Welcome to Kochi, the most fascinating city of Kerala. On arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be met by a rep and the other travellers before being transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Kochi is the magnificent entry to Kerala and has been featured in National Geographic Travellers “50 greatest places of a lifetime.” Spread over several islands and historically rich in culture with booming industries, the city is a fantastic beginning to exploring the vivacious diversity of Kerala. 

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Unlock Kochi’s history by embarking on a morning sightseeing tour that will take you and the group into the heart of this great city. The Dutch, British, French and Portuguese have all left their outstanding imprint with beautiful architecture. You will visit Fort Cochin, which has been a cherished sea port for centuries, Vasco Da Gama Square and Santa Cruz Basilica. Continue to St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest European church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars.  Vasco da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon. Proceed to the VOC Gate, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and marvel at Mattancherry Palace’s murals depicting the Ramayana and Puranic legends. 

Intriguingly, the only traces of China’s influence are the gigantic nets, ‘cheenavalas’ from 1350. According to Diplomat Ma Haun, “The fishermen are tourist-friendly and will happily let you join them.” And his observation still rings true today. You and the group will learn about their very unusual fishing method, operated from the shore. In the afternoon, experience your very own pièce de résistance with a cooking class from a renowned local TV personality. At lunch, enjoy the flavours of Keralite cooking. Return to the hotel. 

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Check out after a hearty breakfast and drive to Munnar over rugged hills, rolling oceans of tubby green tea bushes, through luscious grasslands, before passing the Pallivasal tea estates. This will be your first glimpse of Munnar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

At a height of 1,500 metre, set amidst mountains once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar is a bustling hub of tea plantations.  Prepare to be captivated by its dense carpet of tea, sprinkled with Acacias and Red Gum trees, and delighted by its freshly brewed cuppas. 

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

Continue with a full day sightseeing of Munnar, watching the mountain goats in the Rajamalai Wild Life Sanctuary. Then head to the the Kannan Devan Hills, the perfect getaway with panoramic views of the Munnar Tea Estates and the lake. After lunch you will proceed to Mattupetty, with the rare chance of seeing a herd of wild elephants on the way to Mattupetty Dam. Next up is the Tea Museum’s photographs and machinery during the revolution of the industry, which includes the original tea roller, the ‘Rotovane,’ and the ‘Pelton Wheel’. Return to the hotel. 

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

Along the way you will also explore Thekkady. After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the spice capital and check into your next hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure. Feel free to walk through the spice market in the Kumily Village. Make sure you leave room in your suitcase for the finest cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace!

First up is the Kathakali, a mixture of art, music, dance and drama, with majestic costumes, elaborate makeup, and mythological stories. Kalaripayattu is the oldest form of martial arts, with elaborate movements and the sounds of slashing swords. Return to the hotel. 

OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY

After breakfast, spend a morning at leisure. In the late afternoon, board the wildlife viewing boat cruise at the scenic Periyar Tiger Reserve. Amidst the hazy mountains of the Silent Valley, lies Thekkady, the opening to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a place where congestions are caused only by elephant crossings. Catch rare sightings of tigers playing under smouldering sun sets or watch kingfishers fluttering along the rivers. The sanctuary is an open-air collection of natural bio diversity and endangered wildlife. Return to the hotel. 

OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY

Your journey continues by crossing the captivating backwaters by traditional houseboat accompanied by like-minded explorers. Travelling in a group is a great way to discover Kerala with people you'd otherwise never meet.

After breakfast, depart for Alleppey. Set out in style on an enchanting one night cruise. While lounging in these floating villas, you will feel like invaders of the backwaters, with the vibrant sights of Kerala skimming by. Look out for the huge Chinese fishing nets, paddy fields, and locals making coir products, rustic buildings, ancient temples and dense coconut trees. Local fish plucked from the backwaters, grilled in spices and lemon will be served on board.

OVERNIGHT ON THE HOUSEBOAT

After breakfast check out from the houseboat and drive to Poovar. Poovar is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land. Poovar is unspoilt and unexplored, envoloped by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach. It is basically a fishing village and the only way to reach Poovar is through water. Known for its pristine and virginal beauty, Poovar Beach is haunted by those who love solitude. It is truly a window into paradise.

On the way to Poovar you will visit two major beaches in Kovalam-- Hawa beach and Samudra Beach.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

Breakfast is at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. End your holiday on this wonderful paradise by treating yourself to an Ayurvedic Massage where the body is revived and the soul replenished. Please book your slot.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

Breakfast is at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. Later board a traditional sunset boat and spend the afternoon cruising through the mangroves of Poovar Island. Relax and enjoy the passing landscapes, spotting the golden beach of Poovar Island, floating restaurants and then continue to the canals and backwaters. 

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. A beautiful souvenir is the perfect way to end such a magical holiday. Take home a silk sari or handmade version, its motif conveying Kerala’s everlasting memories. 

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