Depart London and fly overnight to Kochi

On arrival in Kochi you will be met at the airport and taken to the hotel. There will be free time to rest after your journey. In the afternoon you can walk through the lively fishing area where one can see the fish market and in the evening there is the chance to watch a Kathakali performance; this is a dance-drama famous in Kerela which re-enacts the Indian epics. Overnight in Kochi. (Hotel) Meals: no meals included on day 2

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

This morning you leave Kochi and head south to Alappuzha (1.5 hours drive) to the land of the famous backwaters. On arrival in Alappuzha you will board your private houseboat and set off through the maze of narrow waterways and lakes, 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. Overnight in Alappuzha. (Houseboat) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast on board the houseboat you disembark at Kumarakom where you will check-in at our hotel. You will spend the day at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary beautifully positioned on Vembanad Lake, 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. The view of the lake at sunset is particularly captivating. Overnight in Kumarakon. (Hotel) Meals: breakfast

After breakfast you will drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where the realxing part of your journey will begin. The reservoir, made here by the British in 1895 meanders through the deciduous forests providing a continuous water supply for the local wildlife. A boat trip on the reservoir is a great way to view wildlife, especially elephants that come to the water’s edge to bathe. The sanctuary is also 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. (5* Resort) Meals: breakfast: breakfast, dinner

Today your Ayurvedic treatments will begin. Firstly you will have a consultation with you Ayurvedic doctor, he will then advise as to which treatments are best suited to you and for how long each treatment should be carried out. The next seven days will involve treatments such as herbal massage, oil massage, steam baths and yoga. If you are looking for maximum well being and rejuvenation you should refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking during this period. The resort will provide carefully prepared ayurvedic food for you which is vegetarian. Overnight in Periyar (5* Resort) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

In between treatments you may wish to explore the beautiful surroundings, take a trip on the resevoir to see the bathing elephants or a foot safari with a local guide. Overnight in Periyar (5* Resort) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Ayurvedic treatments and free time in the reserve. Overnight in Periyar. (5* Resort)

Ayurvedic treatments and free time in the reserve. Overnight in Periyar. (5* Resort)

Today you will leave the lovely resort in Periyar and drive back to the hotel at Kochi. Overnight in Kochi(Hotel) Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Depending on flight times there may be time for some additional sightseeing in Kochi. A transfer will take you from the hotel to the airport for your return flight. Meals: breakfast