08 DAYS CLASSIC TOUR OF KERALA BEACHES AND BACK WATERS

Arrive into Cochin transfer to Hotel for overnight stay.

Morning sightseeing of Fort Cochin area with remnants of the various influences of the historical port. Many different cultures including Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and Jewish have traded with the Malabar coast in Spices and Tea since the 16th century. Visit St Francis Church, where Vasco De Gama was first buried, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace with well preserved fresco paintings and the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth. The area around Jewtown is still a bustling market where spice trading continues today. After lunch drive 120kms (3hrs) to Munnar.

Munnar is situated in the cradle of tea plantations stretching in all directions. The area is surrounded by verdant forest, excellent trekking areas and the Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary , home to the endangered
Nilgiri Thar, a rare species of mountain goat.

Morning free for trekking with a naturalist, a wide range of birds also inhabit this area. Time also for a visit to Eravikulam. After lunch take a scenic drive to Periyar ( 110kms/2.5hrs). Periyar is part of the Project Tiger scheme and is also home to large herds of elephants, bison and deer. It is also famous for it's wide range of waterbirds and is unique in that the wildlife spotting is done by boat with a 2 hour boat ride on Lake Periyar. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for seeing elephants and other animals coming to the lake to drink and bathe. Overnight in Periyar.

Take an early morning boat ride and visit the various spice plantations where cardamom, nutmeg and pepper are grown. After lunch drive through lush agricultural areas down the hills to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is located on the Backwaters and is home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Take a boat ride at sunset to see the birds coming into nest for the night. Overnight in Kumarakom.

Morning free to explore the local area or just relax. At noon your houseboat will pick you up at the resort and you will embark on a remarkable journey through the coconut palmed canals. Here time stands still as the peace envelops you and you are a welcome observer of the local people tending their animals and crops, going about their daily activities. Your houseboat crew will take care of your every need, cook you delicious Kerala food and show you the places of interest on route. Your floating home has a modern bathroom and comfortable bedroom as well as a sitting area and sunlounging deck.

In the morning you will reach Alleppey and after breakfast you leave the houseboat and drive 4hrs to Kovalam Beach. At your resort there are qualified Ayurvedic Drs and therapists who can melt away any body pain and make you feel completely relaxed. The private beach is only a few steps away.

Relaxing at the Beach.

Relaxing at the beach. Evening transfer to Trivandrum airport for onward flights