Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other'. New York Times

This eBook offering is an excerpt of Lonely Planet's latest India guide book and includes:

• Kerala chapters

• Understanding India and survival guide

• Kerala maps

One of India's most beautiful and successful states, Kerala is a world away from the frenzy of elsewhere, as if India had passed through the Looking Glass and become an altogether more laid-back place.

This guide is the result of research by dedicated authors and local experts who immersed themselves in Kerala, finding unique experiences, and sharing practical and honest advice, so you come away informed and amazed. This guide includes up-to-date reviews of the best places to stay, eat, sights, cultural information, maps, transport tips and a few best kept secrets – all the essentials to get to the heart of Kerala.

Coverage includes:

• Understanding India: India Today, History, The Way of Life, Spiritual India, Delicious India, The Great Indian Bazaar, Sacred Architecture, The Arts, Elephants & Tigers: India's Sanctuaries, The Landscape, Survival Guide, Directory, Transport and Glossary

• Southern Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) & around, Kovalam & around, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Varkala, Kollam (Quilon) & around, Alappuzha (Alleppey) & around, Kottayam, & around, the Western Ghats, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Central Kerala, Kochi (Cochin) & around, Thrissur (Trichur) & around, Northern Kerala, Kozhikode (Calicut), Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kannur (Cannanore) and Lakshadweep.

Lonely Planet's India guide is researched and written by: Sarina Singh, Stuart Butler, Katja Gaskell, Anirban Mahapatra, Daniel McCrohan, John Noble, Amy Karafin, Kevin Raub, Trent Holden, Lindsay Brown, Mark Elliott, Kate James, Michael Benanav, Bradley Mayhew, Abigail Hole