You are king! Kerala realises the importance and profitability of tourism and goes out of its way to pamper tourists.

The little town of Kumily is the gateway to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. If you come with your heart set on seeing a tiger, you'll most probably return disappointed as the handsome feline is very elusive. But if you're looking forward to a relaxed holiday amidst greenery and a salubrious climate, a visit will be worth every moment you spend there. This one-street town has hotels bordering both sides of the lane which leads to the entrance to the sanctuary.

Matupetty Lake is only 13km from Munnar.

Do make it a point to take the two-hour boat ride which takes sightseers down the river to view elephants, boars and tigers in their natural habitat. The high season sees huge demand, so ensure you book seats in advance. The best combination is the first trip of the day, seated on the upper deck of the boat. You're sure to sight wild animals but at the slightest disturbance they return into the safety of the dense foliage. If you are a serious enthusiast or a keen spotter, it makes sense to get together a group of like-minded people and charter an entire boat. A seat on the boat costs Rs 120.

An interesting way to see wildlife is to spend the night in an observation tower or resthouse in the jungle. These are often booked for weeks in advance. While observation towers cost Rs 200 a night plus boat drop-off charges, resthouses cost Rs 400 per night. Elephant rides are more for entertainment rather than any real wildlife viewing.

Another option is the guided jungle walk where an English-speaking jungle guide takes you into the jungle for a three-hour walk. Follow the guide's instructions completely - Periyar is packed with elephants and rogue bulls can be very dangerous. Do keep in mind that the walk is over varied terrain with many steep inclines and slippery descents. A pair of good walking shoes is a must for this activity.

After a long and tiring jungle walk, you could relax by way of a soothing Ayurvedic massage which costs Rs 500 for 90 minutes.

Another done thing in Kumily are plantation visits but you'll find it more worth your while to explore around on your own. Plenty of curio and spice shops for you to shop around - bargain hard.

Kumily is also the ideal honeymoon destination. Romance lurks everywhere and floating in a boat down the river early in the morning with the shy rays of the sun will evoke a feeling of togetherness like no other place.

A good travel agent who arranges jungle walks, boating trips and treks is Mr Thajudeen, Thekkady Tours and Travels, Thekkady Road, Kumily, Kerala 685 509. Ph: 0486-322988. Email: thekkadytours@yahoo.com.

Eravkulam National Park is the last stronghold of the Nilgiri Tahr

You don't need any signboard or milestones to tell you that you're approaching Munnar. The never-ending tea estates on irresistibly green slopes are a telltale sign that you are heading towards the 'High Range of Travancore'.

Munnar is all about tea and Tata Tea which has 26 plantations here. If you thought that drinking a cup of tea is refreshing, then the sight of hillsides covered with manicured tea plantations reaching out to the so-very-blue sky is a very soothing sight. Make sure you've got your camera handy.
Located at 1600 metres above sea level, Munnar is a very relaxing place. It is advisable however to base yourself in a hotel away from the town centre so that you can fully appreciate the splendid countryside of the jewel of the Western Ghats. Walks out of Munnar in any direction offer spectacular views and the chilly mornings only heighten the pleasure of being out in the open and at one with nature.

There are a few places around Munnar tourists shouldn't miss. Top Station, on Kerala's border with Tamil Nadu, offers splendid views of the ghats. Another must-do trip is to Rajamalai and the Eravikulam National Park, which is the last stronghold of one of the world's rarest mountain goats - the Nilgiri Tahr. The park is closed for a few days in February or March during the breeding season. To find out about when the park is closed and other activities and treks around Munnar, contact Rajeev Lal, Pontiac Holidays, S N Junction, Kannan Devan Hills, Munnar 685 612. Ph: 0486-532044.

Mattupetty Lake, 13km from Munnar town, is ensconced amidst wooded hills and is just perfect for a boating session. Boating facilities are available between 9am to 6pm. Do wear something warm as the breeze can be quite nippy.

For those who love to trek, Lockhart Mountain is worth a walk - the fresh mountain air, mist-laden hills and panoramic views are straight out of Switzerland. The nearby Kundale Tea Plantation also offers some of the most stunning views here.

For all its virtues, Munnar still hasn't developed into a full-fledged hill station. So make a beeline for this nature-lover's paradise before it does.