Jörgen Linder
KERALA
The south-western part of India is the least impoverished state, and the second-most urbanised state in the country. It has been a major spice exporter for 5000 years. It rains approximately 130 days per year, however most of it is during the monsoon so in order to avoid rain you should stay clear of June, July and August.
Kochi (Cochin)
Kochi is a major city at the Malabar coastline. It was the centre of spice trade for centuries. Today it is commonly described as Kerala's commercial, industrial and financial capital. I quote their own tourist information - "it is the crowning jewel of the state's tourism landscape, featuring gorgeous beaches, a far-reaching shoreline and breathtaking backwaters, Kochi is a paradise for nature lovers."
Kerala backwaters
The Kerala backwaters are a network of brackish lagoons and canals running parallel to the Arabian Sea along the Malabar coast of Kerala state in south-western India. Including interconnected lakes, rivers, and inlets, it forms a labyrinthine system of more than 900 km waterways. The backwaters are fed by 38 rivers, and extend almost half the length of the Kerala state.
The backwaters have a unique ecosystem. A barrage built near Thanneermukkom prevents salt water from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact, enabling using ther weater for irrigation purposes.
Many unique species of aquatic life and water birds live in and along the backwaters.
Munnar
Munnar is a town located in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. It is situated at around 1,600 metres above sea level in the Western Ghats mountain range. This ancient plantation settlement is dominated by its tea industry and is also a growing modern hill station and starting point for wildlifew and walking excursions
