Following on from the very successful multi-faith trip to northern India in 2018, we offer another superb opportunity to explore India’s heritage of extraordinary religious diversity and co-existence. Beginning in Cochin and environs on the western coast, we will visit sites of historical significance to Christians, Jews, Muslims and Jains. From this hub of trade, we will cruise the backwaters of Kerala and then experience nature in the forest of Periyar National Park and cultivation in the adjacent cardamom, coffee and tea plantations. After this exposure to rural life, we will travel to Madurai to see the finest and most elaborate Hindu temple in India before travelling by train to the spectacular ruins of Hindu temples and rock reliefs on the beach at Mahabalipuram. Our journey will end with time for relaxation at a very comfortable east coast beach resort. As on our recent trip to northern India, the cuisine and range of photographic possibilities will be superb at all stages.

After working as a freelance photographer and teacher, Frank Dabba Smith trained to be a Liberal Rabbi and has served since 1997 at Mosaic Liberal Synagogue in London. His PhD dissertation is concerned with the behaviour of the renowned camera manufacturer Ernst Leitz of Wetzlar during the Holocaust. Publications include My Secret Camera and Elsie’s War, and solo photographic exhibitions include Leica Gallery (New York) and SAK-Art Museum (Denmark). Frank serves on the International Advisory Committee of EcoPeace-Middle East, as Vice-Chair of the Brent Multi-faith Forum, on the Independent Advisory Group of the Metropolitan Police in the London Borough of Brent and as a trustee to Berakah-Arts.