Spice of Kerala

On arrival at the airport meet your Tour Executive who will assist you with the transfer to the hotel. Stay two nights in Cochin.

Early morning, if you wish, you can wake up early to witness the mesmerizing sights of sunrise over the Chinese fishing nets. The beautiful expanse of nets with the backdrop of sun rising is a perfect start to enjoy the scenic beauty of India. After breakfast, we will set out to explore this port city with a rich and interesting past. The Chinese, Jews, Arabs, and Europeans sailed into this city to trade and their influence is still found in the buildings and lifestyle of the city. We will walk through the Fort area, exploring Jewish Synagogue – which is one of the oldest synagogues amongst all the commonwealth nations, St Francis church, Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace - a 16th-century palace. Just opposite the Mattancherry Palace, visit the spice market, one of the biggest centers of spices in Cochin. Here you can buy some of the authentic spices, smell and see what makes Indian curries so hot and tasty. In the evening we will take you to a Kathakali Performance. Kathakali is a ritualized dance form that is native to Kerala, with elaborate costumes and makeup.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Travel to Munnar a hill station at a height of 1525 meters, Munnar offers a breathtaking view of the hills swathed in an impossibly green carpet of tea bushes. Munnar - the right royal resort lazily nestled in the verdant slopes of tea country, is a quaint little town that exudes a rare old world charm and strangely reminds one of the days of the Raj in its elegant splendor. Beyond the rolling hills discover the rich tropical forests abounding in exotic flora and fauna. Afternoon free to relaxing or explore the surroundings and stay overnight at Munnar.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast proceed on a sightseeing tour of the city which is difficult to describe. Witness tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers, lush green hills, very low population and far from pollution. The place is encircled by wooded hills of the Annamalai Ranges, with the towering bulk of Anamudi, which is peninsular India’s highest peak at about 2695m. Sprawling tea plantations, picture books towns, winding lanes, exotic flora and fauna in the forests and grasslands, make Munnar a pleasant hill station. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight at Munnar.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Travel to Thekkady, known for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the afternoon, take a walk, explore this spice town, and stay two nights at Thekkady.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

We wake up early to experience a boat cruise on the Lake Periyar, which showcases a kaleidoscope of activities that incur around the lake and jungle. Evergreen moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands characterize Periyar. Later proceed to view the rare species of plantations, animals and visit a spice plantation growing cardamom, pepper, coffee, and tea estate. Walk amidst the palette displaying variant shades of green, neatly arranged into terrace farms, the symmetry broken only by the sudden appearance of a gurgling stream. It is believed that the spice trade dates back three thousand years in Kerala and many spices find their home here. The slanting slopes caress a variety of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves. On the way back you could stop at the local market and purchase some fragrant spices. Dinner and overnight at Periyar.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

After breakfast travel to Alleppey, on arrival embark on the houseboat; while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals, panoramic sights one can never forget. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remain an enduring picture reflecting the charm of this beautiful land. Enjoy fishing and sunset when heading towards Kumarakom. Enjoy onboard meals and stay overnight on the houseboat.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

After breakfast travel to Kollam, also known as Quilon, that is the center of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. The Malayalam Era is based on the founding of Kollam in the 9th century and is one of the oldest ports of the Malabar Coast, it was an important centre of trade during the ancient times and was frequented by Phoenicians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese, with also famous travellers like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta, who have acclaimed the historical importance of Kollam as a commercial town. The industrial center is well known for its titanium, mineral sands and china clay and is also the birthplace of the legendary art form of ‘Ramanattam Kathakali’. The historical importance of the place also stems from the fact that the township was designed and built by Syrians, an instance of foreign influence on Kerala. On arrival check into the hotel with the rest of the day free to explore and enjoy this beautiful small town. Dinner and overnight at Kollam.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

After breakfast interact with the locals and experience their day-to-day life or relax at the resort offering options for various Ayurvedic treatments.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Interact with the locals and experience their day-to-day life or relax at the resort offering options for various Ayurvedic treatments.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Have a leisurely breakfast, enjoy basis Ayurveda massage and relax at the beach.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast check out and transfer to the airport to board the flight for your onward journey.

• Breakfast