Welcome to Cochin (Kochi), a fascinating introduction to Kerala's history and culture. On arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel.

After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you time to relax after your journey or explore the local surroundings independently. No sightseeing or activities are included for the remainder of the day.

Overnight: At the hotel

Begin your day with a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin, discovering the city's distinctive history and cultural heritage. Explore Fort Cochin and visit some of the area's notable landmarks, including Santa Cruz Basilica and St. Francis Church, subject to local opening arrangements and access at the time of your visit.

Continue to the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), known for its historic interiors and murals, and the Jewish Synagogue in the historic Jew Town area. You will also see Cochin's famous Chinese fishing nets and learn about this traditional fishing method. Visits and access to individual sites are subject to their opening hours and local arrangements.

Later, enjoy a Kerala culinary experience hosted by a local cook or chef, providing an introduction to regional ingredients, flavours and traditional cooking methods. The experience may include a combination of explanation, demonstration and opportunities for participation; the format and level of hands-on involvement can vary depending on the dishes being prepared and the arrangements of the host. Some ingredients or elements of the meal may be prepared in advance. Following the experience, enjoy the meal provided as part of the activity.

Overnight: At the hotel

After breakfast, leave Cochin and travel by road to Munnar, one of Kerala's best-known hill stations. As you journey into the Western Ghats, the scenery gradually changes from the lowlands to rolling hills, valleys and the tea-growing landscapes for which Munnar is renowned.

On arrival in Munnar, check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the surroundings. No sightseeing or activities are included for the remainder of the day.

Overnight: At the hotel

Begin your exploration of Munnar with a visit to the Rajamalai area of Eravikulam National Park, renowned for its mountain scenery and as an important habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy the surrounding landscapes and the opportunity to observe local wildlife in its natural environment. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and visits are subject to park opening, seasonal closures, weather conditions and local access arrangements.

Continue through the Kannan Devan Hills, enjoying views of the rolling landscapes and tea-growing countryside along the route. Later, visit Mattupetty Dam, set among hills and forested surroundings, with time to appreciate the scenery. Wildlife may occasionally be seen in the wider area, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Overnight: At the hotel

After breakfast, leave Munnar and travel by road to Thekkady, a region known for its spice-growing traditions and natural surroundings. On arrival, check in to your hotel.

Later, enjoy time in Kumily, where local shops and markets offer a variety of spices and regional products. There will be an opportunity to browse and make purchases independently if you wish. Any purchases are at your own expense and are not included as part of the tour.

In the evening, attend a Kathakali cultural performance, showcasing Kerala's distinctive traditions of storytelling, expressive movement, costumes and music. This is followed by a Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, offering an introduction to this traditional martial art associated with Kerala. Performance content, duration and venue arrangements may vary according to local schedules and operational arrangements.

Overnight: At the hotel

Begin your day with a guided nature walk in the Periyar area, following designated trails through the surrounding natural landscape. Accompanied by a local guide, the walk offers an opportunity to learn about the area's flora, fauna and ecosystem, with the possibility of seeing birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The route and duration may vary according to local, weather and operational conditions, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Continue with a visit to a spice plantation, where you will learn about the cultivation and use of spices associated with Kerala, which may include cardamom, cinnamon, pepper and other locally grown varieties. The spices seen and plantation experience may vary according to season and local growing conditions.

Later, enjoy a boat cruise on Periyar Lake, offering views of the surrounding forest and landscape from the water. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, and there may be opportunities to observe animals and birdlife from the boat. Wildlife is encountered in its natural environment and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The cruise is subject to local availability, weather, water conditions and operational arrangements.

Overnight: At the hotel

After breakfast, leave Thekkady and travel by road towards Alleppey (Alappuzha), renowned for its network of backwaters, canals and waterways. En route, travel through Kuttikanam and the surrounding hill landscapes before continuing towards the Kerala lowlands.

On arrival in Alleppey, board a traditional-style Kerala houseboat for an overnight journey through the backwaters. Cruise along waterways surrounded by coconut palms, paddy fields and local communities, offering a glimpse of everyday life along Kerala's waterways. The exact cruising route and duration are determined locally and may vary according to water levels, weather, navigation restrictions and operational conditions.

Meals will be prepared and served on board as specified in your itinerary, featuring local Kerala-style dishes. Houseboats generally cruise during permitted daytime hours and remain moored overnight in accordance with local regulations and operational arrangements.

Overnight: On board the houseboat

After breakfast on board and disembarking from your houseboat, travel by road from Alleppey to Poovar, a peaceful coastal destination where backwaters, waterways and the Arabian Sea come together.

On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may choose to relax at the hotel, explore the local surroundings independently or arrange an Ayurvedic treatment or massage where available. Any treatments, activities or other services arranged during your leisure time are optional, payable locally and are not included in the tour price.

Beach and water access in the Poovar area can vary according to the location of your accommodation, tides, weather, sea conditions and local arrangements.

Overnight: At the hotel

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Poovar, giving you the flexibility to spend the day as you wish. You may choose to relax at your hotel, explore the local surroundings independently or simply enjoy the peaceful coastal setting.

Any sightseeing, activities, spa or Ayurvedic treatments, meals or transportation arranged during your leisure time are optional, subject to availability and payable locally unless specifically stated otherwise. Beach and water access, including swimming conditions, can vary according to the location of your accommodation, tides, weather, sea conditions and local arrangements.

Overnight: At the hotel

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) International Airport for your return flight, bringing your journey through Kerala to an end.

Depending on your confirmed flight time and transfer arrangements, there may be some free time before departure. Any shopping or activities undertaken during this time are independent, at your own expense and subject to the time available; no sightseeing or shopping stop is included unless specifically stated in your itinerary.

Depart Kerala with memories of a varied journey through Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey and Poovar, combining cultural heritage, hill landscapes, nature, backwaters and the coast.