Goats, Otters, Sambar, Rusty-spotted Cats, large brown Malabar Flying Squirrels and Mouse Deer. Rajamalai or Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary looks impenetrable and unyielding. Rare species like Barking Deer, Small Indian Civet, Gaur (Indian bison), Mongoose with striped neck and Brown Mongoose, have made it their home.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is another treasure. If you are lucky you might spot a Black Eagle, Tiger, Manjampatti White Bison or Spectacled Cobras. There are other species that you will see easily like Deer, Bison, Turtles, Kraits, Mugger Crocodiles, Vipers and Cormorants. It has large varieties of trees and medicinal plants. You can also go boating on the Chinnar River.

Shola forests, also called the Butterfly Forests are evergreen rain forests, home to many rare birds, butterflies and flora. Marayoor is another treat for nature lovers with its sandalwood trees. There is a maze of natural caves to explore as well. Catch the big cats prowling the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in a jeep safari.

Things to Do

A visit to Kolukumulai, the world's highest tea plantation, is a must. The sight of green and only green stretching for miles is grand. Camp out at the eco-camps in Hornbill and Anayirangal. It is an ideal spot for adrenaline junkies who can try kayaking, cycling expeditions, fishing at Devikulam, trekking and paragliding. If you are not a good swimmer, take a boatman along for kayaking or river rafting in Periyar and Boothathankettu.

A long walk by the Attukal Waterfalls between Munnar and Pallivasal is pleasant. The majestic sight of waterfalls, hills, the vast spread of flora, and fantastic views from the top complete the picture. Start the exploration of Silent Valley which begins at the elephant trail, continues to Rhodo Valley and ends in Meesapulimalai. Rhodo Valley is quite charming when the rhododendrons bloom. En route, you will find many big and small waterfalls. Bathe under them!

Watch a Mudra Show hosted by the Tourism Development Board. It is a play with no words. The performers use various facial expressions, gestures, postures and hand movements to convey the story. The characters put on heavy makeup and their performance is accompanied by a tabla player.

Like the rest of Kerala, Onam is one of the biggest festivals in Munnar. Take off to Punnamada Lake for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a snake boat race on the second Saturday of August.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a short distance from Munnar. Attukal Pongala in February sees women coming to the temple to make Pongal (sweet pudding) for the goddess.

Thrissur Pooram Festival is a 10 day long temple festival in Thrissur held around April. If you are in Munnar, drive down to Thrissur for the elephant procession.

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.

Places to See

Although there is little else for those who want to spend a luxurious honeymoon, families and solo travellers will be swept away by its raw, virgin forests. Inevitably, you will be in the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, embraced by the fresh, tingling breeze from the towering trees. Stay at a forest lodge and spend the weekend touring the reserve. Periyar is one of the few stops in India where you can spot the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger that has long been the symbol of India's exotica. The magnificent Grey Elephant that throngs the sanctuary in numbers is a sight to see.

Trek through the famous Tiger Trail with former poachers and enjoy the afternoon listening to unusual stories of how their hearts have overturned. Enjoy lunch with the indigenous community as Giant Squirrels leap from tree to tree behind you. This conservation oriented trek takes place over rugged, and rough terrain but gives you a lovely sight of the Gaur, Sloth Bear and Elephants in the valley below.

If hiking seems too strenuous, enjoy an afternoon stroll on one of the nature walk trails. Another star attraction in the reserve is the 100 year old, artificial Periyar Lake. Make your way across the lake on a make-shift bamboo raft and watch animals quietly quenching their thirst, from a distance. The Lake Palace, a former summer palace of the King of Travancore, is snug on an island in the middle of the Periyar Lake and is a resort worth every bit of your time.

The villages around Periyar are rich in culture and make for a lovely day trip. Hop aboard a bullock cart and enjoy a ride along the countryside. Sip on cool, tender coconut water to beat the heat and cheer with the crowd at local competitions like stick fights and cockfighting. Kumily, a plantation town nearby is known for its spice and tea plantation tours.

There are several day trips that you can make from Thekkady, like the ones to Pandikuzhi, a famous picnic spot; Chellarkovil, with its thick coconut groves and gushing waterfalls; and Kurisumala, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. The Tribal Heritage Program in Periyar gives an insight into the lives of the indigenous Mannan tribes, some of the oldest native tribes who still live a primitive life here.

Places to eat

Eating at the hotel you choose to stay in is the best option. Restaurants around town are far and in-between. Chrissie's Hotel and Cafe is of a good standard, and literally a respite in the jungle. They have a buffet spread for lunch and an interesting selection of Sandwiches, Pasta and Salads.

Green Woods has a lovely ambience with a fantastic multi-cuisine spread. You will be swept away with the view here. The authentic Kerala fare here beats every other restaurant hands down!

For cheap fare, street stalls always have delicacies that are made on the go. While it may seem tasty, watch out for the hygiene.

Things to Do

The best ways to experience wildlife are elephant rides into the reserve or guided day treks. Community based eco-tourist activities like Shepherding in the Jungle, Tribal Heritage Walks, Range Hiking and Bamboo Rafting are popular among tourists. Check into a jungle lodge and experience the thrill of living in the complete wild, cut away from the world, and in tune with the surroundings.

Experience boating on a makeshift bamboo raft and paddle your way across the Periyar Lake before the sun rises in the morning.

The Kerala Kalari Centre is a great place to witness the ancient Kalaripayattu martial dance performed and practised by dedicated local swordsmen. Traditional masters of the art form perform skits from mythology to entertain the public and show off their swordsmanship.

Any visit to Kerala is incomplete without a rejuvenating Ayurvedic body massage to relax your tired mind. Traditional Ayurvedic treatments are offered in plenty of hotels around town, and it is an experience beyond measure. Visitors are laid on a wooden 'thoni'; while the masseur gently massages Ayurvedic oils in certain movements as you require. The spa and wellness centre at the Abad Greenforest near the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Wild Corridor Resort are known to be the best. The Spice Village Ayurvedic massage is also worth those longer hours of relaxation.

Wildlife

Eco-tourism is one of Thekkady's biggest attractions. The dense, lush green of the Periyar Reserve hold a wealth of diverse flora and fauna that is unique to this part of the country.

The dwindling Royal Bengal tiger habitat and the chance to sight some of India's most unique animal species like the Asiatic Elephant, Gaur, Wild Pig, Nilgiri Tahr and Sambar attracts hordes of naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts every year to the reserve. Birdwatchers will love this ornithologist's paradise; the reserve is known for its magnificent variety of birds like Bluebottles, Common Mormon, Jezebels, Clippers, Malabar Rose and Passerines. Snake Birds, Kestrels, Yellow-billed Babblers, White-bellied Treepies and Malabar Trogons are exceptional sights. Reptiles like the Flying Lizard, King Cobra, Russell's Viper and Forest Dwarf Gecko are other interesting species.

The Salim Ali's Fruit Bat is a rare species of the megabat family that is found in the Periyar Reserve and something you should spot and not try to provoke in any way.

Spices

Thekkady has long contributed to Kerala's commerce with its wealth of spice plantations. From garlic, cinnamon, pepper, ginger and cardamom to exotic spices like vanilla, nutmeg and clove, Thekkady was once an important part of the spice trade for thousands of years. The District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady attracts plenty of visitors for Spice Plantation Tours. Enjoy a spice tour walking along sprawling plantations that gently seduce you with its aroma, sample flavoured tea and feel the brisk rush of energy as you hop across gurgling streams, wildflowers and meandering walkways.

Kumily village is known for its sprawling spice plantations, and spice tours here are famous among tourists. Spice Village Resort in Kumily town is the best place to stay when you visit.

Events

The Chitra Pournami Festival is held in the month of May and devotees from all over India throng the Mangala Devi Temple to pay respects to the Goddess Mangala. Set in the lush green wilderness of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the festival is one of a kind. One has to obtain permission from the Chief Conservator of Forests or permits from the Wildlife Warden at Thekkady in order to visit.

Other famous festivals in the region are the Sarvajanika Ganeshotsavam Festival, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in the nearby Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha and the Swati Festival.

Traveller Tips:

• Beware of leeches in swampy areas and always carry mosquito repellent to protect yourself from severe bites when walking through the forest.

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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.

Places to See

Scenic lagoons, paddy fields, beautiful beaches - Allepey gives you room to relax and also satiate your wandering spirit.

Champakulam Church, a Syrian Christian church, dates back to 427 AD. This is not the original building, which was supposed to have stood where the cemetery is today. The Rajarajeshwari Temple in Mullackal is built in traditional Kerala style with interesting pillars.

Apart from the Krishna Temple with its famous Payasam in Ambalapuzha there's Karimadikuttam, a 9th century Buddha statue made of black granite. While the head is intact, the left side is missing.

The Vijaya Beach Park and the ancient lighthouse and dock make Alleppey beach a recreational hotspot. For a round of bird watching, take a boat to Pathiramanal Island on Vembanad Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. Kumarakom is close by and worth a short trip. Birds you can sight in Alleppey are Stork-billed Kingfishers and Eagles. Some folks keep eagles as pets.

Visit the "Rice Bowl of Kerala", Kuttanad, which is located lower than sea level. Subsequently farming is done under sea level. Rice is harvested only once a year due to frequent flooding. Rowboats are the best way to travel on these canals and rivulets. The Pandavas are supposed to have visited Kuttanad and it is mentioned in the Mahabharata. In the epic, it is said that a lush green forest covered Kuttanad, but a forest fire reduced it to nothing. If you dig the soil, you may come across coal, which proves that there is some truth in the tale.

Places to eat

Alleppey like the rest of Kerala likes what it grows, which find their way to the kitchen and are served in various avatars. Boiled Rice with Fish Curry is a no brainer. Coconut (oil, milk, grated), curry leaves and spices are used generously in most dishes. Avial (a salad said to have been invented by Bhima), Prawn Curry, Fried Karimeen (pearl spotted fish), Banana Halwa, Pazham Poris (banana fritters) are a few typical Kerala dishes.

The customs around food are evident if you sit down for Sadya, a special feast. You will be served at least 20-25 dishes. While it is a big spread, it is also healthy. The food in Kerala is low on fat and high in proteins, and light.

A few restaurants for a meal are The Harbour, Hot Kitchen, Chakara Restaurant, Kream Corner and Indian Coffee House.

Things to Do

Alleppey hosts many important snake boat races around August and September. The Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race is the biggest race.

Look around Alleppey in a bicycle, houseboat and canoe boat. You can rent a bicycle and ride around the town. Houseboats are available for rent. Spend a day cruising in it or stay overnight. You can also rent a canoe boat and drift aimlessly in the lake or one of the canals shaded by a canopy of trees.

Visit the Mata Amrithanandamayi Ashram near Alleppey. The Hugging Saint travels frequently, so check with the ashram. You can tour the ashram or stay there. If Mata is at the ashram, give in to a bear hug from her and muse whether it made a difference. Be warned, the queues are long and the hugging sessions go on for hours.

At Alleppey beach, swimming is a strict no-no. The currents are strong and the sea is rough particularly during monsoons. There are no lifeguards standing by the side to rescue you.

Most activities are restricted to the beach, which is good for a long walk. Ice cream carts stand by. The Vijaya Beach Park on the beach has a swimming pool. Kids can amuse themselves with toy trains and other games in the park. A 19th century lighthouse is in decline and you can go inside for a small fee for an hour or two in the evening.

The Marari beach is a peaceful stretch with a few resorts. There is a church and a temple you can go to, if you are so inclined.

Enjoy an Ayurvedic massage. There are many Ayurvedic centres to choose from in Alleppey. After the full body massage, which usually takes about an hour, the masseuse will bathe you with hot water. The best way to scrub off the oil is with chickpea powder.

At times a pouch of herbs is also used for the massage, which is called Ilakkishi. If the herbs are powdered, the treatment is referred to as Podikkishi.

