are far more likely to be vegetarians than North Indians, no tandoori chicken or vindaloo curries here. Kerala is the only Indian state governed by the Communist Party of India perhaps coincidentally, Kerala enjoys the nations highest literacy rates and lowest disease rates. Kerala´s state language is Malayalam, which is a palindrome and they are far more likely to speak English than Hindi.

Journey to India´s gentler side, where laid-back beaches nestle alongside buzzing temple towns, and cosmopolitan cities sound an urban hum of bars, cafés and shop-till-you-drop extravagance. Cruise Kerala´s backwaters, find serenity at a Maharashtrian ashram, count cows on a Goan beach - discover the best of India´s tropical south with this comprehensive guide.

GO BEYOND THE TOURIST TRAIL to find tranquil beach escapes, wildlife-packed national parks and remote tribal villages.
ENRICH YOUR EXPERIENCE with our chapters on South India´s extraordinary history and culture.
REST EASY in the best accommodation - from backwater houseboats to Raj-era palaces.
TELL YOUR DHAL FROM YOUR DOSA with our chapter on Indian cuisine, and in-depth reviews of the best restaurants in the south.
FIND YOUR WAY from Mumbai to Chennai and back again with the help of our detailed transport information and over 90 maps.