Exploration South Kerala

Welcomed by a Kerala Travel Centre representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. A port town since early centuries, Cochin offers you some fascinating snippets of history and culture. Relax and unwind at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise. Overnight at the hotel with a vehicle at your disposal.

Go for a sightseeing tour to explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin; including, the Jewish Synagogue; St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India; the Santa Cruz Basilica, which was built in 1557 by the Portuguese; the Dutch Palace; the Spice Market; and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders. In the evening, visit an auditorium to watch the famous, traditional dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterised by intricate story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Overnight at the hotel with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Munnar a hill station located 1,600 meters above sea level. Once the summer resort of the British administration in South India, it still retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea plantations, rolling hills, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys. Check into your hotel and unwind. Visit the tea museum, take a short trip to the Eravikulam National Park or simply walk through the tea estates. Overnight at the hotel with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Periyar, an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel, and go on a spice plantation tour. On the spice plantations, you will be enticed by the aroma of spices and learn how they are processed. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride where you will have the opportunity to sight elephants and other animals along the bank. Overnight at the resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

Today you have the option of partaking in a three-hour escorted jungle trek or engaging in a full-day jungle trail involving bamboo rafting and treks. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Madurai in Tamilnadu, one of South India's greatest temple towns. Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era, which is more than 2,500 years old. In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Temple to attend the popular evening ceremony where the Hindu God Shiva is carried in a palanquin. Overnight at the hotel with a vehicle at your disposal.

Go on a sightseeing tour of Madurai to explore the many fascinating temples and structures of the city. Visit the famous Meenakshi temple. The 1,000-pillared hall depicts beautiful sculptures showcasing stories from ancient Hindu Epics. Another site of interest is the Palace of King Thirumalai Nayak, built in 1636 in an indo-saracenic style. Overnight at the hotel with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Kovalam, one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala, and check into your hotel. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky headlands. Enjoy a peaceful beach day. Overnight at the resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

Go on a day excursion to Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Horse Palace, Napier Museum and Art Gallery or enjoy the day at the beach. Overnight at the resort.

Day of leisure in the resort. Enjpy various beach activties and a relaxing, general Ayurvedic full-body massage. Overnight at the resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Alleppey, and embark on your private houseboat. Cruise the backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats, or Kettuvalloms, are luxurious boats with well appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it's the life along the backwaters that makes this a fascinating experience. Overnight on board with full board and a vehicle at your disposal.

Travel by boat to Kumarakom, the enchanting backwater region of Kerala, and check into your hotel. The labyrinthine network of rivers, canals, streams and lagoons which form the famed backwaters offer stunning views and is an ideal place to relax. Day of rest to explore the area or the resort. Overnight at the resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

Enjoy a relaxing day at the resort. Water activities like canoeing, water scooter rides and boat rides are available all day. Overnight at the resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

Departure transfer to Cochin for onward flight with a vehicle for your transfer.