Worldwide 2024-25

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