Meaning ‘God’s own country’ and named as one of National Geographic’s ‘Top 10 paradises of the world’ and ’50 destinations of a lifetime’, Kerala is set between the Western Ghats mountain range and the Arabian Sea along the famed spice route. It’s a region of abundant charms, from idyllic sandy beaches and verdant highlands, to ancient architecture, Ayurvedic retreats and pristine wildlife sanctuaries offering sightings of elephants and tigers, among dozens of other people. Highlights include the misty mountains and emerald valleys of Wayanad, the 80-feet high Athirappilly Waterfalls and the Kerala backwaters – a network of rivers and lagoons that can be explored via mellow houseboat cruises.