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 & 4Today you journey to the spice-growing foothills of the Western Ghats, an area dubbed Cardamom Hills after its most important crop. Stay two nights at the CGH Earth’s Spice Village, on the edge of the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Visit the jungles of Periyar National Park, one of the largest in India. Tigers are a rarity, but elephants, bison, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, and numerous species of birds and butterflies can be seen. The forest department have successfully co-opted the support of the indigenous Mannan community who now conserve the National Park in exchange for money from eco-tourism. Visit a tribal village and learn of the rituals and lifestyles of the indigenous Mannan community. Visit a spice plantation and learn of aromatic spices including cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and nutmeg. Cookery demonstrations using these fresh herbs and spices are held regularly at the hotel. Kumily, situated on the outskirts of the Periyar sanctuary, is an important link in the spice trade. You can purchase fabulous spices from here as well as Ayurvedic medicines and essential oils.

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.

Day 8Today you board a houseboat 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 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.

Day 9 – 13Travel onto the west coast fishing village of Mararikulum and check into the Marari Beach Resort for five days of rest and relaxation by the waters of the Arabian Sea. The lush tropical gardens at Marari Beach Resort are filled with fruit and medicinal trees that attract numerous species of birds. Go on a guided birding trail with the in-house naturalist and along the way spend time in the resort’s butterfly garden. Watch the fisherman as they pull in their catamarans after a night of fishing or explore the surrounding fishing village. Relax with an Ayurvedic massage or join the morning Yoga sessions conducted by a guru in an open-sided hut by the sea. The white sandy beach here is vast and the waters of the Arabian Sea are perfect for swimming during the season.