Fact Sheets & Video - India

With a population of more than 1 billion, India may not strike you as the best place to escape and relax...but the southern states of Goa and Kerala provide the perfect backdrop for a stunning and enlightening coastal journey.

From the beaches to the backwaters, there's plenty to see and do in this picturesque region of India!

Goa is India's smallest state and was once a Portuguese colony. In the Old Town, the churches and cathedrals are a World Heritage Site, and fascinating remnants showing the influence of the Portuguese. On the other side of town you'll find the beaches... miles of them! It's the beaches that actually put Goa on the map for world travellers as back in the day they were known for their parties. Nowadays though, they're much more relaxed and perfect for just chilling out.

Further south is Kerala, the land of coconuts. As well as coconut and rice production, Kerala is also known as the spice capital of the world. The British, The Arabs, The Dutch and the Portuguese all controlled Kerala at different times... trying to get their hands on the lucrative spice trade. For centuries, the backwaters have provided a safe and efficient means of transporting goods, such as rice and spices, and people moving between Kerala's interior and the port towns along its coast.

Today, cruising Kerala's backwaters is a classic Indian experience and a real opportunity to bliss out on a teak deck while watching the tropical paradise glide past. You actually cruise the backwaters on converted rice barges going to small villages that can only be reached by boat. There's the chance to visit locals in their homes and gain a real insight into the lifestyle of those living on the backwaters of Kerala.

Further Information:

Gecko's

Kerala Backwaters and Beaches Tour

11 days, $1,395 per person (land only)

Including Gecko's tour leader, accommodation and transport.

Monthly departures, year-round.

1300 854 500

www.geckosadventures.com

Prices correct at 10/8/09 Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.

Qantas

Qantas fly from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Singapore daily

And from Singapore to Mumbai direct 3 times a week.

Contact Qantas on 13 13 13 or visit www.qantas.com

Conditions apply.

Jet Airways

Fly from Mumbai to Goa

World Aviation Systems

1300 361 400

Conditions apply.