Day 1 - 5Arrive at Trivandrum International Airport where you will be met by a Red Dot representative and transferred to The Taj Green Cove, a luxurious resort in Kovalam by the waters of the Arabian Sea. Along with Goa in the North and Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu, Kovalam has a reputation for some of South India’s finest beaches. Take in the tropical sun and surf on Kovalam’s beaches or rejuvenate with a relaxing massage at the resort’s Jiva Spa. For those interested in traditional arts and heritage, visit the Napier Museum and the Sree Chithra Art Gallery located in the capital city of Trivandrum located 15 kms away. Spend six nights at Taj Green Cove.

Day 6, 7 & 8Journey north to Kumarakom and check into the Taj Garden Retreat which sits on acres of landscaped gardens adjoining the Kumarakom Bird sanctuary and overlooking the vast Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom - an island with mangrove forests, paddy fields and coconut groves -- is surrounded by the scenic backwaters. The bird sanctuary covers 14 acres and is home to numerous species of migratory and endemic bird species. Some of the migratory birds that can be spotted during the season from October to January include terns, cormorants and collared bush chats. From February to August local migratory birds start flying in including snake birds, Indian shags, and black ibis. Other interesting activities include a sunset cruise on a houseboat or a visit to Kottayam’s ancient Hindu kovils and churches. Spend three nights at Taj Garden Retreat.

Day 9 & 10Relax during the morning at Taj Garden Retreat and wait for the arrival of your traditional Kettuvallum houseboat (a reconverted rice barge) for one of the highlights of your holiday – a journey through Kuttanad country, a land of shimmering waterways, dense tropical greenery and age-old village livelihoods so vividly described in Arundhati Roy’s remarkable novel `The God of Small Things.’ The Backwaters of Kerala consisting of lagoons, lakes, canals and a network of 41 rivers meet at specific estuaries leading to the Arabian Sea. More than 900kms of this massive water body can be explored by boat. Pass through 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 watch villagers passing by in canoes filled with coir and vegetables. At 6.00pm the houseboat will moor up and the staff will cook a traditional meal. Dine on the helm under a starlit sky with the sound of crickets in the background before sleeping in your cabin at ngiht. Spend two nights along the way on your houseboat.

Day 11, 12 & 13Leave the backwaters and travel to Cochin, an ancient trading port since Roman times that provided a safe port of call for sailors on the main trade route from Europe to China. Situated on the estuary where the magnificent Verbena Lake meets the Arabian Sea, the views from Taj Malabar are breathtaking and Dolphins are often seen frolicking nearby. The hotel organises several excursions including a sunset cruise on their own luxury yacht – the Cinnamon Coast -- and speed boat rides. Explore Fort Cochin with its colonial period architecture and unique mix of cultures. Explore the Jewish Town with its narrow cobbled stone walkways where wayside shops overflow with antiques, silk shawls and Kurtas. The beautiful 16C Synagogue with intricate chandeliers and porcelain-tiled floors stands in a corner of Jewish Town. The Santa Cruz Basilica, the Dutch Palace and St Francis Church are all well worth a visit. Spend your final three nights at the luxurious Taj Malabar on Willingdon Island. Experience the sights and sounds of historic Fort Cochin. Stroll down to the Vasco da Gama square, a narrow beach promenade where huge Chinese fishing nets are tended by fisherman. These large contraptions are built out of teak wood and bamboo poles, almost in the shape of a preying-mantis, and date back to the 14C.