Day 01 Arrive Cochin (By Flight) /Cochin–Fort Cohin (By Road) (6 Km/ 15 min)
Arrive Cochin and check-in at the Brunton Boatyard. A special welcome brunch has been laid out, consisting of a spread of South Indian and Keralan specialties. Relax by the poolside to let everything settle in. Later, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where you’re served a selection of fresh local seafood. Walk back to the Brunton Boatyard for well-earned sleep. Overnight in Fort Cochin

Day 02 Fort Cochin
After breakfast, you’re ready for another day of ambling down the by lanes of Fort Cochin.
The morning’s walk will take you way back in time, through the historical Mattancherry Palace, David Hall and the old Moslem quarter. Lunch is at one of the Cochin’s oldest eat-outs, “Kai-Ikka”, a popular Moslem eatery famous for its biryanis. In the evening, relax by the poolside, or take a sunset cruise followed by dinner, a gala event with a choice of Indian wines and a selection from the “History Menu” – a collection of old recipes put together from Fort Kochi homes. Overnight in Fort Cochin

Day 03 Backwater
Proceed to Puthenangadi on the banks of the Lake Vembanad. Enjoy a freshly-plucked tender coconut before boarding a traditional Kettuvallam.
As you glide gently along the the backwaters, two meals are prepared on board just for you, freshly caught scampi grilled in curry sauce, karimeen, backwater duck roast, tapioca and steamed red rice.
There’s plenty of chilled beer and wine on board too. Drop anchor for the night. Overnight in Backwater.

Day 04 Kumarakom
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before arriving at Coconut Lagoon, a very special “Curry Lunch” has been prepared for you, a feast served on a banana leaf. In the evening, explore up-river on canoe or simply watch the sun go down from your deck. Round up the day with an interactive cooking demo, followed by dinner with the chefs. Overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 05 Kumarakom – Periyar (By Road) (112 Kms / 3 hrs 10 min appx.)
Take a short boat transfer and then drive to Periyar. On the way, stop by at Planters Residence where your host lays out traditional lunch at the bungalow along with the family.
Located 2000 metres above sea level, built as a tribal village, the Spice Village is a perfect example of living in harmony with nature.
Dinner at the 50 Mile restaurant, everything served here is grown within a fifty-mile radius. You’ll be surprised at what wonders this can achieve for both the planet and your palate. Overnight in Periyar.

Day 06 Periyar
Start your day with a walk through the jungle in the company of a naturalist and a guide from the local tribal community.
On your return, indulge in a brunch prepared with spices and herbs. Visit one of the spice farms where you learn about the history of these spices and the riches they brought to Kerala and the country.
Later in the evening, go for a walk in Kumily town with its quaint shops selling fresh spices grown in the neighborhood. Attend an interactive cooking demo with our chefs, followed by dinner. Overnight in Periyar.

Day 07 Periyar – Madurai – Chettinad (By Road) (237 Kms / 5 hrs 30 min)
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, famous for its colorful Meenakshi Temple. After which, there’s lunch in a typical Tamil Nadu restaurant in Madurai before you continue to Visalam. It’s been a long day, spend the evening by pool before dinner. A classical music concert has been arranged as an accompaniment to your meal.
Overnight in Chettinad.

Day 08 Chettinad
After breakfast, visit the weekly market called Vaara Sabdhai with the chef where greengrocers, fisherfolk and fruit vendors display their wares under colorful canopies.
Back at the hotel, join our kitchen staff in preparing your lunch which, as per tradition, is served in the kitchen. After lunch, a visit to the handloom weavers of Chettinad is in order. Overnight in Chettinad.

