| Day | Description |
|---|
| 1 | ARRIVAL IN COCHIN, INDIAOn arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the next three nights. Situated on the Malabar Coast between the Arabian Sea and India's Western Ghats, Cochin is often referred to as the 'Gateway to Kerala'. For 600 years it has attracted traders and travellers alike, with British, Portuguese and Dutch influences etched throughout the city. |
| 2 | COCHINThis morning, discover the history of Cochin on a tour of its most famous sights. See the Portuguese-built Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue with its intricately tiled floor, and the St Francis Church, which holds the palm-leafed title deed that the Raja handed to the occupying Portuguese in 1503. Also visit Cochin's legendary Chinese fishing nets, locally known as 'Cheenavala'. Lining beaches and coastal areas around the city, the nets are unique to this area and have been a feature since the late 1300's. This afternoon, see Cochin from a different perspective on a cruise around the harbour and surrounding islands. (B) |
| 3 | COCHIN-KUMBALANGHI VILLAGE-COCHINA rare experience awaits this morning on a half day excursion to Kumbalanghi Village. Encircled by sprawling backwaters and dotted with Chinese fishing nets, the island is home to fishermen, farmers, toddy tappers and coir spinners. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this rustic village and gain a unique insight into its tradition and culture, surrounded by typically lush Keralan countryside. This evening, enjoy a spectacular performance of traditional Kathakali dance - an ancient South Indian ritual combining dance and drama, accompanied by drummers. (B) |
| 4 | COCHIN-MUNNARDepart for Munnar, a stunning hill station nestled amongst kilometres of rolling hills, blanketed in neat rows of tea plantations and winding trails. Once a favourite summer retreat of the former British administration in Southern India, this mist-wreathed town is dotted with colonial bungalows, tea factories and lakes. This afternoon visit one of the area's most scenic spots, Mattupetty Dam, for striking panoramic views of Mattupetty Lake surrounded by wooded hills and verdant plantations. (B) |
| 5 | MUNNAR-PERIYARToday visit the Tea Museum enroute to Periyar. Located on a tea estate, the museum is the first of its kind in India. Learn about the evolution of the Munnar tea estates, the resolve of the pioneers who transformed the area into a major plantation centre, and the various stages of the tea making process. Continue your journey to Periyar - high in Kerala's Western Ghats and near the border of Tamil Nadu. Rich in thick, luxuriant forest and with a cool climate, this outstanding reserve is home to flourishing wildlife, including elephants, deer, boar, kingfishers and the mysterious, rarely-seen tiger. Take a boat ride on Lake Periyar and if you're lucky, you may spot elephants roaming on the banks of the lake. (B) |
| 6 | PERIYAREnjoy a free day to explore Periyar. You may wish to join a visit to a local organic farm and experience true village and farm life, or walk into Periyar town in search of local spices and handicrafts. Alternatively, why not take an optional ride on one of the local elephants, or a trip to a local plantation by ox-drawn cart? (B) |
| 7 | PERIYAR-ALLEPPEYAfter breakfast, pay a visit to a spice plantation before continuing to Alleppey. On arrival, board a traditional Kerala Houseboat (or 'Kettuvallam'), constructed from bamboo poles, coconut fibre ropes, bamboo mats and coir. Relax whilst cruising along the still backwaters as green, leafy forests and slender coconut palms slip by, and discover hidden Kerala as local people wash their laundry on the riverbanks. (B,L,D) |
| 8 | ALLEPPEY-KUMARAKOMAfter breakfast onboard the houseboat, journey to Kumarakom on the shores of Lake Vembanad. The rest of the day is free, so why not experience a traditional Keralan Ayurvedic massage, take a walk through one of the local villages, or just relax and soak up the Keralan countryside? (B) |
| 9 | KUMARAKOM-COCHINToday watch the scenery whisk past as you drive back to Cochin. With the rest of the day free, take the time to enjoy your last evening in India. (B) |
| 10 | COCHINYour tour ends with a transfer to the airport. (B) |