SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Cochin

You will be met at Cochin Airport and transferred to your hotel in this Arabian seaport, now known as Kochi, that was at the centre of the spice trade for many centuries.

Check in and relax in the beautiful southern state of Kerala - fondly called "God's Own Country".

In the evening a special treat awaits - a performance of the famous Kathakali classical dance.

Note: The Kathakali dance show starts at 18.30, but the face painting of the artists starts at 17.30.

Kerala is a 'dry' state. All 5 star hotels have alcohol licences and restricted items (eg wine & beer) are served in some mid-range properties, but this does vary by hotel & you will not find any beach bars serving alcohol. You therefore need to ask your driver to stop at a liquor store before arriving at your hotel, so you can purchase your preferred drink, to enjoy in the privacy of your room before dinner.

Day 2: City Tour & Drive to Munnar

This morning enjoy a city tour of Cochin - an important trading centre to the ancient Greeks, Romans, Jews, Arabs and Chinese. The Portuguese established the first European settlement in India here and the city was later colonised by the Dutch and then the British.

Visit St. Francis Church and where explorer Vasco da Gama was first buried, the Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace (also known as Dutch Palace), with its ancient murals depicting scenes from Hindu legends surrounding the gods Shiva, Vishnu and Krishna. Time permitting, we can also visit the Dhobi Khana communal washhouse run by the Tamil community, or the pilgrimage church of St George in Edappally, one of the oldest and largest churches in India. We will also walk to see the old Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, each operated by a team of up to six fishermen.

Afterwards we drive 4 hours up steep winding roads to the scenic hill station at Munnar with its vast tea plantations. After checking in to your hotel, relax in the clear mountain air of this beautiful summer resort.

Note: Mattancherry Palace is closed on Fridays & the Jewish Synagogue is closed on Fridays & Saturdays.

Day 3: At Leisure

At leisure to relax at the mountainous hill station of Munnar, with your driver providing any transfers you may require.

You can visit the Tea Museum, enjoy wonderful walks and taste some of the best food in India.

Note: The Tea Museum is closed on Mondays.

Day 4: Drive to Periyar

This morning drive 4 hours down from the hills of Munnar and continue through coffee and pepper plantations to Periyar National Park in the Western Ghats mountains.

Situated in the Cardamom and Pandalam Hills, this park forms the watershed for two important rivers - the Periyar and Pamba. It is home to several rare and endangered species including tigers, although they are rarely seen.

On arrival check into your hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5: Periyar National Park

This morning enjoy a 2.5 hour guided nature walk led by a local tribesman, who speaks only basic English, with the opportunity to observe the birds, butterflies and other wildlife that live in these evergreen and moist deciduous forests, interspersed with grasslands and riverside scrub.

There are over 320 bird species (including over half of India's endemics) and 35 different mammals in Periyar National Park, a 400 sq. mile (640 sq. km) wildlife sanctuary that it is an important elephant and tiger reserve and home to many threatened species. However tiger sightings are rare as they are so difficult to spot in the jungle. This park is also home to gaur, sambar, wild boar, giant squirrel, flying squirrel, jungle cat, sloth bear, nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, nilgiri langur, nilgiri marten, stripe-necked mongoose and fruit bats.

In the afternoon we visit a Spice Plantation and in the evening enjoy a Kalaripayattu Martial Arts show, to see one of the oldest fighting styles in the world.

Day 6: Drive to Kumarakom

This morning enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar, a haven for bird life including herons, hornbills and egrets and where you may see wild elephants coming down to the lake for a drink.

Afterwards we drive 4 hours to the small town of Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in India. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel, where you can relax on the shores of the lake.

Day 7: At Leisure

Today is free to relax and enjoy the leisurely lifestyle and wonderful food of Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake - an important habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and shrimps.

Kerala is famous for its yoga and Ayurvedic spa treatments. Bird watching is also outstanding, with nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary offering a safe refuge for many migratory birds. Sunset boat rides, pedal boats and fishing are available from some hotels  (pay locally).

Day 8: Houseboat

This morning board your air-conditioned Rice Houseboat set on Vembanad Lake. This network of backwaters, lakes and rivers stretches over 930 miles (1,500 km) and provides a vital waterway for transporting people and their produce, once used to transport goods from isolated interior villages to the larger towns but now largely used for pleasure.

As the water is level with the land here, spend the afternoon relaxing and watching the agricultural lives of the people who live along the canals and work in the rice paddy fields, as you cruise through the Kerala Backwaters.

In the evening see the sun setting over the tranquil backwaters and enjoy dining on delicious local Kerala cuisine prepared by your chef.

Note: No alcohol is served on the houseboat, but you can buy beer at the jetty before boarding.

Day 9: Transfer to Kovalam

After breakfast disembark at the merchant town of Alleppey and transfer 5 hours to Kovalam (meaning "a grove of coconut trees").

Check in to your beach hotel and relax on the shores of the Arabian Sea.

Days 10 to 12: At Leisure

At leisure to relax at your resort in quiet and conservative Kovalam on the shores of the Arabian Sea.

The three beautiful beaches here form a crescent, separated by rocky outcrops - popular Lighthouse Beach, Howah Beach (also known as Eve’s Beach) frequented by fishermen and the much quieter Samudra Beach.

You can also shop for local handcrafts, enjoy Ayurvedic spa treatments for which this region is renowned, participate in daily yoga sessions and dine on delicious (but spicy) southern Indian cuisine.

Day 13: Fly Home

At leisure to relax at your hotel where a very late checkout has been arranged, so that you have the use of your room all day.

Later you will be transferred 30 minutes to Trivandrum Airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with full board on houseboat. All transfers are included. International and domestic flights are not included and will be quoted separately.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.