Historic Cochin / Kerala Backwaters/ Wildlife Sanctuary/ Cardamom Hills /Tropical Beach

Exceptionally beautiful and tranquil, the south Indian state of Kerala is characterised by meandering rivers, rice fields, spice plantations, verdant hills and palm-fringed beaches. This gently-paced tour takes in the most captivating areas, including the charming port city of Cochin and the backwaters, which can be explored by boat to provide a wonderful glimpse into rural village life.

Day 1 – London to Cochin

Fly from London Gatwick to Cochin via Dubai or Doha

Day 2 – Cochin

Arrive in Cochin and transfer to The Casino Hotel.

Afternoon, city tour includes visits to the Dutch Palace, Jew Town, and St. Francis church, as well as a stroll around the historic Fort Cochin harbour area and a stop to view the immense Chinese fishing nets. Join a heritage walk in the afternoon and in the evening relax or take an optional visit to a traditional Kathakali dance show.

Day 3 – Cochin – Munnar (140 kms / 4 hours)

Munnar is a picturesque hill station situated in the eastern part of Kerala surrounded by lush green-carpeted tea and coffee plantations. The beautiful landscapes, cozy weather, and the smell of tealeaves make Munnar one of the most sought-after destinations in South India. On arrival at Munnar, check in at The Silver Tips Hotel.

Later, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Munnar, which includes visit to Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake, and Echo point. You will also visit the Rajamalai were the rarest species of mountain goat, ‘Nilgiri Thars’, can be spotted, and the Tea Museum.

Day 4 – Munnar – Periyar (110kms / 4 hours)

After breakfast you will drive to Periyar. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats, you will enjoy the most enchanting experiences with the animals of the wild and the charming mountain people. Periyar is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India for Tigers.

This afternoon after check in at Cardamom County Hotel, explore the spice plantation where you will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of the spices are grown.

Day 05 – Periyar – Kumarakom (140 Kms / 4 hours)

Early morning, proceed to the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary for boating. The best way of wildlife viewing is a steamer cruise on the Lake past protruding bare tree limbs, while looking out for elephant herds by the water’s edge, sambhars peeking from a thicket, wild boars running amok, and if you are too lucky, you could spot the Great Indian Tiger languishing in a clearing of the forest. Keep your binoculars handy, you could spot a blue-winged parakeet or a solitary kingfisher perched on an ancient tree limb jutting out of the lake.

Return to hotel, after breakfast, you will leave for Kumarakom, which is the gateway to the gorgeous backwaters and lakes of Kerala, with its abundance of superb luxury resorts and sedate river cruises. The area around the village is made up of a cluster of picturesque islands covered in lush vegetation and teaming with abundant aquatic and avian wildlife.  Overnight at The Lakesong Hotel.

Optional Activities (extra)

• Hire a bicycle and explore the region's charming villages, paddy fields and coconut groves as you cross narrow bridges over lakes and lagoons edged by mangroves.
• Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is set on a lake and covers 14 acres of pretty woodland that is home to a number of bird species such as the kingfisher, woodpecker, and flycatcher.
• Enjoy an authentic Ayurvedic message designed to unwind, tone up and rejuvenate your mind and body.

Day 06 – Kumarakom - Alleppey (Houseboat)

Breakfast at hotel. At  noon, embark on your houseboat  and proceed for an unforgettable overnight cruise, through the mesmerizing unique backwaters of Kerala. You will cruise through the palam fringed canals, viewing paddy fields. Unwind yourself watching the endless strips of greenery passing by you while the boat moves in a relaxing pace.

You will have an exclusive houseboat which cruises till sunset, and then it anchors for the night. Your boat has a private balcony with comfortable chairs. The rooms are furnished with en suite facilities. The boat has a fully equipped kitchen and a chef on board to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialties and fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips! Lunch, evening tea with snacks and dinner served on board.

Activities include:

Local village visit, to see the local people go about with their daily chores.
Toddy tapping (time permitting) - an alcoholic beverage created from the sap of various species of palm trees, mainly coconut palms in Kerala.
Also, don’t forget to try your hand in fishing!!

Day 07 – Alleppey – Kovalam (175 Kms / 4 hours)

After breakfast, disembark the houseboat and drive to Trivandrum.
On your way visit Mannarssala Temple - Worshippers of the Naga (Serpent God) have always built their temples in groves where serpents are aplenty. Mannarassala is the largest serpent temple with 30,000 images of serpent Gods and has hundreds of snakes living around the temple.

Proceed towards Trivandrum, and on arrival go for a sightseeing tour of the capital city of Kerala. Trivandrum has interesting places to see like, the Napier Museum -  a beautiful building build by English architect Chrisholm combining English-Saxon-Travancore architectural styles carvings, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery -  displays a rare collection of mainly Indian paintings, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple– this temple is an architectural wonder and the icon around which the the city is built, and Horse palace -  unique palace designed by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal famous for its horse shaped windows and décor, has some good collections of antiques. Later, proceed to Kovalam to check in to your hotel Uday Samudra.

Day 8 to 15 Kovalam

At leisure at Kovalam, the famous beach resort of Kerala, with three adjacent crescent beaches. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sunbathing, swimming, Catamaran cruising. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.  

Guests who are on beach extension enjoy a relaxing week’s stay at the Uday Samudra Hotel and further explore exotic beaches and spice lands of Kerala. You may wish to indulge in Yoga and Ayurveda treatments to unwind and pamper the mind and body.

Day 9 to London

Guests on the tour returns from Trivandrum airport and fly to London via Doha / Dubai

Hotels Envisaged: