This isn’t Goa: Marari is unassuming and largely undeveloped. Don’t expect beach parties, tourist markets or swanky restaurants. It’s not that kind of place. What you will find is easily the best bit of coastline in central southern Kerala, with a quiet little village not much bigger than a single street.

You’ll come across plenty of signs of life here, including fishermen and their colourful boats on the beach, and shops piled with red and yellow bananas. A few restaurants strung with twinkly lights dot the seafront, serving prawn curries and whole baked fish at little plastic tables. Go for a walk or a cycle and you’ll pass churches, temples and cafés where you can stop in for a cup of chai or a coconut toddy. Weekends are a little busier, as city folk come here to escape the heat, but that’s about the shape of it. It’s totally relaxed and wonderfully Keralan.

Accommodation at Marari ranges from basic homestays to plush, beachfront hotels complete with ayurvedic spas, yoga classes and villas styled after local fishermens’ huts. Wherever you stay, Marari has bags of charm, and couldn’t be better placed for a relaxing couple of days between Kochi and Alleppey.