There are no organized activities today so that you can relax and acclimatize after your journey and perhaps take a stroll to the waterfront to see fishermen hauling in their catch from their ingenious Chinese fishing nets. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Cochin
This morning drive and guide will meet you for a tour of fascinating Fort Cochin where much of the architecture strongly resembles that of the old capitals of Europe. The Portuguese, Dutch and British all traded and settled here and marked the town with their colonial influences. Fort Cochin is easy to explore on foot so later in the day you might like to take a walk around the antique and spice shops in Jew Town or enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance-drama performance in a local art center – it’s quite an amazing sight! Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Munnar
Today you will be taken to Munnar, Kerala`s principal tea-growing area, driving uphill through cardamom plantations and undulating tea fields. This is a great opportunity to take some photos of a unique landscape, and hopefully, see the tea pickers at work. This afternoon you will have time to get out and enjoy the cooler air of the hills and take a guided walk through the plantations. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Thekkady & Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Morning at leisure. You may wish to explore the town and visit the Tea Museum. Drive from Munnar to Periyar today. You will descend slowly, winding your way down through the plantations before you reach the lowlands at Periyar. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: Thekkady & Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Rise early for your guided jungle walk to enjoy the local birdlife. After returning to your hotel for a late breakfast and a chance to freshen up, your guide will take you to a spice plantation where you can learn about pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla among many other spices and plants. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: Periyar
You will drive from Periyar to Alleppey this morning and board your private converted rice barge in time for a freshly cooked lunch. You will spend the remainder of your day cruising around the serene backwaters, a vast network of lakes, lagoons, rivers, and canals, and watch life go by. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 07: The Backwaters
This morning you will disembark your houseboat after breakfast, and your driver will transfer you to your accommodation in the backwaters. It’s a great place to watch local fishermen at work, small vessels passing to and fro, and enjoy the birdlife. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 08: Mararikulam
Today your driver will meet you again for the short transfer along the coast to Marari Beach. The remainder of the day at leisure to relax on the beach, sunbathe, and take a paddle in the sea. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 09: Mararikulam
Day at leisure. You might like to try a local ayurvedic body massage that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 10: Mararikulam – Cochin – Departure
This morning will be an early start to make the return journey to Cochin for your flight back home. Stay overnight at Hotel.