From the Cochin airport we drive you to the city. The vibrant city of Kerala, Cochin is situated on the south-west coast with a bustling commercial port. Bordered by the Western Ghats on the east and Arabian Sea in the west, Cochin has been a significant trading zone and attractive tourist destination since time immemorial. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the tag ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. The British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch have all come to its shores in search of exotic spices and sandalwood and have left indelible marks in its history and development. Check-in at your pre-booked hotel.

Afternoon we drive to Fort Cochin to explore its quaint bylanes. Must-see attractions are the Dutch Palace which was actually built by the Portuguese and presented to the then ruler of Cochin; the Jewish Synagogue is more than a 100 years old and houses many rare antiques; the St. Francis Church is the oldest European church in India..visit the Spice market which is also the centre of spice trade. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought by the Chinese traders.

Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) – open 1000 – 1700 hrs (closed on Fridays)

Jewish Synagogue – open 1000 – 1200 hrs; 1500 – 1700 hrs (closed on Saturdays& Jewish holidays), visitors need to be modestly dressed.

St. Francis Church – open 0930 – 1700 hrs, Sundays – open 1130 – 1700 hrs

After breakfast we drive up to the hills in Munnar located on the Western Ghat mountain ranges. A hill station and favourite summer getaway of the British rulers, Munnar is set within rolling hills dotted with tea plantations. South India’s largest tea-growing region, Munnar is 1600 m above sea level, carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations, contoured, clipped and sculpted like ornamental hedges. Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr, is the most sought after destination in Munnar. Check-in at your pre-booked hotel and at leisure.

After breakfast we head to Eravikulam National Park, where the endangered Nilgiri Thar is protected. Spread over 97 sq. km., this park holds the largest viable population of Tahr, birds and butterflies. Later visit Tea Museum (closed on Mondays) which houses curious photographs and machineries, each depicting momentous that contributed to the growth of tea industry in this region.

Eravikulam National Park is closed for 45 days every year at the time of calving of Nilgiri Tahr which is usually between February and April.

Tea Museum is closed on Mondays.

After breakfast we leave for Thekkady (Periyar), known for its dense evergreen forest and spice plantations. Snuggles in the Western Ghats, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the world’s richest bio-diversity spots. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 sq. km. is surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 sq. km. The country’s sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora & fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Check-in at your pre-booked hotel. The wilderness and evergreen forests of Thekkady has always been a fascination for nature lovers. Afternoon we set about to  explore the surrounding..do remember to carry a zoom camera, binocular….enjoy a boat cruise on the Periyar lake, spot a sambar deer, bison or elephant in their natural habitat…evening visit the nearby spice plantations – with a variety of spice cultivations these farms are an interesting place to visit and understand.

Chances of sighting elephants or other wild animals during boat safari is a matter of luck and it is not certain. Boat cruise duration is 1 ½ hrs. Spice tour duration is 45 min

After breakfast we drive to a town named Kumarakom on the banks of the mighty lake, Vembanad. A beautiful destination of mangroves forest, green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways, Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands. The Vembanad lake with its majestic canals, streams and tributaries along its banks, weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. Nature is at its best at this ecologically rich location. The bird sanctuary here is an ornithologist’s paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Enjoy afternoon leisurely….

Breakfast. Morning at leisure or free to explore the resort and its vicinity. By noon embark on a Houseboat for an overnight cruise through the palm fringed lakes & lagoons. Stay in houseboat on the backwaters probably would be one of the fondest memories of your trip. Watch the Paddy fields, village folk; relax on board hearing lullaby of the wind & waves. This mysterious strip of emerald green land is stuffed with endless miles of placid backwaters that appends to its charm. Delight in the typical Kerala food made right there on the boat.

Houseboat

Check-in 1230 hrs check-out 0900 hrs; cruise is till 1800 hrs and boat will remain stationary during the night (boat will anchor in a safe place by the side of the lake). Air con will function from 2100 hrs to 0600 hrs, next day. Food is prepared in the boat itself, hence meals are on fixed menu.

After breakfast disembark at Alleppey and we proceed to Kovalam. On the way we stop at Trivandrum for lunch, post lunch we go on a sightseeing tour to explore the city. A beautiful and calm seaside city, the land mark is the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple around which the city is built on seven low hills. A long shoreline with internationally renowned beach, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage makes this district a much sought-after tourist destination. Must-see attractions are ‘Napier Museum’, ‘Sree Chithra Art Gallery’, ‘Kuthiramalike Palace’ and ‘Padmanabhaswamy Temple’ (outside visit). We will reach Kovalam by evening…

The palm-fringed beach of Kovalam is one of the most famous beaches in India. The boundless blue waters of Arabian Sea and miles of white sand washed away by surf make this beach a paradise come true. This seaside destination comprises of two coves – Lighthouse Beach & Hawah Beach, separated by rocky headlands. The main stretch, Lighthouse beach is touristy with hotels and restaurants built up along the shore and a host of shops and shacks dotting the beach. A charming village in its yesteryears, Kovalam today has all the trappings of a popular beach destination. Check-in at your pre-booked hotel.

With endless miles of sand beaches and swaying palms, all you need to do here is relax and unwind. Enjoy a leisurely morning out on your personal verandah, reading your favourite book over a sip of tea..after a sumptuous breakfast you can simply laze on the silver beach, soak in the sun, listen to the sound of the waves and watch the swaying of the palms…luxuriate in an ayurveda massage later the day (on direct payment).

A leisurely morning by the beach. After breakfast we drive you back to the airport.

Kuthiramalike (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum – open 0830 – 1300 hrs, 1500 – 1700 hrs (closed on Mondays).

The Napier Museum – open 1000 – 1645 hrs (closed on Mondays, Wednesday forenoons)

Sree Chithra Art Gallery – open 1000 – 1645 hrs (closed on Mondays, Wednesday forenoons)