Your pictures: On the beach

1 of 11 The name Kerala is derived from 'Kera' meaning coconut in Sanskrit, and 'alam' which means land. There are an estimated 200 million palm trees in the Land of Coconuts, providing food, drink and shade. Photographers like them too. (Photos: Tim Pile)

2 of 11 Locals wisely take advantage of the cool late afternoon for a family stroll. Meanwhile tourists with burned noses head back to their hotel rooms to rub on after-sun cream.

3 of 11 In the historical port of Fort Cochin huge cantilevered fishing nets line the shore. The nets are operated by levers and weights and require at least four men to operate. Choose a fresh fish from the stalls nearby and have it grilled on the spot.

4 of 11 Cricket might be the most popular sport, but an increasing number of European football matches are now shown across India. These boys near Kovalum play out their own cup final.

5 of 11 Early evening is the best time to visit the coastal town of Varkala. Sunbathers help fishermen hoist their boats up onto the rocks, then gather among the palms to mark the sunset out of ten.

6 of 11 The best time for strenuous activity, as any beachside restaurant waiter in Kerala will tell you, is around sunset. The air is cooler, the tourists have left the beach and the boss won't need you for another hour or so.

7 of 11 With a coastline stretching 570 kilometres you can always find a quiet spot for a sunset stroll. Take a camera though.

8 of 11 In Kerala no one is ever in too much of a hurry to stop and enjoy the setting sun. Two men at Kappil Beach take a break from repairing their fishing boat.

9 of 11 The end of the day for some is the beginning for others. Many of Kerala's 200,000 fishermen head out at sunset for a night's work. Increasing numbers of tourists ensure a strong demand for fish, prawns and lobster.

10 of 11 For the best Keralan sunset shots wait until after the sun has dipped over the horizon. Shades of pink and crimson will magically fill the sky. Now look round for striking shapes to serve as silhouettes. No digital enhancement will be required.

11 of 11 The sun sinks fast in the tropics. It's best to seek out the location in advance. Make sure your camera is ready for action and hope your model doesn't get fidgety! You'll have a couple of minutes of prime light to get your shot.