Highlights of Kerala

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Kochi (Cochin) (N)

Day 2: Kochi

Arrive and transfer to the Eighth Bastion (or similar) for 2 nights. Remainder of the day is at leisure. (N)

Day 3: 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)

Day 4: Munnar

Travel to Munnar and stay 2 nights at the Windermere Estate in the hill country. (B,D)

Day 5: Munnar

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

Day 6: 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 Spice Village (or similar). (B)

Day 7: Thekkady Periyar

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 flora and fauna of this verdant region. (B)

Day 8: The backwaters

Drive to the backwater region of Kerala this morning. The backwaters are home to a variety of species of fauna and flora. Stay 2 nights at the Coconut Lagoon (or similar). (B)

Day 9: The backwaters

Morning at leisure. Afternoon backwaters cruise in a traditionalshikara 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)

Day 10: 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 of Kerala’s backwaters. At around 5pm, 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)

Days 11-13: Mararikulam

Located between Kochi and Alleppey, Mararikulamis 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, which offers comfortable accommodation in 62 individual cottages and deluxe pool villas. Marari Beach Resort is around 1.5 hours from Kochi airport and the backwaters. (B)

Day 14: Fly to home (B)