Highlights of Kerala

Fly to Kochi (Cochin)

Flight from the UK to Kochi. (N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals

Kochi

Arrive in Kochi, a vibrant city that blends rich colonial history, scenic backwaters, and bustling spice markets. Transfer to the Eighth Bastion for 2 nights. Remainder of the day is at leisure. (N)

Kochi

Visit some of the highlights of this enchanting port, taking in the architectural styles that reveal Arab, Jewish and European influences. View the remarkable, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, explore the 16th-century Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, the Church of St Francis and the oldest active Jewish synagogue in the world. Later, visit the Kathakali dance studio. The striking feature of this dance is the elaborate face make-up and costumes. (B)

Munnar

Travel to Munnar, a picturesque hill station renowned for its lush tea plantations, and stay 2 nights at the Windermere Estate in the hill country. (B, D)

Munnar

Embark on a guided walk through Windermere Estate, allowing you to experience the impressive mountain scenery and the extraordinary flora and fauna that this region has to offer. The walk is 4-km long and the average duration is around two hours. (B, D)

Thekkady

Morning drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady. The region is home to moist deciduous forests and marshy grasslands, offering excellent opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife as well tropical plant life. Stay 2 nights in the Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa. (B)

Thekkady • Periyar National Park

For centuries, Kerala has grown and exported spices around the world. In the morning, take a walking tour of a plantation to learn about the cultivation, growth and processing of spices. This afternoon head to the Periyar National Park and take a walk with a forest guide to discover the plant and animal life of this verdant region. (B)

The backwaters

Drive to the backwater region of Kerala this morning. The backwaters a network of serene, winding waterways bordered by lush landscapes. Stay 2 nights at the Coconut Lagoon. (B)

The backwaters

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon embark on a backwaters cruise in a traditional shikara boat through narrow canals. This cruise explores these picturesque waterways, passing boats carrying loads of coir, copra and cashews and, along the water’s edge, numerous churches and marketplaces. (B)

Overnight on a houseboat

Board a private kettuvallam, a traditional Keralan houseboat. The network of canals, lakes and estuaries that make up the backwaters is formed by the 40-odd rivers that flow down to the Arabian Sea from the Cardamom Hills. A traditional lunch will be prepared on board by one of the boatmen. In the afternoon, relax on board as the boat meanders through the canals and waterways. In the late afternoon, the boat will be anchored for the night. Boats cannot cruise after this time as this is when the fishermen take their nets to the water to begin their night’s fishing. In the evening, authentic Keralan cuisine will be served on board the boat. (B, L, D)

Mararikulam

Located between Kochi and Alleppey, Mararikulam is one of the picturesque fishing villages that dot the coastline. The main attractions are the local culture, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the extensive sandy beaches. Stay 3 nights at the Marari Beach Resort. (B)

Mararikulam

Spend the day at leisure, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings of Mararikulam. You can relax on the pristine beaches, explore the local village, or indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatment (paid locally). (B)

Mararikulam

A further day at leisure on beautiful Marari Beach. (B)

Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals