Intermediate

Estimated study time: 10-15 minutes

Travel in Southern India

Books such as The Life of Pi and the older tale, The Jungle Book, have long whispered to readers of exotic
Indian adventures. The author of The Life of Pi, Yann Martel, took inspiration for the many animals described in
his book from the southern Indian state, Kerala. It is the best possible destination for a first-time adventure to
India.
Base Camp

Fort Kochi makes for an ideal base camp for touring Kerala. The Portuguese built Fort Kochi in 1503 and were
later replaced by the Dutch and eventually the British. The township is a handsome mix of Indian and European
architecture.Aseasidecity,Kochisshorelineispolluted, but its narrow streets are filled with shops, Internet
cafes, restaurants, tour operators, and hotels; everything a traveler could need!
Eating Indian

Asanenormouscountry,Indiasfoodsareasvariedasitsmanystates.InKerala,whichhasanamplecoastline,
seafood is often on the menu. Coconut, chilli, prawns, squid, and fish are common ingredients. While a typical
fish curry can be sampled in most restaurants, real foodies will want to take their experience a step further
in a cooking class.
Backwater Boating

The waterways around Alappuzha and Kottayam draw thousands of visitors each year. Travelers come to spend
afewnightsonatraditionalhouseboat,orkettuvallams.Houseboatscanbesmall,forjusttwopeople,orlargewithseveralbedrooms.
Heavenly Hills

At the end of a road that almost promises car sickness is Munnar. The curvy, five-hour drive from Kochi is worth
the effort as Munnar is a village island in a sea of deep green tea plantations. Tea crops cover a rugged
landscape that offers peace and cooler weather. One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam
National Park which is home to several species of rare butterflies, birds, and animals. Keep an eye on the road to
spot monkeys frolickingnearwaterfallsandmaybeevenawildelephantifyourelucky.
The End

Finish a trip to Kerala with a few days of relaxing around Varkala where a two-thousand year old shrine, the
JanardhanaswamyTemple,standsonthecliffsoverlookingthebeach.Asitisaholyplace,youwontseemany
peopleinbikinisheredespitetheinvitingwaters.Forbeachparadisewithoutlimitations,Goasshorelinetothenorthismoreinviting...
butthatsanotherstate,anotherstory,anotherIndia.

Vocabulary
tale (n): a story
whispered (v): to speak softly
polluted (adj): contaminated, filled with garbage, dirty
prawns (n): like a shrimp; a marine crustacean
foodies (n): people who love food; experts on cuisine
take it a step further (expression): to learn more, to do more
draw (v): to attract
car sickness (n): to get sick or nauseous because of a car trip or extreme road
crops (n): a cultivated plant that is grown for food
rugged (adj): rocky or uneven surface
frolicking (v): playful action or movement
shrine (n): a building made to mark a spiritual place

LetsTalk!
1. Have you ever been to India? If so, describe your
experience. If not, would you like to go? Why or why not?

2. Have you read any books by Indian authors? If so, which ones? Are you
interested in seeing the movie, The Life of Pi?
3. India is famous for its spiritual people and yoga. Tell your teacher what
you know about Indian religions. Have you ever done yoga?
4. Have you ever eaten Indian food? Do you like it or not? Do you think
Indian food is too spicy?

How well did you understand this article? Answer these questions!
Pregunta 1 Verdadero o Falso
Decide whether the following statement is true or false:

Verdadero
Falso

A) All Indian food is the same - spicy and vegetarian!

Pregunta 2 Verdadero o Falso

Decide whether the following statement is true or false:

Verdadero
Falso

A) The Portuguese have a long history in Kerala.

Pregunta 3 Verdadero o Falso

Decide whether the following statement is true or false:

Verdadero
Falso

A) Alappuzha is famous for its tea.

Pregunta 4 Verdadero o Falso

Decide whether the following statement is true or false:

Verdadero
Falso

A) The road leading to Munnar is very windy and difficult.

Pregunta 5 Verdadero o Falso

Decide whether the following statement is true or false:
A) The Janardhanaswamy Temple is found in Munnar.

Verdadero
Falso