Day by day

Day 1 London to Cochin

Fly overnight from London to Cochin

Day 2 Cochin

You arrive in the morning at Kochi international Airport. Following customs & immigration formalities and baggage collection our representative will meet you and will transfer you to the hotel (Check-in at 12:00 / 14:00 hrs) The commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of the state's cities, Cochin or Kochi have long been eulogized in tourist literature as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.? Strategically located on the east-west sea route, Cochin is Kerala's major port, boasting of one of the finest natural harbours in the world, which forms the hub around which the city revolves. With its wealth of historical associations and its setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsula, the city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities (no vehicle at disposal)

Overnight at the hotel: The Avenue Regent,Cohin

Day 3 Cochin

Buffet breakfast at the hotel Morning: Sightseeing tour of Cochin Visit Portuguese-built Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue (closed on Friday, Saturday & Jewish holidays) and Fort Cochin area. Later visit, St Francis Church (closed on Sunday during mass), which holds the palm-leafed title deed that the Raja handed to the occupying Portuguese in 1503. Also marvel at the intricate beauty and the rhythm of Cochin's legendary Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala and the testament to the Oriental influences that infuse this spice-trading coastline Note: Visitors to Jewish Synagogue should be modestly dressed. Admission will be denied to Men and Women wearing short pants/shorts and t-shirts/blouses. Bare shoulders and exposed midriffs will not be allowed inside the Jewish synagogue Evening: Witness Kathakali classical dance show at a local theatre (approximately during 1730 hrs to 1830 hrs) 'Kathakali' is a special dance form of Kerala, with its origins in the 'Theyyam', a ritual tribal dance of North Kerala. Kathakali represents a synthesis of all that is best in dance, drama and music and has been recognized by connoisseurs of art, the world over as a `total art form of immense sophistication and power'. It is the impression created by make-up and the costumes that make Kathakali a visual par excellence.(B)

Overnight at the hotel: The Avenue Regent,Cohin

Day 4 Cochin to Thekkady

Buffet breakfast at the hotel Morning: you will driven to Thekkady (Approx. 195 kms/05 hrs) The heart of God's own country! Thekkady is located about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. In the Periyar forests of Thekkady 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 Upon arrival in Thekkady, you will check-in the hotel Early evening: Witness a Kalaripayatu Performance at a local theatre It is believed to be perhaps the most ancient martial art form & is derived from the words Kalari -which means "place, threshing floor, or battlefield", and payattu - which means to "exercise in arms, or practice. The art is normally practiced in a small enclosure. In this form there are 7 abilities that each performer requires - namely Force, Patience, Commanding power, Animal Posture, Training, The wild expressions of Goddess (Kali) & and lastly Sound of animals. (B)

Overnight at the hotel: Cardamom County,Thekkady

Day 5 Thekkady to Kumarakom

Buffet breakfast at the hotel Later you will be driven to Kumarakom (Approx. 140 km/3 hrs) enroute visit Spice plantation tour where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. For centuries Kerala has grown and exported spices around the world and a walking tour of a plantation will allow you to gain a firsthand experience of the cultivation, growth and processing of spices Arrive Kumarakom and check in at the hotel The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands that have been converted into a number of tourist resorts, and is a part of the Kuttanad region. Kumarakom is an unbelievable beautiful paradise. The blue backwaters and a surface of Vembanad Lake reflect the azure sky. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise Afternoon at leisure for independent activities to explore the town on own. (B)

Overnight at the hotel: Backwater Ripples/Eastend Lake Song,Kumarakom

Day 6 Kumarakom to Alleppey

Buffet breakfast at the hotel Check out from the hotel and embark on the houseboat (Approx.38 kms, 1 hr) Today you spend the night for an enchanting backwaters boat cruise. As your houseboat drifts along the shady canals, appreciate the scenic beauty, enjoy authentic local food, watch the villagers go about their local daily chores and marvel at the beauty of the backwaters Lunch and Dinner will be served on board the cruise. (B,L,D)
OR
In Kumarakom Full day at leisure (no vehicle at disposal) (During Monsoon (June to September)(B)

Overnight at the Houseboat (A/C),Alleppy

Day 7 Alleppey to Kovalam

Buffet breakfast at the hotel 09:30 hrs: Disembark the Houseboat at Alleppey jetty and you will driven to the beach town of Kovalam (Approx. 170 kms/05 hrs) A picture perfect tropical beach, a traditional Kerala fishing village providing fresh fish, fruit and toddy (coconut beer). Today Kovalam is reckoned the most trendy beach retreat in India. A combination of three small beaches, Kovalam, meaning "a groove of coconut trees," is just 16 km from the state capital of Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram. The sheltered natural bay, the azure blue waters and the sumptuous spread of green palm groves make it a tropical paradise of sorts Upon arrival in Kovalam, you will check-in the hotel Rest of the day at leisure for you to relax and unwind in the picturesque environs or to enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage at your resort (on direct payment) - no vehicle at disposal.(B)

Overnight at the hotel: Travancore Heritage/Uday Samudra

Day 8 Kovalam

Buffet breakfast at the hotel Morning: Enjoy an excursion to the Padmanabhapuram Palace (closed on Monday), located in a small village called Padmanabhapuram, at a distance of 65 kilometres from Trivandrum. A magnificent wooden palace of the Rajas of the erstwhile Travancore (1550 to 1750 AD), this is a fine specimen of Kerala's indigenous style of architecture. A guided tour through the maze of 108 rooms leaves one breathless at the artistic expression and sheer opulence of these magnificent rooms. The antique interiors are replete with intricate rosewood carvings and sculptured decor. The ancient relics include royal seats with Chinese engravings, musical bow in mahogany, coloured windows as well as 17th and 18th century murals Rest of the day is at leisure (no vehicle at disposal). (B)

Overnight at the hotel: Travancore Heritage/Uday Samudra

Day 9 Kovalam

Buffet breakfast at the hotel Full-day is at leisure (no vehicle at disposal).(B)

Overnight at the hotel: Travancore Heritage/Uday Samudra

Day 10 Kovalam

Buffet breakfast at the hotel Later you will be met by our representative and be transferred to the Trivandrum International Airport (20 km/30 minutes away) for flight to your onward destination.(B). Your internal flight is scheduled for the afternoon to take you to Delhi. When you arrive make your own way to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 11-12 Delhi

Experience the enigma of the city of Delhi, which encapsulates the old and the new. Explore the enticing sights of the old which evoke the ancient past and enjoy the thrills of the new.

Day 13 Delhi to London

After 2 full days in Delhi make your own way to the airport ready for your overnight flight home.

Day 14 London

Arrive back into London after an amazing holiday.