Abhyanga, a body massage, is great for strengthening, toning, circulation, sleep, immunity and aging. In Shirodhara, oil is poured on your third eye (between your eyes) from a vessel hung from the ceiling. Milk is used in Ksheeradhara. The oil and milk are infused with herbs. Two masseuses knead you while continuously pouring oil over you in Pizhichil. Abhyanga often precedes these treatments.

Enjoy the Ambalapuzha Temple Festival. The temple is around 15 km from Alleppey. Celebrated since the 15th century, a Krishna idol is taken out on a procession with five elephants and music. Don't forget to ask for the payasam - sweet milk pudding that is a pale pink due to the slow cooking of milk, using Kerala red rice.

Shopping and popular buys

The Triveni Floating Market is a red and white chequered boat that caters to the towns along the Vembanad Lake. It is a supermarket and sells household appliances too. Around 20 people are allowed to step on the boat at any given time which is almost 16-foot-long.

Mullackal has numerous gold and silver shops on this street. One of the established names is Bhima Jewellers.

Handicrafts to buy include coconut shell products like cups, mugs and jewellery. Coir door mats are also a good buy. So are jute slippers and palm leaf bags - quite stylish.

Spices, particularly the rough textured peppercorns, are abundant in Kerala.

Feisty and idyllic, Kovalam can easily pass off as Goa's alter ego. With its picture perfect tropical beaches, swaying palms, crystal clear waters and a stony coastline, it is one of the most sought-after beach towns in India. Yet, few know that this coastal gem has a few secrets of its own. Once a small fishing village, Kovalam first caught the attention of the Maharaja of Travancore. Impressed by the ardent beauty of the lush coast, the king often spent all leisure time here, inviting many European friends who travelled to visit him. Needless to say, word spread. Soon after, in the 1970s, the hippies arrived and brought with them the free-spiritedness that overturned the sleepy hamlet into a paradise coast.

Give into life's simpler pleasures here; explore the palm-fringed expanse of Lighthouse beach and spend the day lounging on warm sands. Build a sandcastle. Let the waves gently cool your feet. Start your day early with an hour of meditation on Eve's beach, before you indulge in fresh seafood delicacies at a nearby cafe. Later, take in the view atop the old Lighthouse at the end of Lighthouse beach. Marvel at the wonders of Kerala's rustic countryside. Succumb to your senses and gorge on fluffy Appams, Fish Curry and Tiger Prawns before you head to Vizhinzam to take a ride into the cerulean Arabian Sea on a make-shift catamaran. If you are in town around Onam, make sure you find yourself a spot around Vellayani Lake to cheer strong oarsmen as they compete in the annual boat race. When tired, retire to the plush comfort of the resort or rejuvenate your senses at an Ayurvedic spa as the masseur works through your tired muscles.

At night, watch a Kathakali performance or enjoy listening to hits from the 80s as you dine beneath the stars. Wander and roam into little shops on the promenade, and indulge in bargain shopping for keepsakes to take home. Kovalam, for every reason, stands apart from what anyone envisions Kerala to be. It is neither stoic nor resilient, and embraces one and all with warmth that is so undeniably alluring, it is hard to not give in.

Places to see

Despite its commercial feel, Kovalam promises to surprise you. Find yourself a spot at Eve's beach (also known as Hawah beach), Ashok beach or the Lighthouse beach. Known to be two of the most popular beaches, it attracts hordes of visitors who want to let their hair down every year. With black coloured sands, Kovalam is renowned for its halcyon-black beaches. The Halcyon Castle (Kovalam Palace) that was once the retreat of the Maharaja, now a glitzy heritage hotel, is a beautiful sight at the far end. Surfing and swimming in the aquamarine waters of Eve's beach is an unimaginable delight.

Watch fishermen dive for mussels into the waters with astounding ease. Eve's beach was famously the first topless beach in India; however, as it became a social taboo, topless bathing was banned by the government. Today, it is still allowed in private resorts which are secluded. The northern part of the Lighthouse beach is the Samudhra beach , which is partially black because of its high ilmenite and thorazine deposits. It is common to see stray Eels, Pufferfish or Lobsters on the shore sometimes. Vizhinzam, a fishing harbour, is a short distance away. Earthy and natural, the port is famous for its colourful shoals of exotic fish species like Lionfish, Moon Wrasse and Butterflyfish. There are even Piranhas here! An 18th century rock-cut Hindu temple dedicated to the local deity, Vinadhara Dakshinamurthi , is a beautiful sight here. The Vizhinzam Mosque at the bay lends the coastline a rustic touch.

