Kerala, the very name conjures up a feast for the senses. Majestic elephants and exotic birds, sprawling tea plantations and palm fringed beaches. And running through it all the teeming backwaters which support thriving communities and reflect centuries of tradition.
- Travelling - 1 to 2
Fly overnight to Cochin, arriving on Day 2. Your Tour Guide and Specialist Guide will be on hand throughout the tour.
- A harbour cruise (Day 2) - 1 to 2
Nothing epitomises Cochin more than the Chinese fishing nets, forming the perfect backdrop as they stand poised for their next catch. Your guide will point out all the highlights on this cruise; coconut plantations, palm fringed villages and fishermen on their catch.
- Discover exotic Cochin - 3
Immerse yourself in the exotic atmosphere on an included tour of the ‘Queen of the Arabian Seas’. Walk on cooling Chinese willow pattern floor tiles in the Jewish Synagogue, learn more of the colonial influences at the Mattancherry Palace and St. Francis Church, and barter at the spice bazaars in the narrow streets of Fort Cochin.
- Tuk tuk rides and local life - 3
Take a tuk tuk ride past serene backwaters and green paddy fields to meet the farmers and fishermen of Kumbalangi. Watch skilled hands repair nets, stroll along the mangroves and enjoy a lunch of local dishes.
- Classical dance and dinner - 3
Visit Greenix Village Cultural Centre for a display of Kathakali classical dance. A welcome dinner will introduce you to more Keralan cuisine and a renowned local personality will join you for a an informal introduction to Hinduism in Kerala.
- Hill stations and tea country - 4
Sprawling plantations and picture book villages greet you as you drive up into tea country. Step back in time in Munnar, the colourful dress of the women pickers stands out against the deep green of the tea bushes and learn more about their daily life on a plantation tour.
- A morning walk to the top station - 5
Rise early for a morning walk to the top station. Look out over stunning green hills and the highest tea and cardamom plantations in India.
- Spot endangered species - 5
Eravikulam National Park straddles the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Spend the afternoon on a nature adventure and see if you can spot the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered species of mountain goat, and the Nilgiri marten with its bright orange or yellow throat. Ruddy mongoose, small clawed otter and dusky striped squirrels also inhabit this landscape.
- Travelling - 6
Travel by road to Periyar. Street traders line the roadside selling fragrant lotus blossom and mangoes, bananas and chillies. Working elephants sway to a graceful rhythm, seemingly unaware of their heavy load.
- An evening at a spice plantation - 6
Discover the secrets of Keralan cuisine at a spice plantation. An expert will introduce you to a mind blowing array of tastes and smells to arouse your senses.
- Wildlife of Periyar Nature Reserve - 7
Periyar Nature Reserve is a natural wonderland and a full day jeep safari will introduce you to the wildlife of this tranquil retreat. Drive through the forest of Gavi National Park where exotic butterflies dance and bluewinged parakeets and great Indian hornbill screech above the tree tops. Watch herds of elephants as they make their way to the water’s edge. As well as spectacular birds, look out for antelopes, bison, and the elusive tiger.
- Take to the backwaters on a houseboat - 8
Journey to Alleppey, for an unforgettable night in the traditional surroundings of one of Kerala’s famous houseboats. Originally converted from rice barges, these vessels are the perfect way to explore the narrow backwaters and give you an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of local life and the importance of the waterways. All business is conducted by boat. Shopping and taxi rides, the school run and daily delivery of post, the transportation of everything from coconuts to buffalos. This evening your houseboat will be anchored in a quiet spot. The crew will take care of you and your cook will prepare simple traditional Indian cuisine.
- The islands of Kumarakom - 9
Say goodbye to your crew and travel to Kumarakom. This enchanting settlement nestles in the backwaters. Paddy fields and coconut groves punctuate the landscape and the waterways teem with marine life.
- A display of martial arts - 9
Kalaripayattu is one of the world’s oldest martial arts; it evolved in North Kerala and is based on the science of yoga and Ayurveda. Watch a display of graceful moves this evening.
- Traditional crafts - 10
Explore backwater villages, meet the locals and learn about their work. Visit coffee and cashew nut plantations and stroll in spice gardens.
- Festival at the temple - 10
A visit to the temple will give you a unique insight into a typical Hindu festival. Worshippers leave offerings of rice, fruit and flowers and the heady scent of incense fills the air.
- Mumbai/Travelling - 11 to 12
Fly to Mumbai. There will be an orientation tour of this vast, bustling city now famed as the home of Bollywood. Courtesy rooms will be available at a hotel before dinner and the flight back to the UK arriving on Day 12.
