INDIA'S TOP ACT - KERALA BACKWATERS

After the success of Paul Merton’s adventures in China, his latest exploration takes him through the highways and byways of India. Having left the chaos of Delhi, this week’s episode saw Merton eventually arrive amongst the laid-back countryside of Kerala, in the south. Whether you’d like to upgrade your comical credentials or simply escape British TV entertainment, discover another side to India’s stage during Wildlife Worldwide’s 9-day Kerala Backwaters & Wildlife tour - bypassing the bustle of Delhi and heading straight for peaceful lush hill stations, wildlife parks and an unforgettable backwaters cruise through the ‘Venice of the East’. The tour departs London daily – best time to go – November to January.

From Cochin, transfer by road to the sleepy town of Kumarakom, in the heart of Kerala's backwaters, and spend an initial night at the Coconut Lagoon Hotel. Next day, board a private traditional houseboat (known as 'Kettuvallam') and begin an overnight cruise. Kerala's Backwaters are a vast network of lakes, canals, estuaries and deltas connecting 44 rivers that together provide a self-supporting ecosystem teeming with aquatic life. Pass pretty villages surrounded by lush bright green paddy fields and coconut trees keeping watch for kingfishers, cormorants, woodpeckers, ducks, bee-eaters and raptors. Next morning, drive to Periyar for a 2-night stay at the Lake Palace Hotel, former summer palace built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in the 18th century. Located high in the Cardamom Hills area of the Western Ghats, Periyar is one of the world’s most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries, habitat for a diverse range of flowering plants, reptiles, butterflies and mammals including Elephant, four species of primate (Bonnet Macaque, endemic Lion-Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur and Slender Loris), Sloth Bear, Leopard, Common and Clawless Otter and Tiger. Here, bird species include Malabar Trogon, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Loten's Sunbird and Ceylon Frogmouth. On to Munnar, where 2-nights are spent at Windermere Hotel, a base from which to visit Windermere Cardamom and Tea Estate and Eravikulam National Park, both situated in the higher altitudes of the Western Ghats. Finally, return to Cochin for a tour of the historic fort followed by an evening of traditional Kathakali dance before homewards flights next day.

The holiday costs from £2,025 p/p including international flights, hotel, lodge and houseboat accommodation, most meals, transfers and expertly guided activities.

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