Fodor's Expert Review Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Center
Editor's Note: This location is no longer in operation.
About 120 km (75 miles) north of Trivandrum, this institute, established by a French woman in 1977, is dedicated to preserving the arts and heritage of Kerala. People from all over the world come to study everything from singing to cooking to language with experienced masters in a simple village atmosphere. You can choose to give back by participating in a volunteer program to teach English in a local school. Short stays are available for Rs. 1600 per night. A one-week stay is Rs. 12,000, all-inclusive; there are discounts for longer stays.