Day 09 Chettinad – Thanjavur – Pondicherry (By Road) (265 Km/6 hrs 30 min)
Today’s drive will take you to the east coast and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
On leaving Visalam, you visit Thanjavur, a town known for its great Chola temples, the most impressive amongst which is the Brihadeshwara temple located in the center of the city.
After a pit-stop for a typical South Indian vegetarian lunch, you come to the next high-point of your journey: the great Chidambaram temple. Said to be the birthplace of Shiva as the dancer (Nataraja), this temple is located upon Earth’s magnetic equator and thus considered by some to be the center of the world.
Reach Pondicherry and check in to your luxurious room at the Palais de Mahe. Once you’re settled, take a walk down old Pondy to one of the popular local restaurants for dinner. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 10 Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a wonderful town with a long and interesting history of trade and war. You can explore this history by foot or bicycle. Visit the Aurobindo Ashram, the French, Christian, Hindu and Muslim quarters, the incredible colorful main market, the beach promenade and the Ganesha Temple. Drop in at the Aurobindo paper factory, and the Auroville Store.
En route, have a cup of coffee at the Kafe Express, or some French food at La Maison Rose, a treat that’ll transport you to old Europe.
Lunch is served at Maison Perumal, our boutique hotel in the Tamil Quarter, and a gala farewell dinner awaits you at Palais de Mahe to put a fine finishing touch to your culinary tour of the south. Overnight in Pondicherry

Day 11 Depart Cochin
Breakfast and transfer to the airport, on your journey back home.

***********TOUR ENDS********

Day 01 Arrive Cochin (By Flight) / Cochin – Fort Cohin (06 Km/ 15 min)
On your arrival at the Cochin International Airport, drive to Fort Kochi. You will be welcomed traditionally at Brunton Boatyard – an elegant boutique hotel that is a mélange of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences, overlooking the historic harbour. Enjoy your time at leisure, by the pool or take a stroll through the green courtyards of Brunton Boatyard. Explore the destination with many stories, tour the old spice markets, Jew street and synagogue, the Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets and David Hall. Return to Brunton Boatyard for the night.

Day 02 Fort – Cochin – Thekkady (160 Km/ 04 hrs 30 min appx)
Wake up for your 5-hour drive to Thekkady. Drive through rice fields and rubber plantations. See coffee, cardamom, pepper and tea estates. Arrive 2000 ft. up at Spice Village, a reimagined tribal village very close to the Periyar forest. Get an authentic eco-living experience, complete with a spice garden, in your very own elephant grass thatched cottage. End the evening with a demonstration by the Chef on cooking with spices followed by a cultural performance kathakali dance show. Retire for the night in Spice Village.

Day 03 Thekkady
Enjoy a delicious breakfast to kick start the day with a trek through the Periyar wilderness, a protected elephant and tiger reserve with the park rangers. Join our resident naturalist on a tour of the spice garden. Learn about the abundant flora and fauna of Periyar in the evening, before settling down for dinner. Participate in a cooking demo with spices. Experience a tribal cultural performance kathakali dance show. Retire for the night in the Village.

Day 04 Thekkady – Kumarakom (By Road) (130 Kms / 03 hrs 30 min)
After breakfast, enjoy a morning drive to Kumarakom where you’ll switch to a boat and arrive on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Disembark straight onto the reception of Coconut Lagoon, a little piece of untouched Kerala – created from restored heritage homes, set in a web of canals on the banks of the Kavanar river. Learn to cook authentic Keralan cuisine organized by the Chef, so you can take more than memories home. Relax in the evening and watch a traditional cultural performance kathakali dance show., before calling it a night.

Day 05 Kumarakom
Practice yoga and meditation in the morning, followed by breakfast. Go bird watching with our resident naturalist and learn about our conservation methods. Experience village life with a local, and learn all about a different world. Enjoy a lazy afternoon by the pool. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake in a converted rice boat, accompanied by a flute performance. Return to Coconut Lagoon for the night.

Day 06 Kumarakom – Mararikulam (By Road) (28 Kms / 45 min)
Begin your onward journey to Mararikulam, where you arrive to a traditional welcome at Marari Beach Resort – An eco-extension of a fisherman’s village, Marari Beach offers complete relaxation in natural settings. Unwind by the beach and retire for the night.

Day 07 Mararikulum
The community surrounding Marari Beach Resort teaches you the art of indulging in the moment. Explore the region on a bicycle or take a dip in the sea. Watch fishermen reel in the catch of the day, stroll through the nearby village and harvest organic produce at Marari Beach’s four-acre organic garden. As you accompany these unique experiences with Ayurveda treatments, feel yourself unwind holistically- body, mind and soul.

