Day 1 & 2Upon arriving at Cochin International Airport, transfer to Malabar House, situated about an hour 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 - 6Travel to Kumarakom – an island on the vast Vembanad Lake and head to Privacy another exquisite boutique hotel owned by Malabar Escapes. Upon arrival, board Malabar Escape’s own houseboat – `The Discovery’ and begin your overnight cruise on the meandering waters of the Vembanad Lake. This 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. 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. Next morning you return in the houseboat to Privacy where you will spend three romantic nights. This is an exquisite boutique hotel tucked away amidst a coconut grove bordering the serene Vembanad. Relax on a hammock by the poolside with the picturesque backwaters in full view, indulge in sumptuous fusion cuisine that Malabar Escapes is famous for or wonder off and explore the surrounding rural villages on one of Privacy’s mountain bikes.

Day 7 & 8Today you head to Alleppey, a charming small town offering a taste of real India with its spice stalls, brightly-clad Indian ladies, and rickshaws puttering up and down the streets. Check into the exquisite Raheem Residency, a small boutique hotel housed in a refurbished Mughal / Colonial style bungalow. The hotel is situated just across the road from the relatively underdeveloped Alleppey beach. Take a stroll down the beach with the waters of the Arabian Sea lapping at your feet, relax by the peaceful poolside, dine on sumptuous Kerala and fusion cuisine at the Chakra rooftop restaurant, or rejuvenate with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at the in-house spa. Guests are welcome to participate in the Yoga sessions held daily. Spend two nights here.

Day 9 – 13Travel onto the west coast fishing village of Mararikulum and check into the Marari Beach Resort for five days of relaxation by the waters of the Arabian Sea. Sleep in a palm-thatched cottage modelled after the homes of the fisherman of Mararikulum, relax on the white sandy beaches, walk through the winding pathways past lotus filled ponds and butterfly gardens, immerse yourself in the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurveda or create a balance of mind and body with Yoga in a simple hut by the sea. At Marari Beach Resort, the essence of Kerala is all around – give in and let yourself go.