On arrival in Cochin, we transfer to the Hotel for our first two nights in India. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Manager and fellow travellers to learn more of our forthcoming travels.

Cochin, the colourful port city of Kerala, has been drawing travellers to its shores for over 600 years. We journey first to Mattancherry Palace, also known as the ‘Dutch Palace’, to admire its exquisite murals. Continue to enchanting Fort Cochin, where Chinese fishing nets line the shore and whose narrow lanes filled with colonial architecture are a delight to explore. This evening, experience a 2,000-year-old traditional Kathakali dance performance.

This morning, we set off on a picturesque journey to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend two nights at the hotel, a charming eco-resort nestled within a spice garden, offering stunning views of the serene Periyar highlands. This evening, experience the captivating art of Kalaripayattu, the oldest and most ancient form of Indian martial arts.

After breakfast, we visit a spice plantation to uncover the intriguing history and secrets of India's tea and spice industry. Later, embark on a peaceful cruise on Periyar Lake (water levels permitting) through the picturesque Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Along the way, admire the vibrant birdlife and diverse wildlife, including elephants and sambars, thriving in the lush surrounding forests.

We bid farewell to Periyar and travel to Madurai, a vibrant and historic city on the banks of the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu. Spend two nights at the hotel, conveniently located near the stunning Meenakshi Temple and the heart of Madurai. After a relaxing afternoon at leisure, immerse yourself in the enchanting "Going to Bed Ceremony" at the renowned Meenakshi Temple this evening.

Our morning begins with a guided tour of Madurai’s Old City, featuring the magnificent Meenakshi Temple. Admire its intricately decorated façade, colonnades, shrines, and towering gateways, known as Gopurams. Experience the temple's vibrant ceremonies, devotions, and bustling markets within its grounds. Next, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a stunning 17th-century palace built in 1636 AD by King Tirumala Nayaka. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride to Madurai’s local market and wander through the charming, narrow streets of this captivating city. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure—continue exploring Madurai or unwind by the hotel pool.

Leaving Madurai behind, we embark on a breathtaking drive into the Western Ghats mountain range. Located in Kerala, our destination is Munnar, a charming town perched 5,200 feet above sea level and renowned as South India’s largest tea-growing region. Settle in for a two-night stay at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and soak in the serene and picturesque surroundings of your accommodation.

This morning, we explore a tea plantation and factory to witness the fascinating tea-making process, including the stages of segregation, drying, and threshing. Later, we visit the Tata Tea Museum, which showcases vintage machinery and photographic records, highlighting the significant role the tea industry has played in shaping this enchanting region.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Munnar and descend to the lowlands, heading toward the serene backwater canals of Kerala. At Alleppey Jetty, we embark on one of the tour’s unforgettable highlights: a cruise aboard a traditional thatch-roofed ‘kettuvallam’ houseboat. Spend a leisurely day gliding through a maze of canals, waterways, coconut groves, rice paddies, hidden temples, and quaint islands. Enjoy the unique experience of spending the night on board, savoring lunch and dinner while soaking in the tranquil beauty of Kerala's backwaters. This once-in-a-lifetime journey promises memories to cherish for years to come.

We wake to the serene stillness of Kerala's backwaters and enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarking to continue our journey to the hotel. This afternoon is free for you to explore the new surroundings at your own pace. Before dinner, unwind with a tranquil cruise on a beautifully restored kettuvallam, sailing to the heart of Lake Vembanad to witness the mesmerizing sunset.

Ayurveda, meaning "the science of life," originated in India over 5,000 years ago and is among the world's oldest holistic healing systems. Still widely practiced in India today, we will have the opportunity to experience an Ayurvedic rejuvenation body massage at the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish—explore more of Kumarakom or simply relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of our hotel.

The day is free for you to relax and enjoy until we head to Cochin Airport in the afternoon for our overnight international flights.

Welcome back home.