Day 08 Mararikulum – Cochin (72 Kms / 04 hrs) / Depart Cochin
Begin your journey home with a drive to Cochin International Airport. As you take off, don’t forget to enjoy a bird’s-eye- view of the vast area you have just travelled and begin to plan your next holiday with us.

********TOUR ENDS*******

Day 01 Arrive Cochin (By Flight)
Arrive in Cochin, meet assist and transfer to your hotel. Cochin, the financial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala. By evening witness the world famous Kathakali dance at a local theatre, a traditional art form of Kerala and one among the national dances of India. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Cochin (B–D)
After Breakfast Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin covering – The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese trade.Venture into the busy markets of Cochin for a shopping experience, an ideal place to find curios, souveniers, spices, textiles etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 Cochin – Kumarakom (B–D) (By Road) (48 Kms / 01 hrs 16 min appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed to Kumarakom the land of lakes and lagoons. Optional – ayurveda massages / sunset cruise / bird sanctuary visit. Overnight stay at the resort in kumarakom. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 Kumarakom (B–D)
After Breakfast Proceed Full day free to relax at Kumarakom and enjoy the magical world of lakes and lagoons. Optional – Visit to nearby town of Kottayam 18 km to see the 2 famous churches Valiya Palli & cheriya palli. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 Kumarakom – Alleppey (B–L–D) (By Cruise)
After Breakfast Proceed to a Kettuvallam, a backwater houseboat, to proceed for an unforgettable overnight cruise to Alleppey through the mesmerizing backwaters of Kerala, something unique to Kerala. You will have a private, one room houseboat in Kerala that travels until sunset when it then anchors for the night, at Alleppey. Your houseboat has a private balcony with comfortable chairs. The rooms of the houseboat are well furnished with attached bathrooms and air conditioning which functions during sleeping hours. The boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialties and fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country houseboats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala’s villages. Kerala backwater houseboats, also known as Kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these houseboats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These backwater houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. With their languid grace and quaint design adding another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters. Lunch, evening tea with snacks and dinner served on board. Overnight in the houseboat.

Day 06 Alleppey – Mararikulam (B–D) (By Road) (28 Kms / 52 hrs appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed to the chatter of the water birds. A traditional kerala breakfast prepared by the boat crew awaits you. Disembark the boat after an unforgettable life time experience and drive to Mararikulam, the calm and serene beach of central kerala located in Alleppey district. A unique beach with coconut palm fringed shore line with fisher men village near by. An ideal choice for tourists seeking calm and serene settings. Check in to your resort at mararikulam and explore the wonders of nature. Optional – try out a traditional ayurveda massage which will take away all the fatigue of travel and keeps you rejuvenated. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 Mararikulam (B–D)
After Breakfast Proceed Day free to relax at the resort or venture into the nearby fishermen village and interact with the locals. Tickle your taste buds with the local sea food specialities which comes fresh from the fishermens nets around. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 Mararikulam – Cochin (By Road) (42 Kms / 01 hrs) / Depart Cochin
In time departure transfer to the Cochin Airport. Departure transfer to onwards destination.

Day 01 Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (By Road) (154 Kms / 2 Hrs)
Arrive at the Chennai Airport and leave for Pondicherry. Stop at Mahabalipuram, a 90 minutes drive away, to visit the Shore Temple, a World Heritage Monument. After exploring the rock-cut architecture, have lunch at Radisson Resort Temple Bay. Continue for two hours to Pondicherry and check-in at Maison Perumal. Spend the rest of your evening at the beach. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 02 Podicherry
Begin a guided tour of Pondicherry with Auroville. Founded in 1958, Auroville is a township devised as an experiment in human unity. It now has 50,000 residents of different nationalities and is a must-see for being the only township of its kind in the world. Stay for lunch at the visitor’s centre.
In the afternoon, visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Botanical Gardens, churches and museums. Spend the evening at your leisure, before calling it a night at Maison Perumal. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Day 03 Podicherry – Kumbakonam (135 Kms / 3 hrs 20 min appx.)
After breakfast, check-out and embark for Kumbakonam. En route, stop at Cuddalore to visit Fort St. David and the Garden House. Then, proceed to Chidambaram to visit the Shiva Nataraja Temple, one of South India’s most ancient temples. After a further two-hour drive, arrive near Kumbakonam at Mantra Koodam. Check-in and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight in Kumbakonam.

