Introduction

Uncover the delights of tropical Kerala in India's deep south. Visit historic Fort Kochi, the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations and spend a night aboard a houseboat, gliding along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters.



Pricing Details
Trip Highlight
  • Kochi - Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, St Francis’ Church and Chinese fishing nets
    Chinese fishing nets
  • Spice plantation
    Spice plantation
  • Lake Vembanad - one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes
    Lake Vembanad
  • Kathakali dance performance
    Kathakali dance performance
  • Munnar Hill Station and tea plantations
    Tea Plantations
  • Cruising the palm-fringed backwaters on a houseboat
    houseboat

Day 1

Kochi

Welcome to India. You'll be met at Kochi airport and transferred to your hotel. Long famed in the history books, Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) offered refuge to Jews more than 2,500 years ago. The Portuguese founded the first European colony in Kochi in the 16th century, then the Dutch quickly followed and eventually, the British. The cosmopolitan mix of cultures makes the city truly fascinating. This evening we watch a Kathakali performance. Kathakali is the fascinating traditional dance form of Kerala.
(No Meals)

Stay (Option 01): Holiday Inn Cochin Stay (Option 02): Crowne Plaza Kochi Kochi
Kochi International Airport
Kochi
Kochi International Airport

Day 2

Kochi - Munnar

On the morning of day 2 we enjoy a guided tour of historic Fort Kochi. We see the elegant Chinese Fishing Nets and explore the winding streets of the old town, visiting St Francis’ Church, Jewish Synagogue (exterior only) and a Dutch Palace. After our sightseeing in Kochi we drive east to Munnar - a picturesque hill station nestled on the verdant slopes of tea plantations.

(Breakfast, Dinner)
Stay (Option 01): Mountain Club Resort Stay (Option 02): Blackberry Hills Kochi Munnar
Chinese Fishing Nets
Kochi
Chinese Fishing Nets

Day 3

Munnar

On day 3 we'll take a stroll through one of the many tea plantations with our guide, who will give us a brief explanation about the different varieties of tea and how they are processed. Then we'll visit a local market before heading back to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your own leisure.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Stay (Option 01): Mountain Club Resort Stay (Option 02): Blackberry Hills Munnar
Tea Plantations
Munnar
Tea Plantations
"Amazing Facts
Other than Rice, "coconut" can be considered as the staple diet in Kerala. The widespread availability of coconut also means that you get to experience it in your food, your drink and your hair. In fact the state of Kerala, gets its name from the word "Kera" which means Coconut in the native language!!

Day 4

Munnar - Alleppey backwaters

Early this morning we set off on a scenic 4 - 5 hour drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival we board a simply furnished private rice-boat for a journey through the lush backwaters. Our rice-boat takes us sedately along the enchanting palm-fringed backwaters, covering a distance of some 20 kms, during which time the boat glides past local villages and fascinating scenes of everyday rural life. Watch a beautiful sunset over the backwaters and enjoy tasty meals (starting with lunch) prepared by the on board chef using fresh local produce.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stay (Option 01): Cosy Houseboat Stay (Option 02): Cosy Houseboat Alleppey
Sunset at Alleppey Backwaters
Alleppey
Sunset at Alleppey Backwaters

Day 5

Alleppey backwaters - Kumarakom

Kerala Backwaters - Kumarakom. After breakfast on day 5 we disembark the houseboat at Kumarakom. Perched sleepily amongst a tangle of lush tropical waterways known as the Kerala backwaters, Kumarakom is technically a cluster of islands on Lake Vembanad - one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. This is an ideal place to relax for the next two days and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There is also a wonderful bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres, which is a favoured haunt of migratory birds and certainly worthy of a visit.
(Breakfast)
Stay (Option 01): Abad Whispering Palms Stay (Option 02): The Zuri Kumarakom Kumarakom
Houseboat
Kumarakom
Houseboat
St John The Baptist Church Kumarakom
Kumarakom
St John The Baptist Church Kumarakom

Day 7

Kumarakom - Kochi

Today marks the end of our memorable journey. After breakfast we travel back to Kochi and included transfer to the airport. Please note: flights from Kochi should depart after 2pm.
(Breakfast)
Kochi
Kochi International Airport
Kochi
Kochi International Airport
image