Rick Stein's BBC2 programme Rick Stein's India has had all our tastebuds going as well as our nostalgia - he travelled all over India looking for India's 'best curry'. The programmes don't follow a geographical route but so far in the south, he's been to Mamallapuram for fish curry but he obviously hasn't tasted my mother-in-laws! And this week, he proclaimed Kerala paradise on earth, especially after all his travelling around India, the land of coconuts, very soft, very easy, the best place to relax.

I certainly agree that Kerala is a gentle introduction to authentic India which is why yogaunited have been taking yoga students there for the last 6 years for our Winter Sun Yoga Holidays. Many come back again year after year as its such a great way to see some of India safely, in a group of friendly like-minded people. With yoga twice a day, a fabulous ayurvedic spa on site, view of the sunrise over the backwaters and sunset over the the beach, there is no need to go much further. However, it would be a shame to miss out on some authentic Indian culture so we arrange day trips out to Fort Cochin, an Elephant Sanctuary, a punt on the backwaters, a local ashram with its very own Swami and ayurvedic apothecary, and if we're lucky, we might get to a festival, see dolphins in the arabian sea or kingfishers over the backwaters.

We spend 8 nights away from daily life in the most beautiful natural surroundings with wide horizons and clear water. Yoga practices are designed to focus on nourishing the body, mind and spirit, to rediscover the pure joy of feeling vital and alive. The transformation is often amazing.

‘Judy's yoga holiday in Kerala was the most profoundly restorative experience for mind and body - mirrored and enhanced by the tranquility of our setting from each sunrise to sunset.’ Gill Evans

More details on Winter Sun Yoga holidays 2014 at www.yogaunited.comjudy@yogaunited.com 07956 375607.