You’re in the deep south as you cross the border into Kerala. Not only does the terrain change to more tropical greenery, so does the language of this Southwestern state. If you’ve traveled from Karnataka, forget Kannada. Malayalam is the main language spoken besides English. Western tourists will have no trouble finding help, gathering directions or just ordering in the restaurants. Signs are more commonly printed in English, likely for the high level of tourists who flock here. Like the other southern states of India, Malayalam comes with it’s own script, music and movies.

And I was just beginning to recognize Kannada!