Kasaragod
From Kozhikode (Calicut) upwards a string of sparsely populated, palm-laden sandy beaches run along the Keralan coast. Back from the beach the area is laced with languid and tranquil backwaters – known as the Malabar or Vallyaparamba Backwaters – which see drastically lower tourist numbers from those around Vembanad and Allepey: those embarking on a houseboat cruise here are likely to be about the only foreign faces to be seen! Amongst the wider area there are a handful of isolated resorts – not connected to any area in particular, but each idyllic and comfortable enough to be considered retreats in their own right. Neeleshwar, Bekal, Kasaragod…all beautiful areas, little explored, and ideal places in which to wind out a busy trip in serenity and style.