Welcome to India! Upon arrival in Cochin a travel-to-nature Asia guide/representative will be at the airport to greet and take us to our hotel. Please look out for your name-card once you exit out of arrival area.

Day to relax after long flight. Evening visit a traditional Kathakali Theatre to watch a live performance. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Cochin the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. A root-conscious people of Kerala have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.

Accommodation: The Tower House – 17th Century

Morning, after breakfast, we proceed for a village backwater cruise with lunch.

In the afternoon we will come back to Cochin for sightseeing. This tour will be a combination of a Tuk-tuk ride and a short walking tour. There is time to wander round the tiny back streets of Jew Town hunting for souvenirs in the many antique shops and warehouses. Overnight at the Hotel.

Village backwater Cruise: A journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater of Kerala, goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms, watch rare birds, country boat making, a natural fish farm where you can go fishing. You will also witness coir making, toddy tapping. While scrolling through this amazing village, you will watch the common life of the villagers for their livelihood. You will see them fishing in the river, the women do the coir making, a toddy tapper who does his job as a routine, men climbing the coconut trees to pluck the coconuts, later peeling the same to prepare to dry and make oil extraction possible. Its all about a life experience which you will cherish throughout your life.

Cochin Sightseeing:  St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The “Dutch Palace” was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring – a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites – which gives the effect of polished marble.

Fort Cochin & Mattancherry are twin cities carry a flavor of the colonial era. Jewish, Arabs, Portuguese British all came to Cochin for trading and Mattancherry was the spice trade head quarters due to the proximity of Cochin Port. While Fort Cochin became the administrative head quarters, Mattancherry maintained its trading status. The colonial stature and buildings still make Fort Cochin a favourite destination for tourists. It’s getting an upgrade once its declared as the first heritage city in India. Fort Cochin was also a part of Muziris route. It will be interesting to know that around 13 religious communities are harmoniously living in Fort Cochin and Mattancherry. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Jains, Sikhs etc. are few among them.

Accommodation: The Tower House – 17th Century
Meal: Breakfast

Morning, after breakfast,  we proceed to Munnar, known as nature lover’s paradise . We will drive through Midland crops like Rubber, arecnut, pineapple etc. En route stop at Mistletoe home stay for a Spice Farm visit followed by lunch.

On arrival in Munnar, we will check in to our Resort. Early evening will go for a guided nature walk. Overnight at the Resort.

Munnar, breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility – an idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country with unending expanses of tea plantations, pristine valleys and mountains, exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests with aroma of spice scented cool air. Munnar has all these and more. It’s the place we would love to visit. It’s the place we would wish never to leave. Set at an altitude of 1600m. in Idukki district, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities makes Munnar a holiday resort. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi (2,695 m), dominates the skyline and the many smaller peaks are a walker’s paradise.

Accommodation: Devonshire Greens
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Full day guided tour of Munnar to enjoy the nature around. After an early breakfast, by 8 AM we will be taken to Marayoor Village for guided walks through the nice lively village, Sandalwood forest, tribal areas etc. We will watch sugarcane making units, farm lands, walk to the Mount of the Dead, a world famous Megalithic site with dolmens, dolmenoid and dolmenoid cists. etc. By noon we will be brought to Thalayar Tea Estate Bungalow for a colonial lunch.

Afternoon our Naturalist guide will take us for a nice Nature walk through the tea plantation followed by a visit to the Tea factory. Return to Munnar for overnight stay.

Marayoor valley
Visit to a rock cut temple, ancient inscriptions etc. Walk to the Mount of the Dead, a world famous Megalithic site with dolmens, dolmenoid and dolmenoid cists. Visit to a traditional sugarcane farm and Jaggery (black sugar) manufacturing. Marayoor is famous for its Sandalwood Forest which is protected by the Forest Department.

Accommodation: Devonshire Greens
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Kerala behind we drive to Madurai, an ancient city, more than 2,500 years old, known as the ‘Athens of the East’, for overnight stay. In the afternoon we tour Madurai and in the evening visit to Meenakshi Temple to watch closing ceremony.

For dinner this evening we might want to opt in for a nice rooftop restaurant, which in addition to allowing us to sample some of the specialties of the region, offer fantastic views over the city. Overnight at Madurai.

