Spice Trails & Sacred Temples

Morning Enjoy a Guided sightseeing tour of Cochin to explore the many fascinating highlights of this enchanting port town which include - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, the St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders. In the evening, optional visit to see the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Overnight at Brunton Boatyard - Standard Sea Facing A/c. (NB: Jewish Synagogue & Palace remains closed on all Friday & Saturday)

Morning after breakfast drive to Munnar a hill station(140 Kms/4 Hrs drive), 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 holiday destination. En route visiting Cheyyapara & Valara waterfalls. Check into your hotel and unwind. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the ambience of Munnar. Overnight at Lockhart Tea Bungalow - Deluxe Room.

Morning after breakfast 9 AM you can go for sightseeing Munnar which includes Eravikulam National Park, Tea Gardens, Tea Museum(Will be closed on Mondays) Echo point, Mattupetty dam; you can also enjoy boating in the Lake (optional). Overnight at Lockhart Tea Bungalow - Deluxe Room.

Drive to Periyar /Thekkady an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 wildlife reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel. Enjoy a spice plantation tour today 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. Rest of the day at leisure & stay overnight at Spice Village - Spice Garden Cottage.

Early morning guided nature tour inside the sanctuary, It is an interpretive sandal protection trekking program offering excellent opportunity for watching birds, butterflies and other wildlife through a range of habitats during the 4-5 km 2.5-hours walk. Afternoon enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar, observing wildlife such as antelopes, buffaloes, boars, and elephants(Wildlife spotting is truly based on your luck).In the evening, attend a traditional cultural and art show. Overnight at Spice Village - Spice Garden Cottage.

After breakfast checkout and drive to Madurai, on arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon enjoying the Sightseeing in Maduari includes visit the Meenakshi Temple Gandhi Museum (Closed on all National and government holidays),Thirumalai Naicker Palace, Evening visit Madurai local flower market etc. Overnight stay at GRT Grand - Business Class a/c.

After breakfast drive to Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India where three oceans meet. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. After refreshing, continue with local sightseeing, visiting Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Glass Bridge ,Sunset Point, Gandhi Mandapam, and more. In the evening, enjoy the beautiful sunset. Stay overnight at Annai Hotel - Deluxe Room a/c.

Following breakfast, on the penultimate day of your one week Kerala tour, is a drive to the gorgeous crescent beach of Kovalam, rated in the top 100 beaches in the world. En route visiting Sucheendram Temple & Padmanabhapuram Palace (Palace remains closed on Mondays).On arrival, you will be checking in to the hotel and after an unwinding day at the beach, heading back to the hotel to spend the night. Overnight at The Leela - Sea View Villa a/c.

Today morning after breakfast 9 AM you can go for the sightseeing of Trivandrum [The Capital of Kerala]. Here you can see the 260 year old Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, Puthan Maliga Palace Museum [200 year old Palace of the Travancore Maharaja's], Napier Museum [Which has an electric display of bronzes, Zoo, temple carts, Ivory carvings etc..] and Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Afternoon free at leisure on the beach. Evening drive back to Kovalam & stay overnight at The Leela - Sea View Villa a/c. (NB: Horse Palace, Napier Museum, Zoo and the Srichitra Art Gallery are closed on Mondays)

Full day at leisure end enjoying the beach. Stay overnight at The Leela - Sea View Villa a/c.

Departure Transfer to Trivandrum Airport for onward journey.