God's Own Country - Kerala

Sprawling mansions set in lovely locales-exotic islands, luxuriant game reserves...on hillsides, by beaches, backwaters.... That is what Kerala is all about it.

DAY 01. ARRIVE COCHIN
Arrive Cochin. You will be met on arrival and escorted till your hotel.

DAY 02. IN COCHIN
Post breakfast proceed for the city tour of Cochin visiting the Dutch palace, the Jewish synagogue, St. Francis church. Also view the Chinese fishing nets. Relax in the afternoon. Later in the evening proceed to the auditorium to witness the famous classical dance performance of "Kathakalli". Overnight at the hotel. (Jewish synagogue is closed on every Friday, Saturday and Public holidays)

DAY 03. COCHIN - MUNNAR (127 KMS/79 MILES)
Post breakfast drive up winding roads to Munnar, located amongst tea plantations at 5,906ft. In the afternoon visit the interesting Tea Museum, and have time to relax n the clear mountain atmosphere. Overnight.

DAY 04. MUNNAR - PERIYAR (106 KMS/66 MILES)
This morning we drive down from the hills and continue through coffee and pepper plantations to Periyar. Afternoon enjoy a boat trip on Lake Periyar, a haven for bird life, including herons, hornbills and egrets. If you are lucky we could spot a herd of wild elephants and wild boars. Evening relax at the hotel and overnight.

DAY 05. PERIYAR
Fascinating visits this morning to a small spice plantation, where we will learn about the many uses of the spices, both in medicine and local cuisine. Afternoon relax in the hotel or enjoy Ayurvedic massage or learn to cook the Keralite delicacies from the master chef at the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 06. PERIYAR - KUMARAKOM (130 KMS/81 MILES)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and continue the surface journey to Kumarokam, located on Vembanad Lake. Relax or enjoy the sunset cruise on board the rice boat. Overnight.

DAY 07. KUMARAKOM - KETTUVALAM (HOUSEBOAT)
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a rice houseboat for an overnight. Cruising through the canals and small meadows one gets to notice the life of common man from close quarters. Overnight on board the houseboat.

DAY 08. ALLEPPEY - COCHIN (65 KMS/41 MILES)
Disembark at Alleppey and proceed directly to Cochin airport in time to connect flight for onward destination or take an overnight in Cochin and then leave the following morning.

Note: You could take the extension to Bangalore/Hassan/Mysore/Bangalore as per our program "Taste of the South" or to "Goa and Mumbai".