Day 1 & 2Upon arriving at Cochin International Airport, transfer to Malabar House, situated in the heart of Fort Cochin about an hour away. Stay two nights in this exquisite boutique hotel housed in an 18C refurbished colonial mansion. Experience the fascinating sites and sounds of Fort Cochin. Traditional Kathakali and Bharathanatyam dance performances are held at the Greenix Village down Kalvathy Road. Go early and catch the intriguing ritual of the Kathakali dancers putting on their make-up before their performance. Visit the Mattancherry Palace, once occupied by the local Verma Kings and now a museum that tells of their lifestyle. Verma Kings of Malabar were reputed to be tolerant and lived side by side with those of other faiths including the Jewish and Syrian Christians that arrived on this coast in the 15th century. Explore the Jewish Town with its narrow cobbled stone walkways where wayside shops overflow with antiques and silk shawls; the 16C synagogue with intricate chandeliers and porcelain tiled floors; the Santa Cruz Basilica; the Dutch Palace and the St. Francis Church. Stroll down to the Vasco da Gama square, a narrow promenade that parallels the beach where huge Chinese fishing nets are tended by fisherman. These large ancient contraptions are built out of teak wood and bamboo poles, almost in the shape of a preying-mantis.

Day 3 & 4Today you head to Serenity, a plantation bungalow situated between the Malabar Coast and the spice-growing Thekkady hills. The journey will take two and a half hours. Kanam estate and the surrounding areas are fertile lands that grow numerous crops including aromatic spices such as pepper, cardamom and cloves; cocoa, coffee and tea; numerous varieties of fruit; and rubber. Serenity arranges guided walks through the plantations where you can learn how these precious crops are grown and processed. Indulge in traditional Kerala cuisine prepared with fresh herbs and spices picked from the estate. The chef is happy to share his traditional recipes with guests. Explore the surrounding rural villages in a bullock cart or on elephant back. Classical dance performances including Kathakali can be seen at the Aranmula Cultural Centre situated nearby.

Day 5, 6 & 7Travel to Kumarakom – an island on the vast Vembanad Lake and head to Privacy another exquisite boutique hotel owned by Malabar Escapes. Upon arrival, board Malabar Escape’s own houseboat – `The Discovery’ and begin your overnight cruise on the meandering waters of the Vembanad Lake. This was the setting for Arundhati Roy’s Booker prize-winning novel `The God of Small Things’ and offers a true experience of India’s enchanting natural landscape and rural village life. The Backwaters of Kerala consisting of lagoons, lakes, canals and a network of 41 rivers leading to the Arabian Sea. Over 900kms of this massive water body can be explored by boat. Views change constantly as you move along: lush green paddy fields and coconut groves, tranquil waters momentarily disturbed by cormorants and brahmini kites diving down in search of their catch, fisherman tending to their Chinese nets, and villages passing by in canoes filled with coir and vegetables. Stop enroute and explore rural villages, Hindu kovils and churches. At night, once your houseboat is anchored in the waters, dine on the helm under a starlit sky with the sound of crickets in the background. Next morning you return in the houseboat to Privacy where you will spend three romantic nights. This is an exquisite boutique hotel tucked away amidst a coconut grove bordering the serene Vembanad. Relax on a hammock by the poolside with the picturesque backwaters in full view, indulge in sumptuous fusion cuisine that Malabar Escapes is famous for or wonder off and explore the surrounding rural villages on one of Privacy’s mountain bikes.