Day 1 : Arrive Kochi (Cochin)

Meeting & Assistance at airport and transfer to Hotel (40kms / 01 hr drive). Depending on arrival time you will be taken to a local theatre to witness Kathakali dance performance.

Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, which dates from the 17th century and is rooted in Hindu mythology. It has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance.

Day 2 : Cochin / Munnar

In the morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Old Cochin. Visit Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India, the St. Francis Church-the First Church in India by Europeans, the Chinese fishing nets. Visit Mattancherry, the main centre of spice trade in the past, the Dutch Palace, the Jew street and the Synagogue.

In the afternoon leave by road for Munnar (145kms / 4hrs 30mts drive). Arrive and check in at hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 3 : Munnar / Periyar

In the morning sightseeing of Munnar. Munnar, the beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats, was the summer Retreat of the British. It is filled with rolling Tea plantations, mountains, valleys and streams. Visit a Tea Plantation, The Eravikulam National Park famous for the rare goat Nilgiri Tahr, Mattupetty Dam site and lake.

Afternoon proceed to Periyar (110kms/4 hrs drive). Arrive and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 4 : Periyar / Kumarakom

Early morning proceed for a boat ride on Lake Periyar (2 hrs), known for its Wild Life Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve which encloses an artificial lake. A cruise on the lake is the best way to watch animal life at close quarters – Tigers are rarely seen but Elephants, bison, spotted, deer, gaur, otter, sambar, a vide variety of birds abound. Also Periyar has a lot of spice plantations in and around.

Later visit a spice plantation to see how the various spices are grown followed by a visit to the spice market to see or purchase the finished products. Afternoon leave Periyar for Kumarakom (140kms / 4hrs 30mts). Enroute stop at Kottayam to visit the Orthodox Syrian Churches-Cheriyapalli and Valiyapalli, which have a collection of Murals based on Bibilical stories.

Later proceed to Kumarakom. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 5 : Kumarakom / Houseboat

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake. An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves - interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. The bird sanctuary here is a favorite haunt of migratory birds.

An early morning visit to the bird sanctuary is an opportunity to enjoy the serene atmosphere. At noon board the House boat commonly known as Kettuvallam.

House boats are the modern version of the old rice barges which were used to transport merchandise and goods through the waterways of Kerala in the bygone era. The present house boats are much bigger, mechanized and contain bedroom, attached bath, sundeck, kitchenette etc. The crew comprises of a captain, helper and a cook who will cater to your requirements.

The house boat will cruise through the tranquil backwaters, wider and narrow canals passing by lush green paddy fields, villages, temples, churches, rustic houses etc. giving you an opportunity to view the life on the backwaters, highlight of the tour.

The lunch and the dinner will be served on board the House boat which will anchor at a calm bay during sunset and you will stay aboard for the night.

Day 6 : Houseboat / Kovalam

After breakfast cruise towards Alleppey. Disembark and leave by road for Kovalam (180 kms / 4 hrs drive) and check in at the hotel in the afternoon.

Kovalam is famous for its beaches- considered to be one of the finest in India, a sheltered natural bay with cool soothing palms and gentle waves .Take your time to explore the beaches and enjoy the Sun and sand, watching the sun set in the boundless blue of the Arabian Sea. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 7 : At Kovalam

In the morning proceed for a sightseeing tour of Trivandrum, the Capital city of Kerala, 18 kms away. Visit the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple (from outside), Napier Museum and Art Gallery, the Kuthiramalika Museum etc.

Afternoon at leisure. You may take the opportunity to have an experience of Ayurveda – the ancient healing system of India .An optional general body massage followed by steam bath will relax your mind and body. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 8 : Depart Trivandrum

Depending upon your flight time you will be transferred to the Trivandrum Airport to connect the International flight with the Assistance of the local representative. Leave Trivandrum for onward destination.