Beyond the Backwaters of Kerala!

Day 1 - Welcome to Kochi! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrivals hall of the Kochi Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. In the evening you can choose to venture out to watch a Kathakali dance performance, a classical dance form unique to Kerala. (At your own expense).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Today we go on a guided tour of the Fort Kochi area, founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and believed to be the earliest European settlement in India. The true character of the town is found in the old Fort Cochin area of the town. We begin the sightseeing tour with the Mattancherry and Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi. Next, we visit the Jewish synagogue dating back to 1568. We then head to St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India, built in 1503 and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), established by the Dutch in 1720 for washing the army uniforms. We also visit the Chinese fishing nets that line the entrance to the harbour and were introduced by the Chinese in the late 14th Century. Our tour concludes with a sunset cruise from 5.30 – 7 pm. The cruise will take us through the waterways of the Kochi Harbour, offering picturesque seaside views of the Kochi skyline, including, Fort Kochi, Bolgatty Island, Willingdon Island, shipyard and the Chinese fishing nets. The cruise is a remarkable experience as we slowly make our way out onto the Arabian Sea and sit back and watch the setting Sun.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - In the morning we dive to a rural area in the foothills of the Western Ghats, called Thodupuzha. Upon arrival we check-at the Dewalokam Homestay, the ancestral farm of the Alilakuzhy family, an ancient Syrain Christian family of Kerala. The warm and welcoming family takes us around the organic farm, telling us about the unusual trees and plants, many of which have medicinal properties. The goal of the farm is to preserve the planet, full of fruits and vegetables, milk and honey produced naturally without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. After relaxing for a bit, we go for a walk in the garden, plucking and smelling the produce, getting the real farm experience. We also have the option of taking a cookery class, a hands-on experience that may make or break your dinner. Overnight at Dewalokam Homestay.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - We have the entire day at this farm to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Following breakfast, we go on a general nature walk throughout the resort's forested areas. We'll also walk through the rubber plantation to the village, where we'll see traditional houses, engage with the locals, learn about their beliefs and customs, and gain a deeper knowledge of people and culture. Overnight stay at Dewalokam Homestay.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - In the morning we leave for Munnar, a quaint hill station nestled on the verdant slopes of tea plantations. Formerly known as the High Range of Travancore, it flourished as a tea-producing region from 1880 onwards. Today, it serves as the commercial hub for some of the world's highest tea-growing estates. With its contoured hills, sparkling waterfalls, vast tea plantations and picture-postcard hamlets, the area is perfect for hiking. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying the ambiance of the town.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - After an early breakfast we drive through the old town of Munnar and arrive in the tiny village of Nagarmudi. From here, accompanied by a local guide, we start our trek. The trail commences with a gradual ascent through the tea plantations and then climbs into the Seven Malai Hills. As we reach the top, we are rewarded with spectacular views of Annamudi Peak, Changulam Lake, Chittrapuram Dam, Munnar town and some local villages. After enjoying the view and taking photographs, we descend down through the same route and head back to the hotel. Late afternoon we walk through the beautiful town of Munnar and its colourful bazaars. We also have the option of stopping at a local tea stall to enjoy chai (tea) or coffee with locals. (Paid Locally). Optional visit of tea museum if time allows. Duration of Hiking: 3/4hrs

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - Today we drive to Thekkady. The drive is spectacular as the road meanders through the Western Ghats with fantastic views and a chance to make brief stops at some local markets and grape plantations along the way. We arrive at the small bustling village of Thekkady and check-in at the hotel. The entire region is a spice growing centre. In the afternoon, we head for a guided short walk through spice gardens and plantations. During the tour, we learn about the history, growth and development of wonder spices like cardamom and pepper. Other crops of the region include tea, coffee and vanilla. We also learn how these spices are used in local cuisine and their medicinal properties. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Thekkady. Walk Duration: - 01-02 Hours

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - Experience the serene beauty of the Periyar National Park with a half-day of guided trekking and rafting adventure. We start with a nature walk at 8 AM. During the jungle we get to catch a glimpse of its abundant birdlife such as kingfishers, storks and hornbill. The trek leads us to the banks of the Periyar Lake. Following a breakfast break, we head onto the waters aboard a bamboo raft. From the raft we may spot local wildlife such as elephants, gaur and sambar. We then return back to the starting point and by late evening are back at the hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore the town.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - After breakfast we leave for Varkala. Situated 51 kilometres north of Thiruvananthapuram and 37 kilometres south of Kollam, Varkala boasts of untouched and clean beaches. It is also a Hindu pilgrimage town and is home to the 2000-year-old Janardana Swamy Temple. Hundreds of Hindus visit the Papanasam Beach on Karkidavavu Bali during the Malayalam month of Karkitakam (July-August) to pray for their ancestors. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax at the beach.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - We have a leisurely breakfast in the morning and have the day free to enjoy and unwind at the beach. Overnight stay at Varkala. Optional Sightseeing: There are many interesting activities to do in Varkala. Plan a bicycle tour to the villages where people make handspun coir, take a look at the arts and crafts at the village markets or stop by a beach side eatery to sample the spicy fresh fish that Varkala is famous for! Or, you may opt to go for an Ayurveda massage (paid locally). For lunch we can choose from a wide variety of beach shack restaurants which serve excellent seafood as also some tandoori dishes - the clay ovens add authentic taste to breads and curries.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 11 - Our tour of Kerala comes to an end it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and get a transfer to the Trivandrum Airport for onward travel.

Tour Ends