Day 04 Kumbakonam
Spend your day at the breathtaking Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram temples, known for housing many art and architectural treasures. Then, head back to Mantra Koodam to experience the many available activities from bullock-cart rides to Bharatanatyam. Overnight in Kumbakonam

Day 05 Kumbakonam -Chettinad (137 Kms /3 hrs min appx.)
Check-out after breakfast and begin your journey towards Chettinad. En-route, stop at Tanjore to visit the spectacular Brihadishwara temple and break for lunch at Hotel Svatma. Continue your drive for a further two-hours and arrive to a warm welcome at Visalam, Chettinad. Overnight in Chettinad.

Day 06 Chettinad
Visit the Raja’s Palace, old Chettiar mansions and clan temples. Shop for handmade tiles at the Athangudi village, learn about the intricate handloom process of saree weaving, purchase souvenirs at the local markets and take a bullock cart ride or cycle tour. After a day of adventure, wind-down at Visalam. Overnight in Chettinad.

Day 07 Chettinad – Madurai – Thekkady (By Road) (230 Km / 5 hrs 30 min)
After a delicious Visalam breakfast, leave for Thekkady. Stop briefly at Madurai to visit towering gopurams at Sree Meenakshi Temple and have lunch at Hotel Heritage. Arrive at Thekkady in three-and- a-half hours to crisp mountain air at Spice Village. Participate in a cooking demo with spices and experience a tribal Cultural performance kathakali dance show. Discover the immense biodiversity within the resort. Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 08 Thekkady
Go on a morning trek, after breakfast, boatride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with a forest guard. In the afternoon, visit spice plantations. Learn about the abundant flora and fauna of Periyar from our naturalist in the evening, before settling down for dinner. Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 09 Thekkady – Kumarakom/ Kumarakom–Vembanad Lake (By Boat)
Enjoy a morning drive to Kumarakom ( 130 Kms /3 hrs 30 min approx). Three-and- a-half- hours later, switch to a boat and arrive on the shores of Lake Vembanad. Disembark straight onto the reception of Coconut Lagoon. Watch a cooking demonstration and traditional Cultural performance kathakali dance show. Take in unobstructed sunset views as you relax on a hammock by the lake. Overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 10 Kumarakom
Wake up for an energizing s ession of yoga before breakfast. Then, follow the birdsong on a tour with our naturalist. Return to Coconut Lagoon for a village walk and environmental tour. Spend a lazy afternoon relaxing by the pool. Towards the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise accompanied by a flute performance. Overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 11 Kumarakom – Alleppy (Lake Vedaman) Houseboat
Start your day with yoga, once again, and watch a Kalaripayattu session before breakfast. Board a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat in the afternoon, courtesy Spice Coast Cruises. Explore the backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey. Dock at 6 in the evening and have dinner on board. Enjoy an overnight stay on your houseboat.
Overnight in Lake Vedaman in House Boat.

Day 12 Lake Vedaman – Mararikulum (By Road) (50 Kms / 30 Min appx)
Wake up to breakfast on your houseboat before docking at the Puthenangadi boat jetty. Continue to Mararikulam and check-in at Marari Beach Resort. Spend the rest of your day on the beach. Overnight in Mararikulum.

Day 13 Mararikulum
After breakfast, explore the fishing villages on a bicycle or take a dip in the sea. In the afternoon, visit our organic farm from which we source the fresh ingredients that go into our gourmet dishes. Retire for the night at Marari Beach Resort. Overnight in Mararikulum.

Day 14 Mararikulum – Fort Cochin (By Road) (50 Kms / 1 hrs 30 min appx)
Drive to Fort Cochin after breakfast. Upon arrival, check-in at Brunton Boatyard and explore the variety of gourmet cuisines at our different restaurants. Relax at the pool overlooking the harbour and embark on a sunset cruise towards evening. Overnight in Fort Cochin.

