Day 1: Arrive Kochi

After landing at the Kochi Airport, you will be received by the local escort and escorted to your hotel. Check in. Enjoy Fort Kochi’s historic ambience and the views across the Vembanad Lake along with the scenic expanse of the Arabian Sea.

Day 2: Kochi

Watch as the fishermen hoist The giant Chinese fishing nets. Continue to the once-powerful steam boilers and head to the ruins of Fort Emmanuel, symbol of the strategic alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the Portuguese monarch, it was built in 1503. Next, explore India’s oldest European church, the Church of St Francis, founded by Franciscan monks around 1505, and pass by the wonderful Santa Cruz Basilica.

Kochi envelopesa 450-year-old synagogue, stunning architecture of the Portuguese- and Dutch-era residences. From December to April, the city also witnesses the esteemed Kochi Biennale, which takes place in and around Fort Kochi and Ernakulam and attracts visitors and art enthusiasts from across the world.

The tuktukride to the Dhobi Khana (laundry station) is one of the many popular things to do in Kochi. The Dutch established the station in 1720. End the short ride at the local fruit and spice markets and taste the local tea with a meal. The tea is also known as meter tea. Learn about the Jewish history of Kerala and visit the grand synagogue.

Return to your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure. In the evening, experience a taste of Kerala’s Hindu culture, witnessing a Kathakali performance, one of the oldest dance forms in the country. See the elaborate make-up process before the show and proceed to watch this extraordinary art form combining classical dance, theatre, opera and pantomime.

Day 3: Kochi

Experience the vibrant sea life of the city while you catch the early morning traffic in the sea with local fisher folk set off to cast their nets. Witness the massive seafood auction and the hustle between the fisher folk to sell maximum produce. Have tea at a local Chaikadda and proceed to pay a visit to the Soviet era communist reading rooms. Take a ride on the local ferry to Eranakulam, and experience the busy local market. End your tour with a visit to the Ernakulathappan temple and enjoy some refrshing South Indian delicacies.

You may relax in your luxury hotel later in the day or explore Kochi some more with optional activities (the activities may be chargeable). Join a local art expert for a walking discovery of the flourishing art scene with an array of local sweets along the way & explore the city by bicycle.

Day 4: Kochi – Periyar National Park

Explore the National Park for its backwaters, wildlife and the tranquil Lake Periyar. Drive into the ghats to the National Park. Discover the rich biodiversity in the region, a protected reserve for both elephants and tigers. In the evening, step into the arena to witness Kerala’s ancient martial art form, Kalaripayattu. With its origins in traditional warfare, it is as fascinating as one imagines it to be.

Day 5: Periyar National Park

An early start this day to explore the forest on foot with an expert to show you the best of the tribal grass lands. Discover colourful birdlife, elephants, rare lion-tailed macaque and even the big cat. Return to your hotel for breakfast and spend some time at relaxing among the spectacular setting. Later, visit a local spice plantation where exotic aromas will stir your senses. Learn how to cultivate cinnamon, cardamom, clove, black pepper, ginger, turmeric, vanilla and nutmeg.

Return to your hotel and enjoy your time at leisure. If you so choose, you may take a bullock ride through the Cumbum Valley to an organic fruit farm. Pick papayas, pomegranates, grapes, sapota and climb atop the watchtowers for some stunning views of the valley (activities may be chargeable).

Day 6: Periyar National Park – Munnar

Drive to Munnar.Visit Eravikulamnational park, Tea museum, Mattupatty dam, Echopoint. Overnight at Munnar.The rich tea estates, manicured tea plantations across the city and the picturesque landscapes make Munnar one of the most sought after destinations in Kerala. Filled with winding roads, hilly terrains, exceptional local food and captivating wildlife, the city will leave you with a newfound love for nature. Some of the things to explore in Munnar are the Eravikulam National Park which offers majestic views and is home to several rare and endangered species of animals and birds. The KDHP Tea Museum and Mattupatty Dam.

Day 7: Munnar – Backwaters (Alleppey)

One of the many delights of Kerala is the popular backwaters of Alappuzha on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, which promisesan idyllic holiday amidst nature. Drive to Alleppey. Lay back in the bountiful nature in a serene overnight cruise through the backwaters on a private houseboat in Alleppey. Spend the day lounging on board, amidst paddy fields, palm trees and enjoy a delicious feast of local cuisine prepared by your personal chef onboard.

Your houseboat, also known as the new version of traditional Kettuvallams, ‘boat with knots’ are so called because they are elegantly designed with coir ropes tied in knots hold the entire structure of the boat together.

Observe the fisherman reel in their daily catch. Later, relish a delicious feast of local cuisine prepared by your onboard chef.

Day 8: Backwaters (Alleppey) – Kumarakom

Experience the slow village life at a local farm in Kumarakom.Walk through the fresh produce of spices, bananas, mangos and coconuts. The local family often offers a cooking demonstration with a heartwarming dish prepared for our clients, with fish, rice and local breads. The staple food of Kerala. Later, continue to Kumarakom Lake Resort on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or if you may choose, you could keep yourself busy with the various activities at your accommodation.

Day 9: Kumarakom

Indulge in a full day at leisure. You may enjoy a great session of yoga or relax in your private swimming pool. Alternatively choose to enjoy a day of fishing from a traditional canoe, a cycling tour of villages, a tour of the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary or a walk through the Kumarakom Village witnessing traditional activities from Coir making to toddy tapping, and fishing (additional charge).

Day 10: Kumarakom – Depart Kochi

Farewell your Keralan living and transfer to Kochi airport for your onward journey.

Note: The best way to explore the state is in a hired taxi/cab for the utmost comfort and convenience. This allows you complete freedom and control over your journey and enables you to witness some of the most breathtaking scenery up close.