Beauty of Kerala

After breakfast, take a guided walk through the historic Fort Kochi area. This morning we will visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and see the authentic Chinese fishing nets still in use. Today we provide you some options to choose from. Enjoy your afternoon exploring Kochi the way you prefer.

Culture Connection Experiences:

Optional Village Tour: You have the option to enjoy a half day tour of a lush green island model village (agri farm) near Kochi, surrounded by backwaters and paddy fields. Meet the locals to understand essential elements of local village lifestyle of Kerala, which is predominated by coconut. Enjoy a backwaters boat cruise in a traditional country boat. Spend the afternoon visiting local plantations, see coir yarn processing, copra processing, crab farming, clam meat processing, operation of Chinese fishing nets, weaving coconut leaves and fish groping. (at extra charge)

Optional Cultural Performance Evening: This evening, you have the option to watch a spectacular Kathakali performance. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in India. It is a spectacular combination of drama, dance, music and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics of Mahabharata and the Ramayana (at extra charge)

Optional Motor Boat Cruise: Enjoy a sunset motor boat cruise along the coastline of Kochi, where you see the spectacular sunset and the daily lifestyle along Kochi harbor. (at extra charge).

After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, one of the most popular hill resorts of south India. Under the British Raj, Munnar was popularly called ‘Switzerland of India' for its natural surroundings and cool climate. The entire area is occupied by thick forests and tea estates. The specialty of Munnar is jungle honey, tea and a rare flower ‘Neela Kurunji’ which blooms once in 12 years. Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, we visit a unique welfare initiative in Munnar, which focuses on enhancing the hidden talents of differently abled children, most of whom are from families of local tea pluckers of Munnar. Here we see three projects that aim to equip disabled children to secure a better future: a centre for special education; a natural dye fabric printing project; and a unit that manufactures handmade paper and paper products. The products made by these children are sold at a small outlet near the workshops and are exported to Japan and Europe. A visit to this unique initiative reiterates how enthusiasm is a sign of spiritual health and imperfections are what make you beautiful ! This afternoon, visit a local tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the cultivation and processing of a variety of Indian teas.

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to Periyar, the spice plantation hub of Kerala. Upon arrival in Periyar, check in to your hotel and freshen up This afternoon, take a spice plantation tour and learn about the mystery and history of Indian spices. You will be intrigued to see the vast variety of spices ranging from cloves, cardamom, ginger, pepper, chilli, turmeric etc. You also get the opportunity to shop for fragrant spices at a local market.

Today we drive to Kumarakom, the coastal town in the backwaters of Kerala. On arrival, check-in at your hotel and freshen up. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Culture Connection Experiences: Optional Sunset Backwaters Cruise: This evening in Kumarakom, you have the option to enjoy a sunset motorboat cruise along the backwaters of Kumarakom. Kerala backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, & canals and are best experienced while slowly rowing down the labyrinth of canals, appreciating life on the banks, lush green rice fields, and coconut groves. Your accompanying local guide will explain scenes and sights along the way (at extra charge). Optional Overnight Backwaters Cruise: Tonight, you have the option of spending the night under the stars aboard a traditional thatched roof houseboat on the backwaters of Kumarakom (all meals included). (at extra charge)

After breakfast, drive to Kovalam, one of the most serene and beautiful beaches of south India. Upon arrival in Kovalam, check in to your hotel for your 03 nights stay. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, pampering yourself with the various Ayurveda and Spa treatments offered by your resort in Kovalam.

After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum airport to board your flight back home. We hope you enjoy your stay in our Incredible India…we look forward to welcoming you!