How the state fits together, and the sensible order in which to travel it.
Think of Kerala in three strips running north to south: the coast, the backwaters just behind it, and the Western Ghats rising inland.
Most journeys begin in Cochin, where the international airport, our own office and the old spice port all sit. Two nights here orient you before you go anywhere slow.
From Cochin the backwaters are two hours south, at Alleppey and Kumarakom, for a houseboat night or, better, a lakeside villa with day cruises.
Turn inland for the hills: Thekkady for spice and wildlife, Munnar for tea. Roads are winding, so allow half a day between each.
Come down to the coast at Marari or Varkala to finish. The classic loop of Cochin, hills, backwaters and beach takes 8 to 10 nights without hurrying.
