Classic Kerala
10 NIGHTS GUIDE PRICE £2,700

Depart overnight for your flight to Cochin, via the Middle East or Delhi / Mumbai.

On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll around the old town of Fort Cochin or head to the waterfront to see the famous Chinese fishing nets in action. This evening take a sunset cruise on Cochin harbour, a great way to gain a sense of place.

Enjoy a tour of Fort Cochin today with its charming mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture. You’ll take in St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace, also know as the Dutch Palace, and the Jewish Synagogue. This evening there is the option to attend a Kathakali dance performance, the  classical dance form of Kerala. Arrive early and you can witness the dancers applying their makeup – an art form in itself.

Set off this morning for a scenic drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady just outside Periyar National Park. The journey will take about 5 hours with stops en route.

This morning head into Periyar in search of some of its’ resident wildlife including elephants which can sometimes be spotted when aboard a boat on the lake.  Alternatively a trip on a bamboo raft can be a fun activity or take a walk with a local guide who will teach you all about the flora and fauna of this lush hilly region.  Other inhabitants include many species of deer including sambar, barking and mouse alongside monkeys such as langurs and macaques.  If you’re really lucky you may also sot a sloth bear or even tiger (there are thought to be approximately 40 that make their home here).

In the afternoon visit a spice plantation to learn about the spices that Kerala is so famous for.  Did you know that approximately 80% of the spices used in the world are exported by India?  Alternatively you could hire bikes and head out on a ride through the picturesque hills and plantations.

There is the opportunity for an early morning jungle walk before travelling back down to sea level and to Kerala’s famous backwaters. On arrival, board a traditional rice boat for an overnight cruise on Lake Vembanad. Relax on deck whilst you cruise through the waterways, and to explore further take a canoe trip down some of the smaller channels. You will moor up overnight where your onboard chef will whip up a delicious meal.

After breakfast your rice boat will transport you to your hotel on the backwaters for an overnight stay. Spend the day relaxing by the pool or you could take a cycle or walking tour around the local villages.

For those interested in birdlife, early morning is the best time to visit Kumarakom bird sanctuary, and there time to visit before you head to the coast. Transfer the short distance for a 4 night stay of relaxation on the Keralan coast.

Transfer back to Cochin Airport for your flight to the UK via the Middle East, Mumbai or Delhi.