Kerala – known as God’s own country, is a perfect place for a relaxing break, either as an add-on to perhaps a tour of Rajasthan or other parts of India, or as a holiday on its own. Enjoy some Ayurveda for which Kerala is famous; energise your body, stimulate your mind, and calm your soul. Experience sun-kissed beaches and Kettuvallam houseboats on peaceful back-waters (canals), fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offering a striking spectacle of the rustic life. Witness the exotic hill-stations, suspended in time amidst sprawling tea plantations, along with picture-book towns with winding lanes and an intriguing mix of cultures. Discover wildlife reserves with trekking and cruising facilities, allowing you to truly experience the beauty of nature. All of these attractions are combined to make this a most enjoyable itinerary. The heart of the land is composed of intensely green paddy fields and a unique network of rivers and lagoons. Upland Kerala, relatively little visited, comprises hills thickly wooded with teak and rubber. It is here that Kerala’s most precious spices are grown in carefully nurtured plantations – cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and nutmeg.