India 2020-22 Brochure

For more information or to book, call 020 8423 3000 or contact your travel agent. 32 Kerala & Tamil Nadu Kerala Kerala, a state on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India, has a charm of its own. Known for being one of the most progressive states in India, it is renowned for its canals, waterways and lakes, which form the enchanting backwaters of the region. Here you can visit tea plantations, enjoy early morning bird watching, and indulge in Ayurvedic spa treatments. We offer a combination of tailor-made itineraries to ensure that you get the most out of this beautiful and unique destination. Kochi Also known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, Kochi is a city comprised of islands. It has been an important spice-trading port since as early as the 14th Century, and having been occupied by the Portuguese and Chinese amongst other nations, Kochi has been left with a fascinating combination of cultures. From visiting the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568, to exploring the oldest European Church in India, built in 1503, Kochi has surprises hidden down every street and alleyway. Munnar & Thekkady Munnar, a town and hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala, is considered to be one of the key centres of Kerala’s tea past, present and future, with more than 30 plantations in the immediate area, many of which accept visitors. A step towards the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border takes us to Thekkady, a town that is renowned for being a haven for natural spices, including black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove. It is unsurprising that Thekkady is a culinary dream, with a wide variety of small, authentic restaurants to choose from. The south of India differs significantly from the north. The busy cities around the Golden triangle in the North are swapped for tea plantations and beaches in the South. Kerala in the far south has a charm and gentleness unlike anywhere else in India. It is renowned for its numerous canals, waterways and lakes which together form the enchanting and truly relaxing backwaters. There are wonderful beaches to stroll on, beautiful backwaters to explore, cultural experiences by the score, and delicious local cuisine to be savoured. The backwaters of Kerala Tea plantation, Munnar