Classic Kerala

On arrival, you’ll be driven to your hotel, deep in the heart of Fort Kochi. En route, you’ll get your first glimpses of the prismatic streets, the overspilling fish markets, the seascape peppered with vast Chinese fishing nets and the vibrant art scene.

You’ll explore the historic streets of Fort Kochi today, soaking up the blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British architectural influences. Garish makeup, elaborate costumes and exaggerated facial expressions fill your evening, as you immerse yourself in Keralan culture at a Kathakali dance performance.

Today you’ll head up to the land of hill stations and tea plantations. Winding up into the Western Ghats mountain range, past verdant valleys, tumbling waterfalls and virgin forests, the afternoon is yours to relax into the serenity of Munnar.

Dive into the world of tea, starting with a guided plantation walk, glimpsing the nimble hands and colourful saris of distant tea pickers. Follow the leaves to the factory, learning the tea-making process before sipping some samples, identifying the nuanced Munnar flavours.

You’ll drive to the vibrant city of Madurai today, a religious hub that’s been the centre of Tamil culture for millennia. You’ll walk its temple market before attending the divinely symbolic, light and sound filled nightly ceremony at Meenakshi Temple.

A morning visit to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple to take in its towering gopurams and intricate carvings, before heading to the 17th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace with its ornate blend of Dravidian and Islamic architecture. The afternoon is yours to wander freely.

Breathe in the scent of spices floating on the warm air, as you head to Thekkady. Here you’ll tour a spice plantation, learning about Kerala’s famed crops including cardamom, ginger, pepper, vanilla and cinnamon before staying in a reconstructed spice village.

A morning walking in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary jungle, serenaded by over 260 species of bird and on the lookout for Indian elephants, deer, wild boar, leopards, tigers and more. You’ll drive to Alleppey this afternoon, before boarding your houseboat and drifting the backwaters.

A full day gently cruising the Keralan backwaters. You’ll glide past paddy fields, labyrinthine waterways and remote villages, promising a unique glimpse into this age-old riverside culture. Anchoring at sunset, you’ll have another night of water-based serenity onboard.

Today you’ll disembark and drive to Marari on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea. Along the way, you’ll stop at Alleppey to walk its maze of canals and water-centric architecture that has earned it the nickname ‘Venice of the east’.

Coconut palms fringe beaches of powder soft sand that tumble into turquoise waters here, a true Arabian Sea paradise that is your base for the next two days. Sink into a hammock, salute the inimitable sunsets and recharge from your adventures.

If you can tear yourself away from the 30 acres of coconut groves, lily ponds and organic gardens at your hotel, you’re free to explore the surrounding area today, perhaps followed by a treatment at the onsite Ayurvedic spa.

Your driver will take you to Cochin airport today where you’ll board your flight home taking with you memories of rice paddies and tea plantations, blissful backwaters and spiritual ceremonies.