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India always conjures up such thoughts as spices, heat, crowds, excitement, noise and mystery, and Kerala does not disappoint! I was lucky enough to be invited along on an Educational trip to Kerala to experience the new concept of Homestays (B&B’s to us), that are springing up all over India. Homestays are for those who really want to know and experience a country – to get a feel for the local customs and way of life – to live with the people.

We had a chance to visit four totally different areas of Kerala. Fort Cochin, on the sea, is the capital city, a large bustling city full of traffic and noise but with lots of fascinating sights. Munnar is the centre of the tea growing area of Kerala. Acres and acres of beautiful bright green tea plantations set among the hills, very peaceful. We visited the highest tea plantation in the world at Kullukkamalai.

Thekkady is the spice growing area. All along the roadsides we saw piles of peppercorns laid out to dry in the sun and passed plantations of vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, chillis, cardamom, ginger, bananas, pineapples, mangos, jackfruit and rubber trees. Alleppy is famous for its Ayurvedic centres offering massages and homeopathic medicines. It is also known as Little Venice. It is set on the waterways and it is possible to spend a night or two on the houseboats that sail up and down the canals and lakes.

With waterfalls, tiger reserves, elephant sanctuaries, tea plantations and wonderful scenery Kerala is certainly worth a visit. The Hosts and Hostesses at the Homestays make you so welcome, you are treated like Royalty and every meal is like a banquet. If you would like to know more about Kerala or about the Homestays please give me a call.