PLAN YOUR TRIP

Stay at:

Brunton Boatyard: A 22-room, leafy, water facing, sprawling hotel replete with Colonial-era charm and a warm welcome. Calvetty Road, 221 5461. www.cghearth.com Malabar House: A five-room jewel of a boutique hotel in Fort Kochi. www.malabarescapes.com. Affordable style- Bernard House and Spencer Home are both on the Parade Ground in Fort Kochi.

Eat at:

Rice Boat, a seafood restaurant at the Taj Malabar. The restaurants at the Brunton Boatyard and Malabar House. Cafes to lounge in: Kashi Café and Art Gallery, Burgher Street, Fort Kochi Teapot Café, Peter Calli Quieros St, Fort Kochi

Shop at:

Crafters: A series of shops in Jew Town, a treasure trove of antiques, pillars, metal water troughs and architectural salvage. www.crafters. in Pepper House, an exciting design shop and café on Kalvathi Road between Fort Kochi and Bazaar Road. Ernakulam: An extension of Kochi and a hub of commerce. Sematti, a sari shop on MG Road has an impressive collection. Enjoy a traditional Kerala meal, especially karimeen masala, at the local favourite restaurant at the Grand Hotel.

Kumarakom area on Lake Vembanad Stay at:

Coconut Lagoon, an award-winning resort steeped in local traditional and style. From here, you can cruise the backwaters on a shikara or a kettuvallam boat. www.cghearth.com The Kumarakom Lake Resort and Zuri, too, are noteworthy resorts.