India, Kochi

Authentic Kerala 5^*

Namaste and welcome to India!

Upon your arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, a visit of Cochin.

Cochin, also known as Kochi, is located on the west coast of India in the beautiful, green state of Kerala. It has long been described in tourist literature as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. We will visit the Church of St Francis, considered to be the oldest church in India. Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan monks, it houses the Great Manuscripts of the Old Testament. There is also a Jewish synagogue. The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art and portraits of former kings of Kochi. Take in the sight of the rows of Chinese fishing nets along Fort Cochin's waterfront. In the evening, you can watch Kathakali, a 300-year-old dance form that originated in Kerala and combines opera, ballet, mask theatre and pantomime. This magnificent dance blend features colour, music, theatre and expression.

Overnight at the hotel in Cochin.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Munnar. Arrive in Munnar and check into the hotel.

Munnar is located at the confluence of three streams: Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at an altitude of 1,600 metres, it was once the seaside retreat of the British colonial government in southern India. With its vast tea plantations, picturesque towns and winding lanes, Munnar offers a unique experience. Most of all, Munnar is a tea town. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by miles of tea plantations stretching as far as the eye can see.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, off to the picturesque surroundings of Munnar. A tea town par excellence, Munnar first captivates visitors with its refreshing aroma, then impresses with its beauty and tranquillity. We'll visit the pristine Mattupetty Lake and the nearby Swiss Livestock Project, a specialist dairy farm where around 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle are reared. The breathtaking scenery of the lush mountains of Eravikulam National Park is the natural habitat of around half the world's population of Nilgiri tahrs, as well as other ungulates such as the Indian muntjac and sambar deer. Stroll through the local markets before returning to your hotel in the evening.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Periyar. On arrival, check into the hotel.

In the afternoon, departure for an exciting cruise on Lake Periyar. You can watch herds of wild animals bathing or quenching their thirst on the banks. The Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady is a showcase of nature's bounty, offering enchanting scenery, rich biodiversity and a delightful visitor experience. Spanning 777 km², Periyar is one of India's 27 tiger reserves. Jealously guarded and effectively managed, the reserve is home to rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna, and it is the main catchment area for two of Kerala's major rivers: the Periyar and the Pamba.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Alleppey to embark on a day cruise to Kumarakom. On arrival at Kumarakom, check into the hotel. Alleppey, Kerala's most popular destination, renowned for its angelic beauty and picturesque charm, is the starting point for most barge cruises in the region. The highlight of the trip will be a ride on the crystal-clear waters of the backwaters aboard a traditional barge, the Kettuvallam, once used to transport people and supplies. As you navigate these canals, you will discover scenes of everyday life in Kerala: villages, rice fields, coconut palms, fishermen and much more.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit the 6-hectare bird sanctuary on the shores of Lake Vembanad. Kumarakom is another jewel in Kerala's crown: a pristine tropical town. This picturesque group of small islands around Lake Vembanad boasts beautiful scenery and is an ideal place to visit. The region's fertile soil is evident in the abundance of rice paddies, mangrove swamps and coconut groves. The lush vegetation is a breathtaking sight. Thousands of migratory birds flock to the area every year. Birdwatchers come here to observe the different species of bird that frequent the island.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and head towards Cochin. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace or relaxing. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and transfer to Cochin International Airport (COK) in time to board the flight to the next destination. Safe travels!

Please note that triple rooms are typically double rooms with an additional bed. This type of bed tends to be less comfortable than a standard bed and reduces the available space in the room.