Things to do — Kerala & South

Kerala organises around four complementary major experiences. At Kochi (Cochin), the must-see is the Fort Kochi-Mattancherry old quarter: Chinese Fishing Nets (cantilever fishing nets introduced in the 14th century by Chinese merchants), St Francis Church (1503, India's oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was buried in 1524), Santa Cruz Basilica (1505), Dutch Palace Mattancherry (1545), Paradesi Synagogue (1568), Jew Town. Evening: Kathakali show (classical Kerala dance-theatre, elaborate costumes and makeup).

At Munnar: Tea Museum (Tata Tea museum, free or 100 INR production demo). Mattupetty Dam and lake. Eravikulam National Park (95 km², Nilgiri tahr habitat — endemic wild goat, 3,000 in the park, very easy observation May-July). Top Station (panoramic viewpoint at 1,700 m), Echo Point, Pothamedu Viewpoint, Attukal and Lakkam waterfalls. Plantation tour with tea tasting.

At Periyar/Thekkady: Periyar Lake boat ride (1h30, elephant observation from water, 230-450 INR), guided jungle walk in the morning (3-4h, 1,500-2,500 INR), spice plantation visit (cardamom, black pepper, vanilla, ginger, cloves, 600-1,000 INR with lunch).

At Alleppey (Alappuzha): the kettuvallam houseboat is the signature experience. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race festival is spectacular in monsoon.

At Varkala: walk on the cliff at sunset along the promenade path lined with cafes (Café del Mar, Soul & Surf), Papanasam beach ("beach that washes sins"), Janardanaswamy Temple (2,000 years), yoga retreat (Soul & Surf, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta), Ayurveda (multiple certified centres).