Arrival in Kochi
On arrival in Kochi, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this quaint harbourside city. Once a key stop on the Spice Route, Kochi is now a hotspot for visitors with colonial-era architecture, Raj residences and a beach area famous for its Chinese fishing nets. Wander its postcard-pretty streets at leisure or choose an optional workshop learning Kerala’s traditional Kathalaki dance, known for its elaborate costumes. Overnight at Forte Kochi.
Things to do:
Forte Kochi: a history unravelled
Nostalgia brooding on the harbour at Brunton Boatyard
A window into the dance drama of kathakali
Kochi
Continue your explorations in Kochi today. Explore independently, strike out on an optional guided walking tour or opt for an Anglo-Indian cooking lesson. If you’re looking to go beyond the city, the ‘village rubble’ experience will take you to meet a local family in a nearby village for a memorable fishing experience and hosted lunch. Overnight at Forte Kochi.
Things to do:
Forte Kochi: a history unravelled
Experience a Keralan fishing village in action
A walk through Kochi’s culture pot
Cooking the Anglo-Indian way
Kochi & Munnar
Head for the mountains this morning to explore the town of Munnar, a famous hill station in the Western Ghat range. Set at the confluence of three mountain streams, this was the South Indian summer resort for the British government and is set amid rolling tea, coffee, and spice plantations. Relax amid these peaceful surroundings, head out on a hike or visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn more about agriculture in the area. Overnight at Windermere Estate.
Things to do:
Cardamom farms and strawberry soufflés at Windermere Estate
Munnar
Get off the beaten track in Munnar this morning with an included tuk tuk tour visiting some of the area’s many tea plantations on this traditional, three-wheeled rickshaw. You’ll get the chance to interact with local people as you delve deep into the region’s rural surroundings, with rolling fields and scenic mountain slopes for a backdrop. Alternatively, if you’re looking to get extra-active then take on an optional Letchmi Hills trek – a scenic amble exploring the region’s landscapes on foot. Overnight at Windermere Estate.
Things to do:
Cardamom farms and strawberry soufflés at Windermere Estate
Why Munnar’s tea gardens are best explored by tuk tuk
Hiking the Letchmi Hills through a photographer’s lens
Munnar & Thekkady
Go deeper into the hills today as you head towards Thekkady, famous for its spice plantations and the gateway to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Set in the heart of the jungle, this protected park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, from tigers to elephants, leopards to lion-tailed macaques and sambar deer to bison. After checking in to your hotel you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. Overnight at Spice Village.
Things to do:
Spice Village: Eden found in Thekkady
Thekkady
Today you’ll explore local village life on the Periyar Bouquet Trail. You’ll travel around the Kumily region by jeep, visiting a family to learn about the importance of spice-growing in the region. Interact with local farmers along the way as you hear more about sustainable farming practices in the area. The evening is free to enjoy. Overnight at Spice Village.
Things to do:
Spice Village: Eden found in Thekkady
On the scent of a local spice farm
Thekkady & Kumarakom
Travel to Kumarakom this morning to explore Kerala’s famous backwaters, set amid rolling rice paddy fields and verdant coconut palms. Located on the edge of the Vembanad Lake, the village is dotted with canals where houseboats plough the waters, with excellent birdwatching on the surrounding islets and at the nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon.
Things to do:
Coconut Lagoon: a local idyll on the shores of Lake Vembanad
A family affair on Philipkutty's farm
Kumarakom & Alleppey
Climb aboard a traditional houseboat this morning for a signature Keralan experience: a cruise along the region’s glimmering backwaters for a full day and night. You’ll learn all about life on the water as you pass local villages, markets, and fishermen, before staying overnight on board. All food is included; expect fish fresh from the lake, served with local ingredients such as chilli and ginger. Overnight on Spice Coast Houseboat.
Things to do:
Spice Coast Cruises: A glimpse into Lake Vembanad’s life on the water
Alleppey & Mararikulam
After disembarking the houseboat this morning, you’ll have the option of a walking tour in the nearby town of Allepey, coined the ‘Venice of the East’ for its picturesque canals. Visit the town’s elaborate mosques and temples before stopping at a coir weaving workshop to learn how coconut husk is used as a material. In the afternoon you’ll transfer towards Mararikulam. This sleepy seaside fishing village is home to the little-known Marari Beach – a palm-studded stretch of sand lapped by the Indian Ocean. Your stay for tonight is a characterful cottage overlooking the water with coconut groves, lily ponds and fruit trees for company. Overnight at Marari Beach Resort.
Things to do:
Marari Beach: Kerala’s best kept secret
A walk through old-world Alleppey
Mararikulam
Your final full day is free to enjoy in Mararikulam. Wander the village, watch fishermen bring in their haul from the harbour or enjoy a well-earned rest on the beach ahead of your departure tomorrow. Overnight at Marari Beach Resort.
Things to do:
Marari Beach: Kerala’s best kept secret
Mararikulam & Departure
The tour ends today. You’ll be transferred to Cochin airport for your flight home or onward travel.
Another stop?
Extensions
Wellness by the sea at Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
Taj Green Cove: a Balinese-inspired getaway
Extensions
Be at one with nature at eco-resort Cabo Serai
