In Munnar, there are many botanical gardens, and KFDC Floriculture Centre/Munnar rose garden is one of them. Run by Kerala Forest Developerment Centre, KFDC Floriculture Centre is built on a hill slope, and has a nice view of the nearby tea planation. I think the term 'floriculture centre' is appropriate because it [...]

A view from the Top station in Munnar
 
Situated 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above sea leverl, Munnar is a famous hill station in Kerala, and known as the 'Kashmir of South India'. It is not only popular with foreign tourists but also with the locals. From 1880 onwards, Munnar flourished as a tea-producing region [...]

 
 
When I was doing my research on Kochi before my trip, I wasn't too bothered about visiting the main attractions, but one museum was written on my to-go list. If you are interested in architecture, ethnology, history, folk arts and crafts, then don't forgo the Kerala Folklore Museum.
Upon arrival, you are [...]

 
I love visiting local food markets when I travel, so I asked my homestay host to recommend one. She recommended Broadway and Ernakulam market, where there are fresh fruits and vegetable stalls, as well as shops selling spices, fashion, fabrics, and homeware etc. I took a ferry from Vypin island to Ernakulam [...]

Chinese fishing nets at Vypin Island
 
I think the rise of Airbnb has contributed to how we travel these days. Now even traditional b & b and homestay have opted to list their accommodations on Airbnb to increase competitiveness. I have had both positive and negative experiences using Airbnb, and the negative experiences [...]

Meydad Eliyahu's "Red Crown Green Parrot" project for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2018 in Jew Town.

 
If you walk around the streets of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, you are highly likely to come across many street art pieces created by local artists. In the past, people often referred to artists working in the streets [...]

Kashi Art Gallery
 
Prior to my visit to Fort Kochi, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Yet after I arrived, I felt very at ease and safe. Despite the hot weather, it was pleasant to stroll around and enjoy the Bohemian atmosphere. There are many art galleries/cafes, heritage accommodations, churches and [...]

St Francis Church
 
I love architecture and I am particularly fascinated by colonial style architecture. In Fort Kochi, you are likely to encounter numerous built in Dutch and Portuguese styles, including many beautiful Portuguese churches and cathedral.
Heritage hotels
I chose to spend the first night at a mid-range 3-star heritage hotel by the Chinese [...]

The famous Chinese fishing nets
 
In February, I was lucky enough to travel to Kerala before lockdowns began around the world. It was an extraordinary trip and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I feel grateful that I was able to make this trip, and I hope I can visit India again when it is [...]

 
 
Even though I am a regular art exhibition-goer in London, I often miss many excellent but less publicised exhibitions in town. Luckily, I did manage to see the rare and wonderful "Forgotten Masterpieces: Indian Painting for the East India Company" at The Wallace Collection before my travels to Asia.
Guest curated by [...]