Day 1 - 4Arrive 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 four nights at Taj Green Cove.

Day 5Today you begin your tranquil journey to the north along the backwaters on a Kettuvalam house boat. The Backwaters of Kerala consisting of lagoons, lakes, canals and a network of upto 41 rivers, meet at specific estuaries leading to the Arabian Sea. Over 900 kms 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 6.00 pm the houseboat will moor up and the staff will cook a sumptuous traditional feast. Dine on the helm under a starlit sky with the sound of crickets in the background. Sleep contentedly in your cabin overnight.

Day 6 & 7Leave the backwaters and travel to Cochin, an ancient trading port since at least 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. Traditional Kathakali and Bharathanatyam dance performances are held at the Greenix Village down Kalvathy Road. Mattancherry Palace – once occupied by the local Verma Kings and now a museum that tells of their lifestyle. Explore the Jewish Town with its narrow cobbled stone walkways where wayside shops overflow with antiques, silk shawls and Kurtas. The beautiful 16th century Synagogue with intricate chandeliers and porcelain tiled floors stands in a corner of Jewish Town. The Santa Cruz Basilica built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the Dutch Palace and the St. Francis Church are all well worth a visit. 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 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.