Things to do in Kerala:

1. Ride a canoe: Drift along serene waterways in a country craft, enjoy the breeze, answer a cuckoo's call. Wave back at the cheerful village children on the banks. Invite some of them to top in for a ride.

2. Wear jasmine in your hair: Get yourself a string of jasmine - the natural ornament for your hair. You could even pluck them fresh from a garden and string them yourself.

3. Visit the local markets:
Small stalls with fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, chicken. High-pitched salesmen luring you with impossible bargains. Visit these bustling markets, or chandas.

4. Stay in a tree house:
Spend romantic nights in tree houses, washed in the sweet scent of forest flowers. Let the sounds of the forest fill your dreams.

5. Have a mud bath:
Go in for mud therapy and discover its healing properties at the Kavil Bhavan Yoga and Cultural Centre at Nileswaram.

Malabar : Theyyams in the Kannur Kavus. A taste of Kallumakaya and Mappila fish pathiri. Halwa from Sweet Meat Street.

Kochi : The gateway of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in India.Birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya. A walk in St Thomas' footsteps. Bell-metal ware. Bathing in waterfalls.

The Western Ghats : Treks through Sahya Hills. Wildlife viewing from boat. Tea tasting in India's only Tea Museum. Spice shopping at Kumily.

Kuttanad : Backwater Cruise. Kallu, Kappa and Karimeen at Karimpankala. Backwater island.

Travancore : Houseboat-makers village. Late-night Kathakali in Thiruvalla. Elephant Camp at Konni