Day 1 & 2Upon arriving at Cochin International Airport, you will be met by a Red Dot representative and transferred by car to Fort Cochin, an old trading post on the ancient Malabar Coast. The journey from the airport will take about one hour. Check-in for a two-night stay at the Brunton Boatyard, a boutique hotel situated at the edge of an estuary where the vast Vembanad Lake meets the waters of the Arabian Sea. Experience the fascinating sites and sounds of 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 14th century. 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. Explore Jewish Town with its narrow cobbled stone walkways where wayside shops overflow with antiques and silk shawls; the 16th century synagogue with intricate chandeliers and porcelain tiled floors; the Santa Cruz Basilica; the Dutch Palace and the St. Francis Church.

Day 3 & 4Journey south along the backwaters on a Kettuvalam until you reach Kumarakom, an island on the magnificent Lake Vembanad. Spend two nights on your houseboat en route. 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.

Day 5, 6 & 7Once you arrive in Kumarakom, check into Coconut Lagoon, one of Red Dot’s favourite properties in Kerala, for a relaxing three-night stay. This backwater resort captures the true essence of Kerala and can only be accessed by boat. Pearl Spot fish cooked in a banana leaf, sounds of the sitar resonating from afar, the glow of oil lamps, the healing touch of an Ayurveda therapist, and the sight of a fisherman in his Kettuvallam as he meanders along the backwaters are all a treat for your senses. Coconut Lagoon is a treasure trove for naturalists. Explore the Vembanand Lake and its profusion of fish and water birds, extensive resort gardens scattered with fruit and medicinal trees, the butterfly garden, and the adjoining Kavanar bird Sanctuary. Village expeditions past paddy fields, waterways and village homes are organised by the resort, with the assistance of an in-house naturalist.