Itinerary
Days 1-2 Cochin Day 3 Munnar Days 4-5 Periyar Day 6 Kumarakom Day 7 Kerala Backwaters Days 8-9 Varkala Days 10-11 Trivandrum Day 12 depart

Days 1-2: Arrive in Cochin. Your first evening will introduce one of the highlights of the south - the famous dance drama of Kerala, the “Kathakali”. This dance can be characterized by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and very extensive make-up. The stories are mostly taken from the epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Continue to the lively Chinese fishing area with its daily fish market, make your selection and have one of the restaurants prepare your meal.
Explore the highlights of the old area of Fort Cochin including the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town; St. Francis’ Church - the oldest European Church in India; Santa Cruz Basilica - originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese; The Dutch Palace; the Spice markets and wander the narrow streets.

Day 3: Drive to Munnar, center of Kerala’s tea plantations. It is also the last home of the endangered Nilgiri Thar (one of the world’s rarest mountain goats). Nearby is Anamudi – South India’s tallest peak, Mattupetty Dam and echo point.

Days 4-5: Periyar (also known as Thekkady) is a wild life reserve surrounded by tea, coffee and spice plantations – a guided tour will introduce the many varieties, uses and processes. An early morning jungle walk in the National Park offers the chance to see elephant, bison, wild boar, golden langur, deer and numerous bird species including osprey and cormorants. If you are very lucky, maybe leopard or tiger. A second chance at wildlife spotting is provided by an afternoon boat ride as many species appear near the lake at sunset.

Day 6: A winding road with stunning views leads to Kumarakom - a rich green, sleepy little village on Vembanad Lake. This village provides boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating.

Day 7: Drive to Alleppey, board your private houseboat and head into the backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves; palm trees, rice fields and floating water plants. All aspects of life here takes place on the water – washing, fishing, trade and transport - so adapted are they to the water that you can see people talking for an hour while they are up to their necks in water. Sunbathe on the deck or observe the landscape from the protection of the cabin.

Days 8-9: Disembark from the houseboat and drive to Varkala – a journey through the tropical landscape of Kerala gives a good idea of people living in here. Varkala beach is one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in India.

Days 10-11: Kerala’s coastal capital is an easy-going city - the heart of the old fort area is the Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and its adjascent museum. At India's southern extemityKanyakumari Cape Comorin marks the meeting of three seas and is a popular pilgrimage destination, the sea front Kumari Amman Temple dedicated to a consort of Shiva.

Day 12: Depart.

BETTER TOGETHER
Discover more of India. Classic Kerala + Colors of Rajasthan for a 28-day Indian adventure. Book together and save up to USD160p/p	Tour Costs PRIVATE DEPARTURES 2 people - USD 2795 p/p 3 people - USD 2720 p/p 4 people - USD 2490 p/p 5 people - USD 2330 p/p 6 people - USD 2260 p/p single supplement: USD 787p/p
Classic Kerala + Spirit of India for a 25-tour of India; north and south. Book together and save up to 7%.	Tour Costs PRIVATE DEPARTURES 2 people - USD 2530p/p 3 people - USD 2450p/p 4 people - USD 2240p/p 5 people - USD 2090p/p 6 people - USD 2030 p/p single supplement: USD 610 p/p

Tour Costs
PRIVATE DEPARTURES
2 people - USD1420 p/p
3-4 people - USD1340 p/p
5-8 people - USD1190 p/p

single supplement:
USD380 p/p

Summer (low season) discount
up to 10% (May-September)