DAY 1
Arrive Kochi
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Welcome to Kochi (formerly known as Cochin), also known as Ernakulam, the commercial capital of Kerala. The word Ernakulam is derived from the Tamil word “Erayanarkulam,” which means “Lord Shiva’s abode.” Upon arrival at Kochi airport, our representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure as you to settle into your new space for the next 10 days.
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DAY 2
Kochi
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As you welcome a new morning in Kochi, discover this eclectic city by taking a tuk-tuk through Willingdon Island and the historic part of old Kochi (Fort Kochi and Mattancherry), dotted with tiled roofs and pastel-colored buildings. Kochi has the best natural harbor in the country, set amidst picturesque lagoons and backwaters famous across the world. Enjoy the breeze passing through the romantic backdrop of swaying coconut and palm trees.
The tour includes the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue (built in 1568), and St. Francis Church—the oldest church built by Europeans in India. Catch a glimpse of the fascinating Chinese fishing nets, and participate in Kochi’s main enterprise, commerce, by stopping at numerous shops selling tea, jute, chilies, turmeric, cashew, ginger, cardamom, and pepper.
This evening, relax on a sunset cruise.
DAY 3
Kochi
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Cycling offers one of the best ways to explore Kochi, and today you will experience it firsthand. Pedal through the picturesque seaside town and witness the city waking up. Join locals for a hot, steaming cup of morning tea as you glimpse diverse communities from distant lands that have made Kochi their home, alongside neighborhoods living in perfect harmony.
Later, immerse yourself in a culinary experience where you shop, cook, and eat in the warm atmosphere of a local family’s home, filled with stories of indigenous recipes and history. Get a sense of local market produce with your guide as you select ingredients for the meal.
End the day with a café trail. Fort Kochi features quaint cafés, from old traditional bakeries to trendy modern nooks offering a warm cup of coffee. Enjoy your coffee while learning about the people behind these cafés, their stories, and what makes them beloved by locals—we promise caffeine will keep you awake!
DAY 4
Kochi to Periyar (4.5 Hours Drive)
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Today, drive to Periyar, known as the spice coast. Settle into your cozy hotel, modeled on tribal community homes with thatched elephant grass roofs and set in a lush spice garden. Indulge in the exquisite Ayurvedic facility during your free time.
This afternoon, meet pepper, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon while learning about traditional, organic techniques used to prepare them for the kitchen. Adventure awaits with an interaction with mighty elephants at a private cardamom estate.
Spend time with these wonderful beings through a long walk, bathing, feeding, and learning how to communicate with them.
DAY 5
Periyar
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Revive your mind with an early morning yoga session at your hotel. The main purpose of yoga is to clear the mind of all thoughts, worries, and fears while increasing the strength and flexibility of the body. It brings the mind to a state of well-being and peace.
After breakfast, enjoy a hiking and rafting experience through some of the richest forest tracks in Periyar Tiger Reserve. Traverse a mosaic of habitats before boarding bamboo rafts to soak in panoramic views of forest-clad hills. Spot animals like elephants, gaur, and sambar keeping close to the lake edges.
This evening, savor authentic Kerala cuisine by preparing yummy dishes with the chef in a cooking class. The resort chef strictly follows a 50-mile diet, sourcing all ingredients from within a 50-mile radius—some from just 50 yards away.
DAY 6
Periyar to Munnar (3 Hours Drive)
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Today, head to the alluring hills of Munnar. The journey through winding, shaded roads from sea level to 6,000 feet takes you through a fantastic range of Kerala’s lush landscapes.
Feast your eyes on views of plantations growing coconuts, pineapples, rubber, coffee, pepper, cardamom, and vanilla, eventually emerging into an endless vista of verdant tea gardens. Munnar, literally meaning “three rivers,” sits at the confluence of three mountain streams, offering the perfect setting for absolute solitude and moments away from bustling city life.
After check-in and some rest, prepare for the finest biking trail. Winding through shola forests, cardamom estates, and tea gardens, these routes fascinate amateurs and enthusiastic professionals alike. They provide a ringside view of the beautiful countryside, indigenous tribals, and tea estate workers.
DAY 7
Munnar
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Buckle up for a trekking experience to the peak of the magnificent Lakshmi Hills. Rocky mountain terrains, grasslands, tea plantations with patches of shola forest, spice gardens, and various birds await you. If lucky and the weather is clear, view Anaimudi (the highest peak in South India) and the waters of Idukki Dam, listed as the highest arch dam in Asia and the third tallest in India.
Refreshments and a picnic lunch will be served at a suitable spot during the trek as you soak in the views. This trek acquaints you with local tea plantation workers, their stories, and how the business has changed hands over the years—shared over a warm cup of tea, of course.
Walk around Munnar village, breathe in the fresh air of the meadows, and relax. This is your time to unwind with nature!
DAY 8
Munnar to Alleppey (4.5 Hours Drive)
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Sit back, gaze at the palm trees and open sky, and witness village life from a charming houseboat. Today, drive to Alleppey, a prominent ancient trade center built on strips of land along a magical network of rivers, lakes, and lagoons.
On arrival, embark on your private luxurious houseboat, featuring well-appointed bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. Built without a single nail, the planks of these shallow barges are tied together with strong coir rope.
A Kerala lunch and dinner will be prepared and served on board.
DAY 9
Alleppey to Kumarakom (1 Hour Drive)
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Today, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kumarakom. This place captures the essence and beauty of Kerala by offering myriad views. Nothing has been added that does not already belong, and if the comforts of life enter (as they must), they do so in a harmonious way.
Here, see the famous backwaters—a complex network of lakes, canals, and rivers that support a beautiful and fragile ecosystem—including a quiet village tucked away on the banks of the picturesque Vembanad Lake. Experience the slow-paced village life and their livelihood activities, like coir yarn processing, which is Kerala’s oldest industry.
If you wish, laze around through the paddy fields and meet the locals too.
DAY 10
Kumarakom
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Day at leisure for independent activities. (Car and driver at disposal.)
Optional activities:
• Practice yoga and meditation in the morning, followed by breakfast.
• Go bird watching with a naturalist and learn about environmental conservation.
• Relaxation and rejuvenation. Ancient India’s gem, Ayurveda, is a specialty of Kerala, and Coconut Lagoon is equipped with a specialized Ayurvedic facility where you’ll be treated with massages and other treatments (at your own expense). Ayurveda literally means the science of life (Ayur = Life, Veda = Science). The ancient Vedic literature written by sages has clear instructions to maintain health as well as fight illness through therapies, massages, herbal medicines, diet, and exercise.
This evening, enjoy an exclusive dining experience at The Paddy Hut Dining to end your journey in the most memorable way. Let’s keep the rest for you to discover!
DAY 11
Kumarakom to Kochi – Departure
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Today, drive to Kochi airport for your international flight back home.
We truly hope you enjoyed your 10-day journey in this tropical paradise. We wish you a safe trip back home and look forward to hosting you again to explore more unknown landscapes and stories of India in the near future.