Today, we’ll delve into Kochi's rich and diverse history with a guided tour by boat and on foot. Our first stop is the Mattancherry Palace, originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. After extensive renovations by the Dutch centuries later, it became known as the Dutch Palace. The palace is home to some of the finest murals in India, illustrating scenes from the Ramayana. We’ll also visit the historic Jewish town synagogue and admire the iconic cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets lining the harbor.

In the early evening, we’ll experience a traditional Kathakali performance. This captivating art form blends dance, mime, ballet, and opera to depict stories from ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Kathakali performances require years of training to master, and the distinctive eye movements, facial expressions, and dramatic makeup make it a truly unforgettable cultural experience.

This morning, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a journey of around five hours through lush tea and spice plantations. Kerala has been famous for its spices for over 2,000 years, and the coast was frequently visited by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese traders. ‘Black gold’—pepper—became highly prized and was exported to Europe by Arab and Jewish traders, who in turn brought copper, brass, and gold coins to Kerala. This trading link also introduced Christianity and Islam to the region, making Kerala the first place in India to embrace both religions.

Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats mountain range, was once a resort for the British Raj. Today, it remains a peaceful town surrounded by verdant tropical forests and meticulously maintained tea plantations. After arrival, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Munnar at your own pace.

Today, we'll begin with a visit to the Tea Museum, where we’ll discover the fascinating process of tea production. Traditionally, women are the ones who pick the tea leaves, their vibrant clothing creating a striking contrast against the lush greenery of the plantations.

After exploring the museum, we’ll embark on a four-hour drive to Thekkady, a region renowned for its spice plantations. Upon arrival, we'll take a scenic nature walk through the countryside and visit a spice garden to learn about the various spices grown in the area.

This morning, we’ll travel through rubber plantations and spice gardens on our way to Periyar National Park, near the border of Tamil Nadu. Although Periyar is one of India’s 16 tiger reserves, it's more famous for its elephant population. The park spans 777 sq km, but with only 40 tigers, sightings are rare as these solitary creatures are elusive.

We’ll set off on a nature walk in search of other wildlife such as wild boar, giant Malabar squirrels, porcupines, and flying squirrels. The park boasts diverse habitats, from open grasslands to tropical forests, where towering trees up to 40 meters high create a canopy that blocks out the sun, allowing ferns, orchids, and air plants to thrive.

After leaving the park, we’ll head back to the coast for our homestay in a small village. We’ll stay with local families for the next two nights, and your tour leader will introduce you to the area's customs and traditions. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Kerala’s way of life firsthand and enjoy some delicious home-cooked meals, including spicy coconut curry.

The accommodation will be in traditional Kerala-style rooms, shared on a twin basis. Most rooms have attached bathrooms, though some may have private bathrooms located in the corridor. Bathrooms are basic, featuring a toilet and shower, and hot water can be limited at times. Bedding and towels are provided for your comfort.

Today is a free day to immerse yourself in village life and connect with our host families. You can take a leisurely walk through the surrounding villages, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, or simply relax and unwind. For those interested in exploring the local culture further, there will be an opportunity to join a cooking lesson, where you can learn how to prepare traditional Kerala dishes and get a deeper understanding of the region's rich culinary heritage.

This morning, we'll embark on a journey through Kerala's iconic backwaters aboard a traditional, simple houseboat. As we set a relaxed pace, we’ll drift past riverside village life, observing locals tending to their animals and cultivating vegetables on narrow strips of land. We’ll also pass vibrant gardens, bursting with colorful flowers that stand out against the lush tropical greenery.

After exploring the network of waterways, we’ll moor alongside other houseboats for the night. This will allow us to connect to an electricity point and enjoy the comfort of air conditioning. The houseboats offer basic, en-suite twin rooms, providing a unique and immersive experience of spending a night on Kerala's famous backwaters.

After a busy week exploring Kerala, today is yours to either discover more of Kochi or simply relax before your journey home. You can wander through the city's vibrant streets, visit any sights you may have missed, or enjoy some leisure time to unwind and reflect on your experiences.

Our Kerala tour concludes today at our hotel in Kochi. 

There are no planned activities, so you’re free to depart at your convenience. If your flight is later in the day, you can store your luggage at the hotel. For those needing a transfer, you’ll depart from Cochin International Airport (COK), which is easily accessible from the hotel. Safe travels!