Welcome to your Kerala holiday as you land at the Cochin International Airport. This city is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern cultures with its spice markets and skyscrapers. You will be transferred to your hotel where you can relax after your flight. Kochi is a great starting point to explore Kerala and offers a unique mix of Dutch and British influences. Take some time to stroll around the majestic Fort area or just rest at your hotel. You will stay overnight in Kochi to prepare for your sightseeing.

Today you will explore the historic sites of Kochi after a delicious breakfast. Your guide will take you to see the Mattanchery Palace and the five hundred year old Jewish Synagogue. You will also see the famous Chinese fishing nets and visit the local spice markets. In the evening you will get to watch a colorful Kathakali dance performance which is a traditional art form of Kerala. This day gives you a true taste of the local culture and heritage. You will spend another night in Kochi before heading to the hills of Munnar.

After breakfast you will drive toward the hills of Munnar. This town sits at the confluence of three rivers and is famous for its tea plantations. On arrival you will check in and then visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history of the region. You will also see the Mattupetty Dam and the Flower Garden. The vistas here are incredible and you might even see some endangered species. Munnar is a highlight of any Kerala tour and offers a cool breeze and refreshing air. You will stay overnight in the beautiful hills of Munnar.

Spend your day wandering through the tea and cardamom plantations that decorate the hills. You will learn the process of making tea and coffee from the green plants to the final bag. In the afternoon you can hike through the misty hills or relax at your resort. You might also visit the Rajmalai Wildlife Sanctuary where the rare Indian Ibex lives. The panoramic views of the tea estates and the Munnar Lake are absolutely stunning. This is the perfect time to enjoy the nature of Kerala and the cool mountain air during your stay.

You will start your drive to Thekkady after breakfast today. This region is home to the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Once you arrive you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax at your own pace. The scenery along the drive is filled with greenery and spice gardens. Thekkady is famous for its cool climate and wild nature. You can explore the local area or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of your resort. This part of your trip brings you closer to the wildlife of India.

Today is all about exploring the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You will enjoy a boat ride on the lake where you can see wild elephants bathing and swimming. The park is also home to leopards and many types of deer and monkeys. Later you will take a tour of the spice plantations to see how pepper and cardamom are grown. The aroma of cloves and nutmeg fills the air in this part of Kerala. It is a fantastic day for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. You will stay overnight in Thekkady after this exciting day of adventure.

After breakfast you will drive to Alleppey to board your private houseboat. Alleppey is known as the Venice of the East because of its vast network of backwater canals. You will cruise through the scenic waters and see the local villages along the banks. All your meals will be served on the boat while you enjoy the views of Vembanad Lake. Staying on a houseboat is a unique experience that allows you to see the heart of rural Kerala. This is a very relaxing part of your trip as you drift slowly through the water.

Enjoy a final breakfast on the water before heading to Poovar. On the way you will stop to see Hawa Beach in Kovalam. Poovar is a paradise where coconut trees line the golden sands and the backwaters meet the sea. This place was chosen by National Geographic as one of the fifty must visit places in India. You will check into your beach resort for a four night stay. It is the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the sound of the Arabian Sea. You will stay overnight in Poovar and begin your peaceful island escape.

Spend your day sunbathing on the golden sands of Poovar Beach. The estuary here is a beautiful sight where the river and lake meet the land. We have included a complimentary boat trip on Poovar Lake so you can see the mangroves and the sandy estuaries up close. This is a day for total relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of the island. You can swim in the translucent waters or just lounge under a palm tree. This island paradise is the perfect place to recharge your energy and soul.

After breakfast you have the day at leisure to enjoy the paradise of Poovar. This is a great time to treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage at the hotel or a nearby spa. Kerala is world famous for these treatments that revive the body and soul. We have included a full body session for you to enjoy. Take this time to replenish your energy and soak in the peaceful surroundings of the resort. It is a wonderful way to end your holiday in India. You will stay overnight in Poovar and enjoy the calm coastal breeze.

This is your final full day in Kerala and you can spend it enjoying the facilities at your resort. You might want to take one last walk along the beach or go for a swim in the sea. The backwaters of Poovar offer a calm environment that is perfect for reflection. Enjoy the local food and the hospitality of the resort staff. It is a day to simply be happy and enjoy the beauty around you. Make sure to capture some photos of the sunset over the Arabian Sea during your last evening in Poovar.

After breakfast you will check out and head toward the Trivandrum Airport for your flight home. Before you leave you might want to pick up a silk sari as a souvenir of your magical holiday. This trip through Kochi and Munnar and the backwaters has provided memories that will last forever. We hope you enjoyed the spice plantations and the houseboat cruise. Safe travels as you head back home from your enchanting Kerala adventure. We wish you a beautiful journey and hope to see you in God's own country again.