India, July 19 -- We were thrilled when my travel agent confirmed that everything was set for our trip to Kerala. With great excitement, we packed our suitcases and boarded our flight to Kochi.

Our driver warmly welcomed us at the airport, and so began our unforgettable journey through Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey.

I knew Kerala was located on the southwestern coast of India at an elevation of 3,000 feet. It's well known for exporting coffee, tea, spices, coconut, and rubber. Its long coastline supports a thriving seafood industry. Besides excellent commerce, Kerala also has the highest literacy rate and life expectancy in India.

However, what I did not realise was that Kerala's beauty could not be captured in statistics and phot...