Try a cruise arranged on a local fishing boat and watch the sunrise and sunset. There's nothing quite as magnificent as taking out a catamaran or a make-shift country raft to explore the waters yourself. If you want to pep up the cruise, try angling.

If you would like to explore some of the coast's heritage, there are plenty of day tours you can take during the day. Chowara, another fishing village near Vizhinzam, has a pristine stretch of beaches. Two major sights here are the Ayyappa Temple on the hill and the Analothbhava Matha Church.

Things to do

Surfing and snorkelling are two of the most popular activities among those who visit Kovalam. Lighthouse and Eve's beaches are the best to soak in some sun and relax. However, beware of high tide if you are visiting Kovalam during the height of the monsoon, the seas can get really rough and accidents are common. Taking a catamaran out into the ocean is another glorious feeling. Sit on a houseboat and let the world pass you by as you cruise down Kerala's enchanting backwaters.

No one who comes to Kerala leaves without a traditional Ayurvedic massage. Rejuvenation therapies are excellent if you are visiting any season. Kovalam's natural abundance of plants and medicinal herbs make practitioners here one of the best in the country. Take a medicated steam bath or let the masseuse work wonders on your body till you are left light and refreshed.

The Lighthouse beach has a wealth of recreational activities for adventure lovers. Be it water sports like jet skiing, surfing or kayaking, you can try it here. Paragliding and parasailing are other popular activities. Snorkelling is popular among all those who vacation here, and not just diving enthusiasts.

Places to eat

Al fresco dining is the way to go while in Kovalam. Eating outside near the beach, enjoying the breeze and the view makes for an exceptional experience. The beach area has many open air restaurants with the aroma of fresh seafood to draw you in without second thought. Fusion Restaurant and Coffee Bar serves the best platter of tiger prawns when in season. Given the popularity, it is best you make reservations. Delight in Tandoori, prawns and fresh fish. The Lobster Pot, near The Leela is known to offer the best Tandoori Fish. Beer is available here as well. The Ashok beach, near Eve's beach, has numerous resorts that cater to those who want to unwind in luxury. The Osheen Chinese Restaurant at the Ashok Beach Resort serves excellent Chinese fare.

If you are looking to spend a little more on an upscale experience; try the Taj Green Cove Resort. The Jasmine Bay Restaurant has a splendid international menu with specialties like blue marlin, barracuda and crab. Coconut Grove and the Rock Cafe are the best options if you are at Lighthouse beach during the day and wish to lunch by the sea.

Traditional Kerala dishes can be tried at local stalls. Devour everything from Appam to Egg Masala on the beachfront without second thought! A special Kerala delicacy here is the Pineapple Beef Curry which is a sweet and spicy delight. Chilled tender coconut water or steamed Kerala bananas are irresistible. In the night, watch a Kathakali performance and enjoy a late evening dinner at the Beatles Cafe. There is nothing better than watching the Arabian Sea glisten beneath a starlit sky while enjoying 70s and 80s hits.

Shopping

Much of the shopping in Kovalam is restricted to the beachfront. There are several stores alongside selling trinkets, curios and handicrafts. The best buys here are colourful sarongs, beach mats and hats. Kovalam is also famous for statues made of teakwood and rosewood. People often take one to decorate their homes. Kathakali masks, ivory figurines and wooden toys are few of the irresistible souvenirs that are symbols of Kerala's ancient artistic tradition.

Jewellery made of seashells is one of the most unique buys in Kovalam. The abundance of seashells have lent much to Kovalam's rich artistic traditions, and it is common to see furniture pieces, mirrors, photo frames, bangles and chains intricately designed with seashells. Coir products like mats and coasters are decorative buys for the household.