Meenakshi Temple
In the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Siva. The pillars of the Mandapam are decorated with scenes from the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. The life of Madurai revolves around the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction of Madurai and its huge Gopurams towers over the city. Meenakshi temple has a thousand pillared’Mandapam’. Precisely there are 985 pillars and each of them is delicately and exquisitely carved. Among these are the musical pillars, which produce music when tapped. Surprisingly, these musical pillars are carved out of a single granite rock. The temple has been a hub of Tamil culture and has been sponsoring literature, art, music, and dance in the region for a long time.

Accommodation: Fortune Pandiyan
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Madurai we drive in the morning to the small bustling village of Thekkady, from where we visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest parks in India. The drive from Madurai is spectacular as the road climbs through the Western Ghats and we have fantastic views across Tamil Nadu.

On the way we stop at Harvest Organic Farm for a guided walk. From the main road, we will be welcomed to drive through the village road to the farm. We will also be given a bullock cart ride experience en route to the farm. A Garden farm lunch will be served. Later guided walk through the farm. Be early evening continue our travel to our hotel in Periyar. Overnight at Hotel.

Periyar – Conjures up images of elephants, chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats w will see a lot of wildlife and observe the way of life of simple mountain people. Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Harvest Fresh Fam  is a certified Organic farm located in the heart of beautiful Cumbum Valley in Tamilnadu State amidst cloud kissed mountains, bubbling streams and lush farmlands. You will stroll among pomegranate, papaya and mango orchards, watch the bees and its saplings, composting methods, livestock and herbal gardens. Climb the watch tower for a commanding view of the valley and to sum up with a sumptuous meal of local cuisine made from home grown or locally sourced ingredients.

Accommodation: Greenwoods
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we will be exploring the Sanctuary on foot. It will be a guided program by the forest Department and there are chances of closure of the Sanctuary between April & June due to the fear of wild fire etc. At 07.45 AM we have to report at the starting point where a packed breakfast & lunch are given to each passenger to be consumed during meal intervals. The program also involves a Bamboo raft in the Periyar Lake. This will be a nice program to watch possible wildlife in the sanctuary. Evening return our hotel and later we may opt to go for shopping spree. Overnight stay in Periyar.

The Periyar sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing unique flora & fauna. A cruise through the waters of Periyar Lake around which the wildlife sanctuary is situated, offers lots of photo opportunities. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake’s edge. Tigers are sighted when the forest water holes dry up and these animals come and drink water from the river.

Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests constitute the major part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The rest of the area is a combination of moist deciduous forests and grasslands. Of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is the oldest in the country and the largest in the State. The abundant wildlife here attracts a lot of visitors.Apart from being a recognised breeding ground for tigers, the reserve has also been identified as the best place for researching elephantine life. The tiger population in the area is estimated to be about 40. Though it is difficult to sight them, visitors often spot pugmarks and scats around the reserve.Thirty-five species of mammals have been identified here. They include rare and endangered species. A boat ride on the lake is a great way to spot the wild elephants, the Gaur, the Sambar and so on. While the Gaur is the largest of the bovines here, the Sambar, the largest deer in India, is the main prey of the tiger and the wild dog
Apart from these, there are wild pigs, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Small Travancore Flying Squirrels, jungle cats, sloth bears etc.The endangered species in the area include Nilgiri Langurs and the Lion-tailed

Macaque, that is usually seen only in the evergreen interiors. Nilgiri Tahrs are also found in the reserve, especially in the higher rocky areas. Salim Ali’s fruit bat, one of the rarest bats, is also reported to have been found in the area. The stripe-necked mongoose, usually found in the semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, the extremely rare Nilgiri Marten – the only species of marten found in southern India- and endemic mustelids are also seen here.

There are about 265 species of birds in the Periyar reserve including migrant birds. The birds include raptors, water birds, galliform birds, pigeons, wood peckers, darters, kingfishers, golden orioles, Brahmini kites, cormorants and passerines, as well as a large flock of the Great Pied Hornbill and the Ceylon Frogmouth.The endemic species include the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, the Blue-winged Parakeet, the Nilgiri Flycatcher, the small Sunbird and the White-bellied Blue Flycatcher. Other birds found in the area are the Black Baza, Forest Eagle Owl, Nilgiri Thrush, Little Spider Hunter, Rufous bellied hawk eagle etc.An interesting sight is that of water fowl perched on the dead trees protruding out onto the lake. Other aquatic birds include the Indian Darter and the Black–Necked Stork. Woodland birds, owls etc. can also be seen in the forest.

