Winning tip: Backwaters bolthole, Kerala
Vijeesh Vimalan is a brilliantly hilarious local host. He runs a small homestay on Munroe Island in southern Kerala, right in the heart of the backwaters. You will be warmly welcomed to stay with his family and eat glorious home-cooked (by his lovely mum) local grub. On top of this, Vijeesh will canoe you round for hours at sunrise or sunset (or midnight, if you’re keen) but be warned: he’ll definitely try to push you in! This is easily the best way to see Kerala and afterwards he’ll take you round the local village on bikes … it’s non stop! The guy and his family are awesome, he gets his guests involved and will absolutely make your trip. It won’t break the bank and is easy to get to. We won’t forget our stay or his insistence that my girlfriend’s name was Colin (it’s Claire).
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Will Barton
