Kerala Discovery (5 Star)

Arrive in Kochi, where you will receive a warm traditional Swagat (welcome). A representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in.

Kochi, often referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, has long been a vital hub of maritime trade. For centuries, it connected India with merchants from the Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, and the Dutch. Your first evening in the city is at leisure.

This morning, at 9:00, set out on a full-day city tour of Kochi. Begin with a visit to St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, followed by the Dutch Palace - originally built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch. You then explore the Jewish Synagogue. Built in 1568, it's one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth.

A stop at the bustling spice market offers a sensory experience, with the air rich with the aroma of cardamom, cloves, and pepper. You also see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a legacy of Kochi’s long-standing trade links with China.

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the local markets, where you can browse for souvenirs and soak up the city’s lively atmosphere.

Kochi - Munnar. Leaving Kochi at around 10:00, you'll head to Munnar. The journey takes approximately four hours and offers breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls, mist-covered mountains, and drifting clouds along the way. On arrival, check in to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Nestled at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala - Munnar is one of India’s most beloved hill stations. Perched at an altitude of about 1,600 metres above sea level, it was once the summer retreat of the British administration in South India. The town is surrounded by endless tea plantations, charming colonial-era lanes, and scenic trekking trails. Spend your first evening in the hill station at leisure.

Munnar - Eravikulam National Park - Munnar. After breakfast, set out on a half-day sightseeing tour of Munnar. Visit some of the world’s highest tea estates, where endless slopes of emerald-green plantations blanket the hillsides. Continue to Eravikulam National Park (please note the park is closed during January and February), home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat found only in this region.

The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore Munnar at your own pace - perhaps visit a local tea museum, stroll through the markets, or simply enjoy the cool mountain air.

Munnar - Periyar National Park. Today, make the four hour drive to the Periyar National Park, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, set around a picturesque lake.

Periyar offers a wonderful opportunity to experience nature at its best. The sanctuary is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild boar, monkeys, and, with some luck, even tigers or leopards. The area also attracts numerous bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers. To see some of this wildlife, consider an optional boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you may spot herds of elephants or deer.

Periyar National Park - Kumarakom. You begin today with a visit to a local spice plantation, where you can see how Kerala’s famous spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon are cultivated. Later, enjoy an included boat ride on Periyar Lake before you make the 3.5 hour drive to Kumarakom.

Kumarakom, one of Kerala’s most renowned backwater destinations, is a serene village set on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. The area is dotted with graceful coconut palms and vibrant birdlife, and its calm waters are best explored aboard traditional houseboats and canoes.

Kumarakom - Alleppey. This morning, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, haven for a wide range of species throughout the year - between October and February you may spot cormorants, teals, and various ducks, while from February to July darters, night herons, egrets, and Siberian storks are commonly seen. Other resident species include the golden-backed woodpecker, crow pheasant, white-breasted waterhen, and treepie.

Later, transfer to the jetty to board your traditional kettuvallam (houseboat). Enjoy a leisurely cruise across the tranquil Vembanad Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and swaying palms. The cool breeze and gentle rhythm of the water make this a perfect way to unwind.

As you continue towards Alleppey through the scenic backwaters, observe village life along the canals - fishermen at work, women washing clothes by the banks, and children waving from the shore. Lunch and dinner are included onboard today.

Alleppey - Kovalam. This morning, disembark from the houseboat in Alleppey and drive to Kovalam. Located at the southernmost tip of India, Kovalam is renowned for its beautiful beaches. The town features two main beaches, divided by a steep cliff and lined with coconut palms. In recent years, Kovalam has gained renewed popularity as a centre for Ayurveda, with numerous wellness resorts and treatment centres offering traditional therapies focused on relaxation and rejuvenation. On arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Today is at your leisure to enjoy independent activities. You may choose to relax on Kovalam’s white-sand beaches or indulge in an Ayurvedic therapy session at one of the local wellness centres.

Kovalam - Trivandrum. This morning, set out on a half-day sightseeing tour of Trivandrum. Begin with a visit to the revered Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This ancient temple, held sacred by Hindus for centuries, features a grand gopuram and a large temple tank used for ritual bathing.

You then visit the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Indian art ranging from early to modern styles. The gallery displays works by Raja Ravi Varma, along with exquisite Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings and ornate Tanjore pieces embellished with semi-precious stones.

Your final stop is the elegant Kuthiramalika (Horse) Palace, known for its intricate wood carvings and traditional Kerala architecture. After the tour, transfer to Trivandrum Airport where your tour comes to an end - please don't book flights departing from Trivandrum until the early evening.