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INDIA • SOUTH INDIA<br />
Discover South India<br />
The south of India is an eclectic region<br />
combining beautiful scenery and spectacular<br />
temples. Kerala is a tiny state rich in natural<br />
beauty with plantations growing many of<br />
the exotic spices indigenous to India. It is<br />
no less renowned <strong>for</strong> its wealth of festivals.<br />
Across the Western Ghats lies Tamil Nadu,<br />
a state which has been at the heart of<br />
southern India’s religious development and<br />
is scattered with ornate temples, ruined<br />
<strong>for</strong>ts and colonial monuments. The Deccan<br />
Plateau makes up most of the central part<br />
of southern India. During the medieval age,<br />
a number of India’s greatest dynasties grew<br />
within this region, when the maharajahs of<br />
Mysore constructed many exquisite royal<br />
palaces and gardens.<br />
Kochi<br />
Eclectic architecture • Spice trade history<br />
Overlooking the Arabian Sea and once a<br />
strategic port on the spice route, Kochi<br />
(Cochin), is an enchanting blend of east<br />
meets west. Scratch beneath the surface and<br />
it is so much more than the main sights of<br />
Mattancherry Palace, the synagogue and the<br />
16th-century St Francis Church.<br />
The Keralan Backwaters<br />
Cruise narrow canals & lakes • Abundant<br />
birdlife<br />
Chinese fishing nets, Kochi<br />
Take a sunset cruise to see fishermen work<br />
the Chinese fishing nets. Head off by rickshaw<br />
or on foot through the labyrinthine streets<br />
to explore the local markets: wander along<br />
Gujarati Street with its sweet and fruit stalls,<br />
discover the amazing collection of cotton items<br />
on Marine Drive, and visit the International<br />
Pepper Exchange – the only place in the world<br />
where pepper is the exchange currency.<br />
A rural, riverine expanse of verdant coconut<br />
groves and paddy fields, the Keralan backwaters<br />
are one of India’s most enchanting areas and<br />
can be explored on a traditional kettuvallam<br />
(converted rice boat). Today, while the historic<br />
character of these boats has been preserved,<br />
the rice barges have been adapted to offer a<br />
unique journey along the waterways.<br />
An overnight stay offers a magical insight into<br />
the lifestyle of rural Kerala. Get a glimpse into<br />
the lives of Malayalees: children playing hide<br />
and seek between coconut trees, fishermen<br />
going about their daily lives, and the mouthwatering<br />
aroma of naadan (authentic) homely<br />
food in the air.<br />
Houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala<br />
96<br />
View our full range of itineraries, hotels and experiences at CoxandKings.co.uk