The vast, shimmering saltwater lagoon of Lake Vembanad lies between coastal Kochi and the town of Alleppey. A prime fishing ground for the local villagers, it is also an important nesting site for migratory wetland birds from as far a field as the Himalaya and even Siberia. The 5-hectare Kumarakom sanctuary, tucked away in mangrove, paddy and coconut groves, has been specifically set aside to cater for species such as darters, white-breasted water hens and pelicans, as well as Siberian storks, egrets and teals. The best season for birdlife is June to August. Saffron recommends a stay of at least 2 nights at the Kumarakom Lake Resort.

Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, Periyar National Park is a botanical delight surrounding the picturesque waters of Lake Periyar. The park is home to some 320 bird species and over 60 species of mammals including nearly 1,000 elephants and a healthy population of gaur and wild boar. Although a designated tiger reserve, the tigers can be elusive and hard to spot. The park can be explored in numerous ways, from delightful forest treks seeking the Nilgiri langur to 4x4 safaris. Three-hour night treks can also be arranged. Saffron recommends a stay of at least 2 nights at the Resort.

Thekkady is set among the endless green slopes of the Cardamom Hills in the spice-growing region of the Western Ghats. The dense jungle and vast plantations of teak, cardamom, tea, rubber and coffee offer perfect respite from the heat of the coastal plains. A guided tour around a spice garden is an excellent way to see how the different spices are grown and to learn about the many uses of the various spices. Thekkady is also home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is famous for its elephants. Saffron recommends a stay of at least 2 nights at the Resort.

In the shadows of Anamudi, Kerala's highest peak, the hill station of Munnar stands amid dramatic mountain scenery, surrounded by rolling green tea plantations that were set up in the early 1900s by pioneering Scottish planters. See the tea pluckers at work and learn how tea was first introduced during the British Raj. The Kannan Devan Tea Museum houses some of the old instruments that were used in the production of tea in the early 20th century and provides a comprehensive explanation of the various stages of tea processing. Saffron recommends a stay of at least 2 nights at the Bungalow or Estate.

The small town of Athirapally, famous for the scenic Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls, is located on the fringes of the Sholayar forest range and offers an ideal stopping point en route from Kochi to Valparai. The region is characterised by lush green forests, river valleys and meandering streams, and there are numerous walking trails to explore. The forest is rich in birdlife and is home to wild elephants, gaurs, langurs, and chital.

Saffron recommends a stay of at least 2 nights at the Resort, set in 3 hectares of virgin rainforest and overlooking Asia's largest waterfall. Nature walks, guided jungle treks and cycle rides are on offer to explore the surrounding tropical rainforest.