Day 15 Fort Cochin
After a large breakfast, leave for a full day tour of Cochin. This tour takes you to all the best loved sights- the spice markets, Jew Street and Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. Catch an art show at our contemporary gallery and café, David Hall. Enjoy dinner in the warmth of Brunton Boatyard’s Armory Café. Overnight in Fort Cochin.

Day 16 Depart Cochin By Flight
Breakfast and transfer to the airport, and begin to plan your next holiday with us.

***********TOUR ENDS*********

Day 01 Arrive Cochin (By Flight)
Arrive in Cochin, meet assist and transfer to your hotel. Later proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin covering – The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese trade. By evening witness the world famous Kathakali dance at a local theatre, a traditional art form of Kerala and one among the national dances of India. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Cochin – Mararikulam (By Road) (43 Kms / 01 hrs 02 min appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed to Marari, the calm and serene beach of central Kerala located in Alleppey district. A unique beach in Kerala with coconut palm fringed shore line with fisher men village nearby. Kerala beaches are an ideal choice for tourists seeking calm and serene settings. Check in to your resort at Mararikulam and explore the wonders of nature. Optional – try out a traditional ayurveda massage which will take away all the fatigue of travel and keeps you rejuvenated. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 Mararikulam
After Breakfast Proceed Full day free to relax at the resort or venture into the nearby fishermen village and interact with the locals. Tickle your taste buds with the local sea food specialities which comes fresh from the fishermens nets around. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 Mararikulam – Kumarakom (By Road) (26 Kms / 44 min appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed to Kumarakom the land of lakes and lagoons. Check in to the lake side resort at kumarakom and relax. Optional – ayurveda massages / sunset cruise / bird sanctuary visit. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 Kumarakom
After Breakfast Proceed Full day free to relax at Kumarakom and enjoy the magical world of lakes and lagoons. Optional – Visit to nearby town of Kottayam 18 km to see the 2 famous churches Valiya Palli & cheriya palli. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 Kumarakom – Alleppey (By Cruise)
After Breakfast Proceed to By noon time aboard a Kettuvallam houseboat to proceed for an unforgettable overnight cruise to Alleppey through the mesmerizing backwaters of kerala, something unique to kerala. You will have a private, one room houseboat that travels until sunset when it then anchors for the night, at Alleppey. Your houseboat has a private balcony with comfortable chairs. The rooms are well furnished with attached bathrooms and air conditioning which functions during sleeping hours. The boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialties and fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips! The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country houseboats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala’s villages. Houseboats, also known as Kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these boats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. With their languid grace and quaint design adding another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters. Lunch, evening tea with snacks and dinner served on board. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 Alleppey – Kovalam (By Road) (165 Kms / 04 hrs appx.)
After Breakfast Proceed to the chatter of the water birds. A traditional Kerala breakfast prepared by the houseboat crew awaits you. Disembark the boat after an unforgettable life time experience and drive south towards Kovalam, the world famous beach destination of Kerala. Enroute stop at the snake temple at mannarasala for a short visit Optional With three adjacent crescent beaches, Kovalam has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse – sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the Kerala beaches begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. Upon arrival check in to your resort at Kovalam. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 Kovalam
After Breakfast Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just a stones throw away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple from outside only, Puthenmalike Palace museum. Optional – After Lunch, shopping of antiques and souveniers before return drive to Kovalam resort. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 Kovalam
After Breakfast Proceed to Day at leisure . Relax at the beach or swimming pool. Optional : Full day excursion to Lands End – Kanyakumari 90 Kms also known as Cape Comorin. The place known for the confluence of the 3 Oceans, viz Arabian sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Enroute visit the wooden palace at Padmanabhapuram which belongs to the Travancore dynasty, and a quick visit to the famous Suchindram temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and which houses an 18 ft monolithic statue of the monkey God, Hanuman. Lunch at a local restaurant and take a ferry to the Vivekananda rock memorial, where Swami Vivekananda, the world famous scholar and philosopher meditated. By evening return drive to Kovalam. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Kovalam-Trivandrum (By Road) (18 Km/ 44 min) / Dep. Trivandrum
In time departure transfer to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport. Departure transfer to onwards destination.

************TOUR ENDS**********