The southern state of Kerala is a world away from the desert plains and fast-paced cities of northern India. The city of Kochi (formerly Cochin) is one of India’s most pleasant and attractive. Situated on the Malabar Coast and a major spice trading port on the Arabian Sea, Kochi has a real mix of cultures. The local Malayalam culture is at the heart of Kochi’s artistic scene with chances to watch the Kathakali dancers and marvel at their elaborate costumes and make-up.

If you wish to time your safari so (or you’re just lucky), you may witness one of the many local Hindu festivals, where you can watch traditional dances and ceremonies. Unusually for India, Kochi also has a small but significant Jewish population, with a beautiful synagogue which you can visit. One of Kochi’s most famous landmarks are the Chinese fishing nets, perched suspended over the sea, ready to catch fresh fish - usually served with coconut milk and spices. Kochi’s relatively large Christian population also means that there are some beautiful churches that are well worth your time.

The real beauty of Kerala is to be found not in the cities, but in the rural areas. Periyar National Park is a great place to explore or spot wildlife such as elephants, bison, sambar, deer, tigers and possibly leopard. Most famous of all are the Kerala backwaters, where you can stay overnight on a traditional rice barge, which has been converted into a houseboat, and eat delicious Keralan cuisine whilst sailing gently through narrow waterways against a lush green tropical backdrop. It is a blissfully relaxing experience and the perfect way to observe the water-based, languid lifestyle of the welcoming Keralan people.