Arrive in Kochi

This morning arrive at Kochi International airport. Our representative will meet you outside the customs gate and escort you to the city in an air-conditioned vehicle.

On arrival, check in to your hotel.

Later enjoy an orientation tour of the city.

Begin with a visit to the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Friday & Saturday) built in 1568. Scrolls of the Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script are preserved here. The building was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years later. Continue you visit to St. Francis Church, the oldest church constructed by the Europeans in India. Built by the Portuguese in 1510, it housed the remains of Vasco da Gama for 14 years before it was transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone can be seen inside the church. Also visit the MattancherryPalace, built by the Portuguese in 1555. The Palace was presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill.

This was also known as the Dutch Palace (closed on Friday), resulting from substantial renovation by the Dutch after 1663. The central hall was the Coronation Hall of the Rajas. Their dresses, turbans and palanquins and murals from Hindu mythology are all beautiful and worth seeing

Culminate the tour at Fort Kochi, which is said to be the oldest European settlement in India. Enjoy a heritage walk in the historical Fort Cochin area.

• Overnight

Cochin - Munnar

This morning drive to Munnar, covering a distance of 135 kms in approximate 4 hours.

Munnar is surrounded by about 30 tea estates, amongst the highest in the world and a forest that is still rich in wildlife. The luxuriant forest is hung with pepper vines and the hills around Munnar are covered with the rare Neelakurunji plant which flowers only once in every 12 years.

Arrive in Munnar and check in at your hotel.

Remainder of the day will be at leisure.

• Overnight

Munnar

This morning visit the Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar mountain goat amongst others).

Return to hotel.

Post lunch; visit Tea Museum to witness the Tea processing. The museum also has a rich collection of old antiques and machines.

On return enjoy a jeep ride accompanied with your guide as you drive past the local fruit and vegetable market where people throng daily for fruits, vegetables and other household goods. Your guide will share his local knowledge on the highlights of Munnar native.

Return to hotel. Enjoy a walk through the tea plantation and experience the tranquillity!

• Overnight.

Munnar - Periyar

Today leave for Periyar - covering a distance of 120 kms in approximately 4 hours. Enjoy the scenic drive as you drive past beautiful small villages, tea estates and rubber plantations.

Afternoon arrive in Periyar and check in at your hotel.

Evening accompanied by a naturalist enjoy a walking trek inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake - an artificial lake. Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady, it is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forests.

Return to hotel.

• Meals included: Breakfast
• Overnight at Spice Village/Elephant Court

Periyar - Kumarakom

Early morning (approx 0730hrs) leave for Kumarakom, covering a distance of 150 kms in approximately 4 hours.

En-route, visit a spice plantation where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. It is also possible to go for an Elephant ride today.

Kumarakom - the enchanting backwater destination slumbers on the bank of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. Kumarakom is an unbelievable beautiful paradise. The blue backwaters and the surface of Vembanad Lake reflect the azure sky. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets.

Afternoon arrive in Kumarakom and check in to your hotel.

Remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure. Enjoy Ayurveda / Spa therapies at the hotel.

• Overnight

Kumarakom

Plan this morning yourself. Choose from different activities available:

Optional: Excursion to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Those not wanting to experience an Ayurveda massage, can visit the nearby Bird sanctuary, where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost. An idle place for the bird lovers!

OR

Optional: Excursion to Kottayam

Enjoy an excursion to nearest town of Kottayam. Drive past the local markets as they open in the morning. You will have an opportunity to interact with a local folklore and get to know about there daily life. Great photo opportunities here!

Later visit Kottayam Cheriyapalli Church. Cheriyapalli has some fairly large comparatively fine murals. There is a painting of the last Supper, Judas accepting the silver for his betrayal, his trial, Pontius Pilate, washing his hands after condemning Christ to the cross, the Crucifixion, the Virgin Mother with the body of Christ on her lap and Christ’s ascension are the other frescoes here.

OR

Optional: Ayurveda/Spa treatments at the hotel

• Overnight

Kumarakom - Cochin

This morning board the traditional Rice barge (boat) for a half day cruise on backwaters with lunch.

The backwaters represent a unique geological formation and are the basis of a distinct lifestyle. Tranquil and alluring, they offer you the experience of a lifetime. Traveling through the backwaters of Kerala is a marvelous experience with the simple, unique pleasures it offers. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the beautiful backwaters of Kerala in a Kettuvalom’s (house boat). Kettuvalom's of Kerala are giant country crafts that were used in the early days to transport goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns.

Now converted to beautiful dwellings, they are accommodated with fully furnished bedrooms with attached bathrooms, sundeck, open lounge, kitchenette and a crew comprising of a chef, guide and oarsmen.

Enjoy a traditional lunch that will be served piping hot on board.

Float through the placid waters passing palm fringed canals, lakes and villages and leisurely explore the Kerala backwaters from the comforts of your houseboat.

Later disembark from the comforts of your house boat at nearest jetty and continue to Cochin.

Early afternoon, drive back to Cochin, covering a distance of 65 kms in approximate 1 hour 30 mins.

Arrive in Cochin and check in to your hotel.

This evening visit a local theatre for witnessing Kathakali dance performance.

Kathakali is the classical dance drama of Kerala. The impressive mudras, graceful and rhythmic movements, pleasing choreography and delightful imagery makes kathakali one of the most intricate dance forms. Themes are taken from Hindu Mythology often summed up with a lesson. Kathakali constitutes the three fine arts of acting dancing and singing. Not a single dialogue is spoken, but with the eloquence of expression the epic is narrated and a dream world of sheer fantasy is brought to life.

Return to hotel.

• Overnight at the hotel

Depart Cochin

This morning transfer to International airport for your flight to onward destination.