Arrive in Kochi. Meet our representative at the airport & transfer to the hotel. Kochi, a port town in the early centuries, Kochi attracted traders and invaders from all over the world. Kochi offers some fascinating snippets of history and culture. It is also known as the Spice Coast of India. In the afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kochi that includes the Hill Palace Museum, a fully-fledged archeological museum, and Kerala’s first-ever Heritage Museum are the main attractions (closed on Mondays). Chinese Fishing Nets, this unique style of huge cantilevered fishing nets, was erected between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the Court of Kubla Khan, a Chinese King. Santa Cruz Basilica, this historic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. Pope John Paul II proclaimed the Church a Basilica in 1984. The Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, is the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth (closed on Saturdays & Jewish Holidays). The area around the Synagogue, called Jew Town, is the center for Spice & Handicraft shops. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Regent of Kochi (closed on Fridays).

Return to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for shopping at Ernakulam. In the evening, witness Kathakali, the famous dance drama of Kerala. This dance is characterized by some great storytelling, amazing costumes, and extensive make-up. Start early to see the artists preparing themselves for the show (5 PM). Watch in detail the ritual worth seeing hour long process of make-up as part of our daily Kathakali performance. After the Performance, you will have a unique opportunity to take photographs along with the artists in colorful costumes as a souvenir. The entire performance will be supported with commentary in English.

Night stay in Cochin.

After breakfast, drive to Munnar 150 km. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Munnar is a hill station located 1600 meters above sea level. Once the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India it still retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea plantations, most of which are privately owned. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets, and undulating valleys, Munnar is an ideal getaway destination. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Munnar tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers, lust green hills, a place so difficult to describe, very low population too far from pollution, most of the covered by Tata tea. Also, the Raja Malai, a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats), Muttupetty dam, Indo Swiss project; you can also enjoy boating in the Lake (optional).

Night stay in Munnar.

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to the Periyar 110 km. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Periyar is an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar Valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel. Either have the rest of the day at leisure or go on a spice plantation tour where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. In the evening, you could go for a boat ride on Lake Periyar for a golden opportunity to see elephants and other animals.

Night stay in Periyar.

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom 120 km. Kumarakom is also one of the enchanting backwater regions of Kerala. The labyrinthine network of rivers, canals, streams, and lagoons that form the famed backwaters offers stunning views and is an ideal place to relax. Kumarakom is a bird sanctuary located on the banks of the backwaters and renowned for its varied avian population. Local varieties such as Waterfowls, Cuckoos, and Owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be viewed here. Day excursion to the bird sanctuary and optional boat ride to the nearby village through lagoons.

Night stay in Kumarakom.

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, get on a motor boat water cruise from Kumarakom to Alleppey for 2 hrs. On Arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Night stay in Kovalam.

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, proceed to Kanyakumari 100 km away. Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India. It is at the tail point of India, where the three seas meet together. En route visit Padmanabhapuram Palace - a wooden palace dating back to the 17^th century, Suchindram. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Vivekananda rock memorial and Kanyakumari temple, etc. Witness sunset in the evening.

Night stay in Kanyakumari.

Meal: Breakfast

Early in the morning, witness the sunrise from the terrace of the hotel. After breakfast, drive to the Trivandrum Airport to connect the flight for your onward journey.