Discovering ‘God’s Own Country’ in India

Arrive at Kochi International Airport where your local guide will be there to greet you and transport you to your hotel. Get settled in and enjoy a cup of chai before heading out to one of the oldest locations in Kochi on Princess Street. Wander the streets home to European architecture and enjoy browsing the many shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts. Experience an incredibly unique and traditional Kathakali performance that originated in Kerala and is famous for telling historical Hindu stories through music and dance. Grab a seat early to watch the performers apply their makeup before the show!

Start your day with a tempting breakfast before an early departure to the legendary mountain town of Munnar, home to plentiful lush tea and coffee gardens. You are bound to love the picturesque landscapes to be discovered here. Visit the land of tea gardens known as Kolukkumalai Tea Estates and delight your senses to the aroma of massive tea leaves and spices as you experience a unique plantation tour. Afterward, go for a relaxing massage at an Ayurvedic Spa to rejuvenate. 

Rise early to watch the sun rise over the incredible mountain landscapes and observe the exotic bird species native to Kerala. After breakfast, get ready for your departure to your next destination of Thekkady, a town teeming with wildlife and rich with various flora and fauna. Go on a boat tour on the Periyar Lake and watch the animals of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in their habitat. If you’re lucky, you might just see baby elephants playing with their mamas! 

Enjoy breakfast and a cup of chai before departing to Alleppey where you will spend your fourth day and night cruising on an Alleppey Houseboat where you will take in the backwaters, lush scenery, and the cool breeze on a traditional houseboat. Today will be spent unwinding and truly relaxing in a once in a lifetime experience aboard the houseboat. 

Get ready to explore yet another pristine city of God’s Own Country as you head to the world’s best-known backwater town of Kumarakom! You will no doubt love this destination and marvel at its natural charm and beauty. Trek the incredibly scenic and famous Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall and enjoy a picnic at the top! Spend the evening browsing the street markets selling unique handicrafts and relishing in the lakeside views.

Take one last backwater stroll after breakfast before heading back to the city of Cochin where you will visit the historical Mattancherry Palace and learn the history of the Portuguese and Dutch influence in Kerala as you go on a guided tour of the portrait gallery and murals that tell the ancient stories of this remarkable region. Enjoy one of the most striking views in Cochin of the Chinese fishing nets and buy freshly caught fish from the local fishmongers and have them cooked for you at a nearby restaurant. 

Savor one last cup of chai and a delicious Kerala breakfast before being transported to the airport by your local guide for your return flight home.