Day 1 & 2Upon arriving at Cochin International Airport, you will be met by a Red Dot representative and transferred 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 your two night’s stay at the Brunton Boatyard, a CGH Earth 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 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. 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 16C synagogue with intricate chandeliers and porcelain tiled floors; the Santa Cruz Basilica; the Dutch Palace and 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 situated 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 birds and butterflies can be seen. The forest department have co-opted the support of the indigenous Mannan community who now conserve the 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 & 7Leave Thekkady and travel south to Kumarakom, an island on the magnificent Vembanad Lake that is blessed with an idyllic location. Check into CGH Earth’s Coconut Lagoon, one of Red Dot’s favourite properties in Kerala, for a relaxing three-night stay. This is a backwater resort, only accessed by boat, captures the essence of Kerala: Pearl Spot fish cooked in a banana leaf, sounds of the sitar resonating from far, the smell of oil lamps as they glow in the dark, the healing touch of an Ayurveda therapist, and the sight of a fisherman in his Kettuvallam as he meanders along the backwaters – all in all, a treat for your senses. Coconut Lagoon represents a unique biosphere which is a treasure trove for naturalists. Explore the Vembanand Lake and its profusion of fish and water birds, the 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 accompanied by the 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 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 9 – 13Travel to Cochin International Airport for your short flight to Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 small islands off the coast of Cochin. Arrive in Agatti Island where the airport is situated and transfer by boat to CGH Earth’s Bangaram Island Resort which is situated on its own tropical island ringed with white sandy beaches and shimmering turquoise waters. Settle into your secluded beach hideaway for a five night stay. Bangaram Island Resort offers a range of activities including snorkelling, kayaking, catamaran sailing, and deep sea fishing. The surrounding coral reefs and shipwrecks make for interesting diving in the deep seas. The resort has a well-equipped scuba diving centre. There are some uninhabited islands nearby that are fun to explore. Those preferring a less active holiday might like to seek mind and body relaxation through Ayruveda and Yoga at the Resort’s Ayurvedic centre.