Discover the hidden gems of Kerala

Arrive in Cochin by flight. Upon arrival, after clearing immigration and collecting your baggage, you will be welcomed by our representative in the arrival hall, who will transfer you to your hotel. Kerala, and especially Cochin, was one of the main ports on the historic spice route. The history of Kerala reflects the significant influences left by these foreign visitors. Christianity first arrived in India through Kerala, and the Islamic influence in the state is visible when traveling north. Even after their departure, these cultural influences remain evident in the architectural heritage of Fort Cochin and in the local cuisine. The area is a charming mix of antique and spice shops, and souvenir stores leading to the Synagogue, the oldest in India. It is a delightful area to explore at your leisure. Later, you will meet your guide at a designated time and continue back to your hotel, stopping along the way at Bazaar Street, famous for its spices. Arrive at the hotel, check in, and relax. In the evening, you will attend a performance of the classical Kathakali dance at the theatre. Kathakali is a traditional dance form originating from Theyyam, a ritual tribal dance of northern Kerala, and Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art dating back over 1,000 years. The dancers wear dramatic costumes and exaggerated facial makeup, and, accompanied by drums and cymbals, use stylized movements to depict episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. You will arrive early at the theatre to watch the dancers prepare for their performance.

Early in the morning, around 7 a.m., you’ll embark on a unique expedition through the enchanting hinterlands of Kerala aboard a tuk-tuk. This immersive journey offers a captivating glimpse into life in a traditional Keralan village, allowing you to fully absorb its authentic spirit. Upon arrival at the meeting point, our expert guide will lead you to the local fishing harbor, where you’ll gain an insightful overview of the fishing economy and the daily lives of the fishermen. On most days, you’ll have the opportunity to witness lively fish auctions in action. Afterwards, we’ll hop back into the tuk-tuk and visit a local family’s home for a delicious, homemade breakfast. This intimate experience provides a wonderful chance to engage with the locals and understand the rhythms of rural household life. Following breakfast, you’ll explore the charming village by tuk-tuk, soaking in the sights and sounds of everyday life. The tour concludes with a short ferry ride across to the opposite bank, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village. After lunch at a local restaurant specializing in fresh seafood or authentic South Indian cuisine, you’ll reunite with our expert guide for a brief walking tour of Fort Cochin. As you wander the narrow streets of the Heritage Zone, you’ll discover a fascinating blend of architectural styles reflecting the diverse cultures that have shaped the area. Dutch colonial houses stand alongside grand British plantation-style homes, while two Portuguese-built churches overlook the town. Keeping watch over the harbor are the iconic Chinese fishing nets. In the winding alleys of the old city, you’ll find charming cafés, quaint bookshops, and unique boutiques. Just before sunset, fishing boats return to the shore, and lively auctions take place along the waterfront. The catch is sold both to local vendors and supplied to nearby hotels, completing a vibrant scene that perfectly captures the spirit of Fort Cochin.

Today, you will drive for approximately 4 hours up to the cool hills of Munnar. Nestled on the seaward slopes of the Western Ghats, Munnar is the heart of Kerala’s tea industry. The town developed as a British “hill station” and is surrounded by vast tea plantations and patches of rainforest, creating a peaceful and verdant landscape. Upon arrival in Munnar, you will check into your hotel. Later, you will visit Munnar’s Tea Museum, which houses a charming collection of tea-related artifacts and photographs. Alongside informative exhibits, the museum offers visitors the chance to participate in tea tasting sessions. You can savor different varieties of tea and learn about the subtle nuances of their flavors, all while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of Munnar. It’s a delightful way to immerse yourself in the world of tea and appreciate its importance in the local culture.

After breakfast, you will embark on an exciting trek: the Top Station Valley Trek. This scenic five to six-hour hike is perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and breathe in the crisp, fresh air of the Western Ghats. The guided excursion begins shortly after breakfast and includes a beautiful 29 km drive to Yellapetty Estate, where the trek starts. Along the way, you will pass tea plantations, villages, Echo Point, and Kundala Dam. The trek takes you across rolling terrain, passing through tea plantations, dense shola forests, mountain ridges, and shola grasslands. You will reach an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters (5,577 feet), and throughout the walk, you will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and hills blanketed in tea. The length of the trek can be adjusted according to your fitness level. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by dinner with a local family. The meal will be a Sadya: a traditional and elaborate vegetarian feast from Kerala, typically served on special occasions, weddings, and festivals such as Onam. It is served on a banana leaf and features a wide variety of dishes.

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, the gateway to Periyar National Park. Periyar National Park, set around the expansive Lake Periyar and stretching across hills and valleys, is one of the natural habitats of the Asian Elephant. Designated a Project Tiger Reserve in 1978, the park offers stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Visitors are limited to the “tourism zone,” with wildlife viewing primarily conducted by boat on Lake Periyar during the early mornings and evenings. As one of the main water sources in the park, the lake attracts a variety of animals and birds. It’s common to see herds of elephants feeding by the lakeside, large groups of deer and wild boars gathering at watering holes, and Indian bison grazing in the parklands. Other residents include wild dogs, various monkey species, and numerous birds, some endemic to the region. Although tigers inhabit these forests, their numbers are scarce. Later, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Periyar, one of the best ways to observe wildlife as animals come to drink and bathe. Cruising along the lake’s edge by boat provides excellent opportunities to spot animals, even though the shared vessel can sometimes be noisy due to other passengers. Nevertheless, this remains the most effective way to enjoy the sanctuary’s wildlife.

After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of a locally run spice plantation and discover the fascinating world of cardamom, pepper, and vanilla. Just a few kilometers from the village of Kumily, adjacent to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, lie numerous spice plantations owned and carefully tended by local villagers. The region’s ideal climate and soil have given rise to many small plots, typically around two acres each. Here, farmers cultivate a variety of spices in modest quantities, including cardamom, pepper, cocoa pods, vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and curry plant. As you stroll through the plantation, your expert guide will help you see, taste, and smell these aromatic treasures. The tour usually lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours and is considered a true highlight of the region. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the hotel’s amenities and activities.

After an early breakfast, you will depart for Alleppey, where you will board a Premium Houseboat for a day cruise with lunch included. The drive to Alleppey takes approximately four hours. The boat will glide across the lake and into the serene backwaters. Lunch will be served onboard as you soak in the tranquil surroundings. Later, you will disembark from the houseboat and drive to your hotel in Kumarakom. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax at your leisure.

Today, you will drive to the town of Alleppey, once the bustling center of the spice trade. This attracted traders, moneylenders, and buyers from across India and around the world, resulting in an astonishing variety of architectural styles within a small area. You will embark on a walking and driving tour with Rani John, a long-time resident dedicated to preserving this unique heritage. From the charming heritage buildings along the canals of old Alleppey, you will then visit the new Alleppey, a striking contrast to the picturesque and tranquil old town. The walking tour will be followed by a cooking demonstration with lunch. You will learn about Syrian Christian cuisine, a traditional culinary style originating from the Syrian Christian community in Kerala. This cuisine reflects a unique fusion of Kerala’s flavors and Middle Eastern influences, a result of the Syrian Christians’ long history of trade and cultural exchange with the region.

Depending on your flight, transfer to Cochin airport for your flight to onward destination.