Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates offer one-stop flights from Washington Dulles to Kochi, India.
T Cherry Villa
Udumalpet Road, Nullatanni, Munnar
011-91-93-88-605699
At the end of a long, winding road past the Tata Tea plantations, featuring three large apartments with views through the treetops with cardamom plantations below. Enjoy the excellent selection of Keralan cuisine on the dining deck, which feels as if it’s floating in the dense foliage. Two-bedroom apartment $178 in peak season, $114 off-peak.
Lakes and Lagoons tour company
Pallathuruthy Bridge, Pallathuruthy, Alleppey
011-91-477-2266842
One of the best-rated houseboat companies in Kerala, with a fleet of 20 or so excellently maintained houseboats with a choice of one to four bedrooms, with elevated sun decks to take in the view of the backwaters. The crews are friendly and professional and offer up some of the best food you’re likely to enjoy in Kerala. Houseboats from $190.
Eravikulam National Park
Munnar Post, Idukki, Kerala
011-91-4865-231587
One of the best-preserved national parks in India, offering stunning views of the plantations and a scenic walk above tree level. Daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. May be closed for a period in the early spring when the Nilgiri tahr mountain goats are calving. Entry for non-Indians: $3.25.
D.O’D.
