Tranquil Kerala

Explore the delightful island city of Kochi, whose glittering harbour has given it the name ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Take a look around the city, visiting the pretty synagogue, the ancient Mattancherry Palace, and the historic St Francis Church. Observe the advanced mechanics of the Chinese fishing nets and in the evening, take your seats for a fascinating performance of Kathakali dance. Finally, a unique experience for Flight Centre: head to a spice plantation to watch a sizzling Keralan cooking demonstration, then sit down with a local family and tuck into tasty local dishes.

Head for the hills and breathe in the fresh air of Munnar, a magnificent hill station in south India’s largest tea-growing region. Admire the emerald-hued carpet covering the peaks and valleys, soak up the tranquillity of the three mountain streams that converge here, or visit the pretty church. At an altitude of 1600 metres, Munnar is a lot cooler than the surrounding regions and so the perfect spot to relax and refresh. While you’re here, tour the verdant tea and coffee plantations and treat yourself to fabulous views over grasslands, forest and mountains on a Letchmi Hills trek.

Continue to Kumarakom, a peaceful cluster of islands on Lake Vembanad. This pretty area is a haven for bird watchers, who flock to the excellent Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to seek out migratory birds, such as the stalks, egrets and darters, some of which come from as far away as Siberia. It’s not just migratory birds that congregate here though, the native kingfishers, with their royal blues and striking orange feathers, are a favourite, and are best spotted on an unhurried boat trip. After admiring the birds, perhaps indulge in a traditional Ayurveda natural healing session.

Cruise Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, a picturesque waterworld of nearly 950 miles of canals, 38 rivers and five lakes fringed by lush palms. Explore the waterways by converted Kettuvallam, a traditional wooden boat tied with coconut rope and painted with cashew oil. This relaxing mode of transport slows down the pace and allows you to soak up the watery scenery. You’ll dine on board, tucking in to a delicious traditional fish or seafood-based speciality. Sail past local villages, coconut trees, tea shops, rice paddies and temples, then watch the sun set over the water, before spending the night in your cabin.

Dock in Alleppey’s maze of canals, then head to Kovalam to swim, chill or sunbathe on the 10-mile sweeping curve of sandy beach. The town became famous in the 1970s, attracting hippies in droves and transforming the former fishing village into somewhat of a hotspot. Nowadays it has moved away from its bohemian days and is popular with bathers, due to the shallow waters and gentle seas. The pristine coastline is made up of three beaches, with the hotels, restaurants and lodges of Lighthouse Beach being the most fashionable, and Hawa Beach at the northern end being popular with day-trippers.