Destination: Cochin-Kumarakom-Munnar-Vythiri
Duration:15 Nights / 16 Days

DAY 01 COCHIN
Arrive Cochin airport by mid morning. Garland welcome, assistance and transfer to the hotel.
Cochin, a major port of call on the ancient trade route from China to Rome. The mixture of influences here is a heady brew. Chinese fishing nets dot the coast, Roman coins are dug up as treasure trove, the Mattancheri Palace was built by the Portuguese, the Bolghatty Palace by the Dutch, and Willingdon Island was created by the British. Here you will find Hindu Temples, Christian Churches, mosques, and a synagogue (the Jewish settlement dates from at least as far back as AD 400). Cochin is a melting pot of races and cultures, charmingly emphasizing that variety is indeed the spice of life.
Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 02 COCHIN
Morning after breakfast we visit the old city, with its Dutch Palace containing gorgeous frescoes of the Mahabharata in Kerala style, its ancient Jewish quarter and fifteen hundred year old synagogue, and its famed antique shops. Later on drive to St. Francis Church - the oldest church constructed by the Europeans and also visit Chinese Fishing Nets - introduced by traders from the court of Kublikhan.
Evening we watch the dance drama of Kerala - the Kathakali in a local theatre. O/n Hotel.

DAY 03 COCHIN TO ALLEPPEY
Morning after breakfast drive to Alleppey (about 60 kms/ 02 hrs) to board our houseboat that comprises twin rooms, with attached bathrooms, running water, and a lounge area in which to relax and enjoy the sights on the shore. We start our sail through scenic backwaters, passing through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. The houseboat will cruise through the Chambakulam area by mid-morning and anchor to explore the boat yard, which displays the traditional long snake boats used in races. Visit St. Mary's Church, established by St. Thomas in 1721. In the evening, catch a glimpse of village life along the backwaters and experience a way of life unique to this region. The boat will pass through picturesque stretches of the backwaters of Alleppey and moor up for overnight in Vemabanadu Lake. O/n Houseboat.

DAY 04 ALLEPPEY TO KUMARAKOM
Morning after breakfast disembark from the houseboat, transfer to Kumarakom, a small picturesque village located on the banks of Vemabanadu Lake. Check into the hotel, rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 05 KUMARAKOM TO THEKKADY
Morning after breakfast we start our drive towards the highlands of Kerala - Thekkady (about 140kms/03hrs). The journey takes you through softly contoured hill slopes surrounded by plantations of rubber, pepper and spices like cardamom, coffee & tea. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.

Explore Thekkady - picturesquely located in Kerala's highlands and home to the renowned Periyar Tiger Reserve with its unspoilt tropical forests and its incredible wealth of animal and plant life is a naturalist's paradise. The forest here slopes into the manmade lake at the bottom of the hill. This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar deer and even tigers can be spotted here.
Evening we make a 02 hrs cruise through the lake to watch the rich flora and fauna. O/n Hotel.

DAY 06 THEKKADY
Morning after breakfast we will go for a full day trekking & rafting at Periyar wildlife sanctuary. The adventure starts at 0800 hrs from the Lake Periyar boat landing. Maximum of 05 persons are allowed per raft and 02 rafts are functioning. It involves a 2-hour trek in to the core area, 3-hours rafting and 2-hours return trek. There will be one-armed guard and 2 tribal trackers along with each raft. A simple vegetarian lunch will be served as well as snacks and tea or coffee. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 07 THEKKADY TO MUNNAR
Morning after breakfast we drive to Munnar (about 110kms/03hrs) through the 'Cardamom Hills of Kerala', where you can have a close look up to the spices plantations of Kerala. The ascend and descends and the stunning views make this journey a memorable drive. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 08 MUNNAR
Situated in the heart of the Cardamom Hills, at an altitude of 1700m, Munnar is surrounded by endless green, rolling hills and 30 of the world's highest tea estates. Morning after breakfast we make a short drive to Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary proclaimed as a National Park since it supports the largest population of Nilgiri Thar existing in the world now. A wide variety of plant life is present here. The Nilgiri Tahr is seen in the Highlands and rocky regions of this national park. Explore the sanctuary by walking; the views are superb from here. Afternoon free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 09 MUNNAR
Today after an early breakfast we drive to Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary (about 60kms), located in the rain shadow of High Ranges in the Southern Western Ghats. Its dry deciduous forest makes it easier to view the wildlife. Undulating terrain with rocky patches increase the forest make its easier to view the wildlife. The forest type comprise thorny scrub forest, dry deciduous forests, high altitude shoals and wet montane grasslands. Herds of Asiatic Elephants, Guar, Spotted Deer, the elusive Leopard, the legendry 'white bison of Manjampatti' and the colourful bird and butterfly life make Chinnar a must see destination in the wildlife map of Western Ghats.

On arriving at Chinnar at 08:00 A.M, you will be guided by trained guides from the local indigenous community to a Cultural site through the dry deciduous forests of Chinnar. There are chances of sighting wildlife. After lunch go for a short trek through the riparian forests along the Chinnar river. These forests are home to one of the most endangered mammals of India, the grizzled Giant Squirrel.

Back to Munnar in the evening, on the way visit Marayoor - only place in Kerala where one gets to see a sandal forest. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 10 MUNNAR
Morning after breakfast we start our 10 kms cycle ride through the tea plantations covering beautiful terrain and amazing views over Munnar valleys. Rest of the day at leisure or to stroll around the picture book town of Munnar. O/n Hotel.

DAY 11 MUNNAR TO CHERUTHURUTHY
After an early breakfast we descend to the plains of Kerala to Cheruthuruthy (about 200kms/06hrs), home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. Check into the retreat, the erstwhile summer palace of the Maharaja of Cochin, situated on the banks of the beautiful river Baharathapuzha. Rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the dinner under the stars. O/n Hotel.

DAY 12 CHERUTHURUTHY TO VYTHIRI
Morning after breakfast we visit the Kerala Kalamandalam, a distinguished centre of excellence in performing arts, which spearheaded the movement of cultural renaissance in Kerala. Established in 1930, this beautiful campus, seeped in classical music and dance, lies near the Nila river in the village of Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur district. Kalamandalam is acknowledged as the best institution in India imparting training in the ancient art forms of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Panchavadyam and Thullal. Proceed to Vythiri (about 170kms/05hrs) through the interior villages of Kerala and on to Wayanad hill roads, which offers a panorama of undulating hills and dales. The hills, which might have been thick forest once, are now plantations of coffee, cardamom and pepper. There is luxurious greenery all around. Check into the hotel at Vythiri - a place of great scenic beauty with picturesque hills, streams and luxuriant vegetation. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 13 VYTHIRI
The day at leisure for experience the healing power of Ayurveda. O/n Hotel.

DAY 14 VYTHIRI
The day at leisure for Ayurveda. O/n Hotel.

DAY 15 VYTHIRI TO CALICUT
Morning after breakfast drive to Calicut (about 65kms/03hrs), check into the hotel. Evening free to stroll around the famous old street 'Mittai Theruvu' (Sweet Street). O/n Hotel.

DAY 16 CALICUT TO UMBAI
Morning free to relax, afternoon transfer to airport to board flight to Mumbai to connect with your int'l flight.