While the story unravels to reveal a murky social climate, its setting by contrast is sleepy and serene. The story is told through the lens of fraternal twins Estha and Rahel, jumping between their childhood and adulthood years of 1969 and 1993. Against a backdrop of political tensions, the pair’s early years - and later their return to Kerala after years spent abroad - immerse the reader in vivid scenes of racing through forests, exploring swamps, and devouring sweet jams. For the discerning traveller, Kerala offers not just a scenic escape but a cultural immersion – as explored by our editors.

While the setting of the novel is a fictional community called Ayemenem, much of Roy’s inspiration for the novel was drawn from her childhood home of Aymanam (which translates as “five forests”), a village near the town of Kottayam. Aymanam sits on the banks of Vembanad Lake, near old Hindu temples, colonial-era bungalows and rubber plantations. A private guided tour, including boating trips and wildlife-spotting adventures, can take you to hidden corners of the region that are reminiscent of Ayemenem.

The nearby city of Kottayam also briefly features in the novel, representing the contrast between urban and rural dynamics. The city was the first place in India to achieve 100% literacy and has been nicknamed the “City of Letters”, since many of the first Malayalam daily newspapers originated here. Situated just three metres above sea level in the basin of the Meenachil River, it’s a stunning area surrounded by lakes, rivers and vibrant vegetation, including the iconic pink waterlilies at Malarikkal Sunset Viewpoint.

While there are no direct references to Munnar in the novel, the area’s verdant landscape and tea plantations are indicative of some of the themes discussed in the book. Enjoy a steaming cup of chai while overlooking the mist-clad slopes. Here, as Roy writes, “things can change in a day.” Come rain or shine, a literary pilgrimage to this stunning region of Kerala will never disappoint.

We suggest pairing your trip with a stop-over in Bangalore or in Sri Lanka. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore offers elegant jaali designs, spacious guest rooms, and an extensive art collection of more than 1500 pieces. Or book a stay at Shangri-La Colombo, which offers award-winning dining and a picturesque pool area overlooking the scenic Galle Face Beach and Green. Book a stay at one of these excellent hotels and access VIP benefits and exclusive deals on ASMALLWORLD Collection.