Arrival Night - Cochin

You will arrive late in the evening at Cochin international airport. Following customs, immigration, formalities and baggage collection, a Festive India Tours representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals terminals building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.

Day 01 - Cochin

Serene Kochi has been drawing traders, explorers and travellers to its shores for over 600 years. Kochi is also a centre for Keralan arts and one of the best places to see Kathakali.

Explore the city during a morning tour with visits to the Jewish Synagogue (closed Fri and Sat), the Dutch Palace (closed Fri) and the Chinese Fishing Nets. This evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Night stay at leisure.

Day 02 - Munnar

Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more.

Drive east to the picturesque hill station of Munnar and transfer to your hotel.

Night stay at leisure.

Day 03 - Munnar

The rolling hills around Munnar, South India's largest tea-growing region, are carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations, contoured, clipped and sculpted like ornamental hedges.

Enjoy a half-day tea plantation tour and visit the Tea Museum (closed Mon) to learn about the history and development of Munnar’s thriving plantations.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 04 - Kumarakom

Kumarakom, 16km west of Kottayam and on the shore of vast Vembanad Lake – Kerala's largest lake – is an unhurried backwater village with a smattering of dazzling top-end sleeping options and a renowned bird sanctuary.

Drive to the peaceful village of Kumarakom, a cluster of pretty islands and shallow waterways.

Night stay at leisure.

Day 05 - Kumarakom

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors Boating and Fishing facilities.

Visit a butterfly garden and enjoy a bird-watching tour before an afternoon sunset cruise.

Night stay at leisure.

Day 06 - Houseboat

Alleppey is the hub of Kerala's backwaters, home to a vast network of waterways and more than a thousand houseboats. Wandering around the small but chaotic city centre and bus-stand area, with its modest grid of canals, you'd be hard-pressed to agree with the “Venice of the East”.

Transfer to the jetty to board a private, traditional houseboat for an overnight cruise on the tranquil backwaters. Your boat features one or two en suite bedrooms, a living room and a crew comprising a navigator and a chef.

Night stay in Houseboat

Day 07 - Nelpura

Continue to the waterside region of Kuttanad, near Alleppey, and a charming homestay. Nelpura is owned and run by a local family and offers warm hospitality and home-cooked Keralan cuisine. Visit an old house in the Brahmin Community.

Travel by auto-rickshaw or bicycle to the local church. Later, cruise by canoe to a local temple.

Night stay at homestay

Day 08 - Nelpura

Transfer to Cochin airport for your onward flight.