Day 1 & 2Upon arriving at Cochin International Airport, transfer to Malabar House, situated about 90 minutes away in the heart of Fort Cochin. Stay two nights in this exquisite boutique hotel housed in an 18C refurbished colonial mansion. Relax with a traditional Kalari massage at the hotel Spa which taps on the ancient wisdom of Kalaripayattu – a traditional Keralan martial art which has developed its own system of healing and self-defence. Relax by the swimming pool shaded by tall tropical trees or indulge in sumptuous fusion cuisine. Stroll along the by roads of Fort Cochin and experience a fascinating cultural heritage. 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 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, 4, & 5Journey to Kumarakom, at the heart of Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, and check into Privacy, another Malabar Escapes property. This secluded holiday retreat perched on the banks of the magnificent Vembanad Lake is ideal for a peaceful holiday. The backwaters 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. These shimmering waterways are edged with dense tropical greenery and rural villages where daily life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Explore the backwaters on Privacy’s own snake boat which is an old traditional race boat from a nearby ashram, brought back to life fitted with a noise free electric outboard motor. Privacy also has mountain bikes for those wishing to explore the surrounding rural villages.

Day 6Today you board a house boat from Kumarakom and meander along the backwaters to your next destination: Alleppey. Stay overnight on the houseboat. The Backwaters of Kerala consisting of lagoons, lakes, canals and a network of up to 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 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.

Day 7 – 13Travel onto the west coast fishing village of Mararikulum and check into the Marari Beach Resort for seven days of rejuvenation. The white sandy beach here is vast and the waters of the Arabian Sea are perfect for swimming during the season. The lush tropical gardens at Marari Beach Resort are filled with fruit and medicinal trees that attract numerous species of birds. Immerse yourself in the healing wisdom of Ayurveda at the in-house Ayurveda centre which offers a range of relaxing massages supervised by an experienced Ayurvedic doctor. Yoga is conducted by a guru in an open sided hut by the sea.