Meet & Greet: Welcome to India! Upon arrival in Kochi, a local representative will greet you and introduce you to your private driver, who will escort you to your hotel in Fort Kochi. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours.

Time to Relax: After checking in, you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure to unwind after your long flight. The charming streets of Fort Kochi are just a short walk away if you wish to explore on your own.

Guided Tour of Kochi: After breakfast, embark on a guided exploration of Kochi. Begin at Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555 for the Maharaja of Kochi and later renovated by the Dutch, earning the name Dutch Palace. The palace features a spacious central courtyard and a temple with depictions from the Ramayana and other legends. The small museum inside displays royal costumes, palanquins, and other historical artifacts.

Adjacent to the palace is the Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568. This modest building boasts rich interiors, including clusters of colorful glass lamps and a floor adorned with blue willow-patterned tiles, each unique. The surrounding area, known as 'Jew Town', although less vibrant than in its heyday, remains an important spice trade hub. The air is filled with the aroma of the finest spices such as ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric, and pepper, commonly referred to as 'black gold'.

Next, visit St. Francis Church, built in 1503 at Fort Kochi, one of the oldest churches in the subcontinent. Originally constructed by the Portuguese, it became a Protestant church with the Dutch arrival and later an Anglican church under British rule. The churchyard is the final resting place of Vasco da Gama, a key figure in the spice trade. Afterward, take a short walk to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the shoreline, then return to your hotel to relax.

Afternoon at Leisure: In the afternoon, enjoy free time to unwind at the hotel or explore Fort Kochi at your own pace. If interested, your guide can arrange an evening to witness Kerala's renowned Kathakali Dance Drama.

Road Journey from Kochi to Munnar: After a relaxed breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Munnar, a scenic 3–4 hour journey. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your peaceful hilltop hotel. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and familiarize yourself with the surroundings, perhaps enjoying a leisurely stroll through the nearby plantations.

Walk in the Letchmi Hills: This morning, you’ll embark on a day-long trek into the Letchmi Hills. The journey begins with a drive to a starting point situated at around 1,420 meters above sea level. From there, you'll walk through tea plantations for about 30 to 40 minutes before reaching a hilltop rest stop. The trek then continues along the ridge of the hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Over the next 2–3 hours, you'll traverse grasslands and rocky slopes on one side, with tea plantations on the other, all while enjoying views of the Shola forest and, in the distance, the towering Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India. Return to the lodge in the early afternoon to relax and unwind after the hike.

Road Journey to Dewalokam Homestay: In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and descend from the hills on a scenic drive to the Dewalokam homestay. The journey will take about 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, check in to your homestay and take in the beauty of the lush surroundings.

Day at Leisure: Today, enjoy a full day at your leisure to unwind and take in the lush surroundings. The homestay offers a variety of activities, including walks through the nearby forest or villages. The area is also great for birdwatching and butterfly spotting. For a unique experience, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in a cooking demonstration to learn more about Kerala’s vibrant cuisine.

Road Journey to the Vembanad Backwaters: In the morning, you will be greeted at your hotel and begin your journey to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala's famous backwaters. The drive will take approximately 3 hours.

Cruise through the Backwaters of Kerala: Upon arrival, board your houseboat for a scenic cruise through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters. After about an hour, a delicious local lunch will be served on board. Following lunch, continue your leisurely journey through a network of serene water canals, passing vibrant hamlets and lush paddy fields. The peaceful surroundings make this a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the calm atmosphere. Later in the afternoon, you may transfer to a smaller rowboat, which will navigate the narrow, winding canals that larger boats cannot access. This provides a deeper exploration of the lush landscape and a closer look at rural life as you glide through quiet villages.

After returning to the houseboat, enjoy another hour or so of cruising. As the day winds down, your boat will moor at the water’s edge for the night. Dinner will be served on board, and the evening is yours to relax and enjoy the serene environment.

Please note: All Kerala houseboats are required to dock at night to avoid disrupting local fishing practices. As night falls, you’ll find yourself in a peaceful rural setting surrounded by tropical nature. Be mindful of midges and mosquitoes attracted to the boat’s lights, so we recommend retiring early to your air-conditioned cabin for comfort.

Accommodation: Stay aboard a Private Houseboat (1-Cabin Deluxe Houseboat) for the night. These deluxe houseboats combine traditional Kerala design with modern amenities. Rooms feature ensuite bathrooms and large windows, offering stunning views of the backwaters. The front of the boat opens into a semi-outdoor lounge area, while the cooled dining area serves hearty local cuisine. The boat is privately staffed, ensuring a personalized experience.

Morning Backwaters Cruise: Start your day early with another hour of peaceful cruising, making your way back to the dock in Alleppey. Breakfast will be served on board, with the boat staff offering a choice of local or international options, which you can discuss the evening before. You’ll arrive in Alleppey around 9:30 am to disembark.

Transfer from Alleppey to Your Homestay: Upon reaching the jetty in Alleppey, you will be met by your driver-guide, who will transfer you to your homestay near Vembanad Lake. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes. Once at your homestay, the rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy at leisure.

Day at Leisure: Today, you have the entire day to relax and immerse yourself in your beautiful surroundings. The homestay offers a variety of activities, including walks and tours through nearby villages, farms, and markets. You can explore these on foot or by bike, with your hosts happy to assist in planning your day. For a unique experience, you can watch a demonstration of toddy tapping, where palm wine is drawn from the surrounding trees—and perhaps even try it yourself! We also highly recommend joining your hosts for a cooking demonstration, if available, for a wonderful opportunity to learn about local cuisine and take home some new culinary skills.

Road Journey to Marari: After a relaxed morning, you will check out from your homestay and meet your driver-guide for the journey to Marari. The drive will take approximately 45 minutes. Upon arrival at the beach, you will check in to your accommodation and have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure.

Day at Leisure: Today is yours to unwind at the hotel and reflect on your journey. The hotel offers a variety of activities that can be arranged locally, along with a range of facilities designed for your relaxation.

Road Journey from Marari to Kochi: Early this morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Kochi. The journey will take approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight check-in.