There are 1966 varieties of flowering plants, including angiosperms. Both dicots and monocots have been included in this count. There are about 171 grass species and 140 species of orchids in the region. The richness of the flower wealth is so outstanding that it constitutes more than 50 percent of the entire flower wealth of Kerala, which is about 3800 species. Teak, Rosewood, Terminalia, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Jacaranda, Mango, Jamun, Tamarind, Banyan, Pipal, Plumeria, Gulmohar and bamboo are some of the trees found here. The three main endemic plants are Mucuna pruriens thekkadiensis, Habenaria periyarensis and Syzygium periyarensis. Rare plants like the Podocarpus wallichianus, the only South Indian conifer, are also found in the reserve. More than 350 medicinal plants, including trees, shrubs and herbs, have been identified at the Periyar Tiger Reserve, mainly in the evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Plants belonging to the family of Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae are the major ones among them. Glory Lily (Gloriosa superba) and Kino Tree (Pterocarpus marsupium) are two plants with medicinal value found here.

Accommodation: Greenwoods
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, before breakfast we go on a boat cruise on the lake. This is an ideal way to get close to the animals and we have the opportunity of spotting elephant, otter, wild pig and buffalo. There is also an abundance of bird life – kingfishers, storks and hornbills are the most commonly spotted.

Later after breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, which is famous for its backwater and scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. We may opt to go for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage. Also we go for a village walk through the nearby villages. Overnight at the Resort.

The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. And that is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake and a picturesque, clean village like most places in Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres, the bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Accommodation: Abad Whispering Palms
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

We will enjoy our breakfast at the resort. Later check out and drive to Alleppey to board our exclusive Houseboat at 12:30 PM for a cruise through the backwater villages followed by overnight stay on board. Our meals are cooked and served on board. Explore the amazing backwater life of Kerala! Overnight at the Houseboat.

What is truly magical about a houseboat is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen where are cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad locals, on board. The name Backwaters brings you the very thought of Houseboats. Food and leisurely times spent on-board with the feeling and privacy of house as well as enjoying the natural beauty. A Cruise amidst marvelous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with white lilies, can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveler. Enjoying a cruise in these backwaters is not to be missed, as it leaves you feeling fully rejuvenated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. We get to experience the native way of living. The experience on the Houseboat is not the one to be explained by words. Its to be lived and evolved by oneself.

Accommodation: Alleppey Houseboat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will enjoy our breakfast on board. Later, at 9 AM checkout and drive to a heritage home in Alleppey for a cookery show followed by lunch.

Later proceed to Marari, a relatively quiet beach paradise of Kerala. On arrival check in at the resort on the Beach. Rest of the day at leisure on the beach. We may opt to go for an Ayurvedic Massage or a village walk. Overnight stay in Marari Beach.

Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual and different from the rest of India. Cooking in Kerala is all about discoveries, aromas and colors. Kerala cuisine is very hot and spicy and offers several gastronomic opportunities to those willing to experiment with the local cuisine. Traditionally, in Kerala food is served on a banana leaf. One has to take food with right hand. This cookery demo is not just being in the kitchen, will give you hands on experience, you’ll learn to prepare 3-4 variety of Kerala’s delicacies in a friendly, relaxed, informal environment. Each dish will be demonstrated, prepared and cooked.

Marari originates from “Mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at it’s best. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The village of Mararikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar coast, where the Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea.

Accommodation: Abad Turtle Beach Resort
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Two full day for relaxing on the beach. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more… An authentic experience of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a re-creation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. We may opt to take an Ayurvedic Massag or visit the fishermen villages. By evening it may interesting to visit the local temple to watch the local crowd coming for worship and socialization. Overnight stay in Marari Beach.

Accommodation: Abad Turtle Beach Resort
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to Cochin airport for your homeward-bound flight.

Meal: Breakfast