Kerala Experience

Fly to Kochi.

Arrive in Kochi and transfer to your hotel for two nights. Set amidst lagoons and backwaters on the Malabar Coast, Cochin is also known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Over the centuries Europeans have traded ivory, spices and teak. The British, Dutch and Portuguese left their influence on this great city. Afternoon a Sunset harbour cruise to see Bolgahtty Island and the Chinese fishing nets. 

Morning city tour visiting the Dutch Palace, with its 17th century murals of Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568, contains the Grand Scroll of the Old Testament. Also visit Fort Kochi and St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Vasco da Gama, who discovered India, was first buried here. Afternoon a chance to see the famous Kathakali dance performance (Optional), a traditional folk dance of Kerala, enacting stories from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabhartha.   

Depart by road to Munnar, a hill resort in the midst of cardamom and tea plantations, on the Western Ghats. This British summer retreat of the Raj has lakes, reservoirs and lush green forests. In the afternoon explore the town. Two nights stay in Munar. 

Visit to tea and spice plantations to see how the crops are grown. Munnar is close to Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India and offers plenty of nature walks. Optional visit to the nearby Mattupetty Dam Evarikulam National park to see the Nilgiri Thar (wild goat). This park is also rich in varieties of bird life. 

After breakfast, drive to ​Periyar National Park, noted for its rich variety of bird life. Two nights stay in Periyar. A boat ride in the lake Periyar in search of wildlife. 

After breakfast drive to Kumarakom in the backwaters for a two-night relaxation on the banks of the Vembanad Lake.  Accommodation consists of comfortable cottages with a swimming pool and Ayurvedic massage facilities. At your leisure you may like to visit the nearby bird sanctuary or a local village. 

Morning board the riceboat and cruise slowly through the palm-fringed waterways of the Vembanad Lake. Your captain and cook will accompany you. See life in the backwaters as you pass through various villages. Overnight on board the houseboat. 

Morning leave the houseboat in Alappuzha (Alleppey), an enchanting backwater destination famous for coir and carpet products, fish and lakes. Afternoon tour of the town includes a visit to a coir factory. 

Morning train to Trivandrum and transfer to Kovalam, an uncluttered beach of silver sands with rows and rows of tall palm trees. 

At leisure. During your stay you will be provided with a day excursion to Kanyakumari (Cape Cemorin) ’The Lands End of India' where the India Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal meet, visiting Padmanabhapuram Palace Suchindramen route. Sunset at the Lands End is spectacular. 

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.