Depart UK and fly  to Kochi

On arrival at Kochi you will be met at the airport by your tour leader and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, get some rest or have a wander through the colourful streets of Kochi. Overnight in Kochi. (Hotel) Meals: no meals included today

Today you have a full day to explore Kochi. Your local guide will start the tour with Jewtown and the Pardesi Synagogue then continue to St. Francis - the oldest European church in India. You shall see the Santa Cruz Basilica; built by the Portuguese in 1557 and the Dutch Palace, before ending the tour at the colourful spice market. Overnight in Kochi. (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

This morning you will head east into the highlands of Kerala. Your journey will take you through rolling hills covered in tea estates and spice plantations. Munnar itself is a scenic hill station, at 1500m the views from the town are breathtaking. On arrival you will check in to your hotel and take dinner. Overnight in Munnar. (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

After breakfast you will drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The reservoir, made here by the British in 1895 meanders through the deciduous forests providing a continuous water supply for the local wildlife. The sanctuary is home to bison, deer, wild boar, 4 species of primate, around 40 tigers, and 265 bird species. In the surrounding area there are many spice plantations such as tea, coffee, cardamom and sandalwood, in the afternoon you can do a spice tour of these plantations with a local expert guide. Overnight in Periyar. (Hotel) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today you have a full day to explore Periyar. In the morning there is a jungle walk within the sanctuary, this is the most exciting way to see wildlife. Walks are led by an experienced local guide and take around three hours; this is your best chance of seeing some of the more elusive animals in the reserve. In the afternoon we have included a boat trip on the reservoir; this is a more relaxing way to view wildlife and offers the chance to observe wild elephants bathing at the water’s edge. Overnight in Periyar. (Hotel) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning you will head for the famous backwater region of Kerala. Your destination is Kumarakom, beautifully positioned on Vembanad Lake in the very heart of the backwaters. The region is one of lush, green vegetation, fringed with coconut palms through which twists and turns a maze of waterways. The view of the lake at sunset is particularly captivating. Overnight in Kumarakom. (Hotel) Meals: breakfast, dinner

At Kumarakom there is a fantastic bird sanctuary, as well as being a place of natural beauty the bird sanctuary is an important site for migratory birds and a paradise for bird watchers. You may wish to visit the sanctuary during this free day in Kumarakom. Overnight in Kumarakom. (Hotel) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

In the morning you will board your private houseboat for a magical journey through the backwaters. The boats we use are very comfortable with private bedroom and bathroom facilities. The crew will ‘punt’ the rice boat through the narrow waterways en-route to Alappuzha. This is time for total relaxation, to appreciate the enchanting scenery and watch daily life along the backwaters. Your trip passes through exquisite areas of palm trees, rice paddies and lakes. All your meals whilst onboard will be prepared by the crew using fresh local produce. Overnight on backwaters. (Houseboat) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After a leisurely breakfast you will reach your destination at Alappuzha, here you will say goodbye to your crew and travel the short distance back to Kochi by road. Overnight in Kochi (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

Early in the morning we will provide a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Meals: breakfast