Aromatic Kerala

Day 1 : Kochi

Upon arrival in Kochi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. For over 600 years, Kochi attracted traders, explorers and travellers to its shores, forming the first European colonies of colonial India and resulting in a mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British cultures. Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: giant fishing nets from China, a 400-year-old synagogue and a traditional art-crafts scene complete with traditional Kathakali dances.

Day 2 : Kochi

Enjoy a Heritage Walk in Fort Kochi and discover traditional houses at vibrant Princess Street, with their mix of British, Portuguese, and Dutch architecture. At Old Kochi Beach you can witness local fisherman demonstrating the use of 14th century Chinese Fishing Nets, brought to Kochi by traders of Mongul Empire.

This afternoon visit local a local South Indian family home for a cooking class, then hop-on a local tuk-tuk to Mattancherry, a hub for spice trading and historic sites. Explore street markets selling traditional spices, oils and handicrafts. Later this evening head for the vintage wood-lined theatre for a traditional Kathakali dance performance and a glimpse behind the scenes.

Day 3 : Kochi > Munnar

Drive up to the hill station at Munnar, South India’s largest tea-growing region, carpeted in emerald-green tea plantation hills. . Your afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the mountain scenery or take a walk around the plantations.

Day 4 : Munnar

This morning visit a family-owned Tea Plantation to learn about growing tea and visit a tea factory to see how tea leaves are classified, processed and packaged. Enjoy tasting the various spices, herbs and teas that grow in the region – the fragrance is in the air! Some of the main spices cultivated here are ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg. Next, we visit Eravikulam National Park, home to Nilgiri Tahrs, a species of mountain goats exclusive to the region. Returning to your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to relax, enjoy the sunset, or choose to indulge in some High Tea.

Day 5 : Munnar > Alleppey > Kerala Backwaters

Drive to Alleppey and join your traditional kettuvallam houseboat. Set sail, relax and unwind as you cruise slowly through the narrow canals and backwaters. Waterside sights include paddy fields, villages, temples and churches. Enjoy traditional traditional cuisine served by your head chef, and overnight onboard.

Day 6 : Kerala Backwaters > Alleppey > Trivandrum

Disembark in Alleppey this morning before travelling to Kovalam, a neighbourhood of Trivandrum. The afternoon is free to relax at your beachside retreat where you can partake in optional activities such as Indian yoga or traditional Ayurveda massage.

Day 7 : Trivandrum

Today embark on a sightseeing tour of Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Visit the 5,000 year old Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its vaults full of gold and precious stones, this is the wealthiest Hindu temple in the world. Later visit the 1880 British-built Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Try special local coffee in a heritage cafe.

Day 8 : Trivandrum

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.