Float down the Kerala backwaters

At the very southern tip of India lies the country's soft green underbelly. It's a kinder, gentler India that oozes charm and bursts with life.

Drift down meandering canals in a rice barge-turned-houseboat, spot wild elephants in Periyar Wildlife Reserve or lose yourself in the rambling alleyways of Fort Cochin.

Keralan food is arguably the best in the country and chock full of fresh seafood, aromatic spices and coconut milk.

Catching a Kathakali dance performance is a must-do. Normally six hours or more, tourist-friendly two-hour performances of this traditional dance are widely performed.