KERALA, INDIA

Kerala is one of the ten 'Paradises Found' by the National Geographic Traveler, for its diverse geography and overwhelming greenery. It is a land much acclaimed for the contemporary nature of its cultural ethos, and much appreciated for the soothing, rejuvenating paradise that it is.

Kerala is sandwiched between the Lakshadweep Sea and the forested Western Ghats that define its border with Tamil Nadu to the east. Kerala is a land of spices, heart-throbbing scenery, monkeys, parrots, elephants and tigers.

Kerala is considered to be one of the cleanest, most peaceful states in India. Here you'll experience the beauty of plam-lined beaches, thick jungles, plantation-covered hills, enthralling rivers and lakes. The State's major resources are bananas, rubber, cardamon, cashews and ginger.

We will hold our conference on houseboats. Traditionally, houseboats been called Kettuvallam, which means a boat made by tying together pieces of wood. Unbelievable as it may sound, not a single nail is used in the making of a Kettuvallam. Jack wood planks are joined together with coir rope and then coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nut shells. A Kettuvallam usually has one or two bath attached rooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchen and a crew comprising two oarsmen and a cook. Houseboats Cruise through some of the best sightseeing route of Alleppey & Kumarakom backwaters. Cruising through the backwaters includes Narrow Canals, Villages, Paddy Fields and to some wildlife santuaries. You will journey in the backwaters of Kerala where the natural beauty of the state will come alive.

AUTHORS: Memoir author, REBECCA WALKER; travel writer DAVUD FARLEY; and Award Winning author/poet/ journalist, TERESE SVOBODA.

SINGLE: $3,750 SHARED TWIN: $2,750 per person Includes: Seven nights on houseboats and all meals. (2) workshops & personal consultations.