Discover Kerala

Day 1

On arrival in Thiruvananthapuram, you will be met and transfered to your hotel. Checking in at noon, you'll then be whisked off for an afternoon city tour, visiting Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Horse Palace, Napier Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery (optional), Handicrafts Institute and Kovalam Beach (optional) before returning to the hotel to spend the evening at your leisure.

Day 2

In the morning you will be driven the 175 kilometers to Allepey - Venice of the East, transfer to the houseboat. A journey through the scenic backwaters with typical Kerala meals served on board. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 3

After breakfast on board the houseboat takes you to Kumarakom, where you check in to your resort-set by the backwaters and next to a bird sanctuary. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

Following a five-hour, 130 km journey through spectacular countryside, you will arrive in the hill-station of Periyar. After checking in to your hotel, take a boat ride on the lake to see the animals in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at close quarters. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

In the morning, enjoy a second trip on the lake; in the afternoon, visit the fragrant spices plantation and market. Overnight at the hotel

Day 6

Arise bright and early for the 3-hour, 100 km drive to Munnar - the hill-station known as 'tea city'. On arrival, check into the hotel with the rest of the day to spend as you please - either relaxing or exploring tea city.

Day 7

In the morning visit Munnar's tea plantations and take a scenic tour to Topstation or Rajamala where you can watch nilgiri Tahr (rare mountain goats) in their natural habitat. In the afternoon you will be driven to Kochi where you will check into your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8

The morning drive to Kochi (140 kilometres) will take approximately four hours. After checking into your hotel, join an afternoon city tour, visiting St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the Spice Market, taking in views of Kochi's quaint harbour.In the evening, attend a magical Kathakali dance show. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9

Transfer to the airport for the flight to your onward destination.