After breakfast enjoy sightseeing tour of Cochin. City was originally settled by the Portuguese and boasts a natural harbor with lagoons, canals, and fishing hamlets. One of the three biggest ports on India’s west coast, it is also an industrially developed area, with the coir industry of special importance (coir is a coarse fiber made from the husk of coconuts). Today you’ll visit the Cochin Harbor Terminus; the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry, originally built by the Portuguese; Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town (the synagogue houses scrolls of the Old Testament); Fort Cochin area; St. Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India (and where the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was first interred); and see a stretch of the coastline dotted with massive Chinese fishing nets (cheenavala), believed to have been introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan (this is the only place they are found outside of China). In the evening you’ll attend a performance of the Kathakali, an elaborate Indian dance-drama. Night at hotel

After breakfast drive to Munnar - a quaint hill station nestled on the verdant slopes of tea plantations that exudes a rare old world charm.. At a height of 1525 metres, Munnar offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. On arrival at Munnar, get checked in at the hotel. Later in the day enjoy roaming through the beautiful Tea Gardens and National Park of Munnar. This panoramic hill resort will invite you to fall in love with its beauty. The rest of the day at leisure. Night at hotel.

A short drive south to Periyar, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary and home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, birds and even the odd tiger! Kumli, close to the sanctuary and where you’ll stay, is a pretty little town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops.

There is plenty to do in and around Periyar, so we leave the choice to you. Enjoy an included boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot herds of wild elephants or visit the lush nearby tea estates. Night at hotel.

After breakfast drive to Kumarakom. Perched sleepily on the eastern banks of the mighty Lake Vembanad in the heartland of Kerala’s famed backwaters, Kumarakom has changed little since the Middle Ages but for it’s string of exotic resorts, making it the perfect point to explore the backwaters. Although right in the thick of a tangle of lush tropical waterways,

Kumarakom is technically an island on Lake Vembanad. This is an ideal place to chill-out for a few days. There is also a wonderful bird sanctuary, winter home to many migratory birds which is worth a visit. Night at hotel.

This morning board on deluxe Houseboat for backwater cruise. Embark Kerala Houseboat "Kettuvalam" at Kumarakom. Head towards Munnattumugham village; through interior backwaters. Continue to Champakulam, earlier named as Kalloorkad, the ancient trade centre of backwaters. Visit famous St. Marys Forance Church that is believed as blessed by Str. Francis in 42 AD. The murla paintings by vegetable oil are an exciting panoramic vision. Visit the famous Champakulam snake boat construction yard. As for dining, the on-board cook will prepare meals using fresh local produce. Lunch, dinner and night on board House boat.

Disembarking at Alleppey, you’ll be driven the short distance back to Kochi. In time you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight back to home.

* Note - All itineraries are sample itineraries, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before the tour or while on the trail.