Backwaters of the South (9 days)

Depart from London to Kochi (previously Cochin) by overnight flight.

Your flight arrives at Kochi in the afternoon. On arrival you will be met by our local guide and transferred to your hotel where you may relax or explore your new surroundings. Later this evening you are invited on a sunset cruise, passing by Chinese fishing nets; built of teakwood, these nets were erected between 1350 and 1450 AD. They are mainly used at high tide, requiring at least four men to operate their system of counterweights. The nets are lowered into the water by a crane-like structure and raised a few minutes later. Return to the hotel mid evening.

Today you will head into the hills to Munnar, approx 135 kilometres (five hours drive) the journey is not too far but the roads are very windy which makes for a longer driving time.

A hill station at a height of 1525m, Munnar offers breathtaking views of hills draped in folds of green tea gardens. Lazily nestled in the verdant slopes of tea country, it is a quaint little town that exudes a rare old-world charm and reminiscent of the days of the Raj in its elegant splendour. Beyond the rolling hills discover the rich tropical forests abounding in exotic flora and fauna. It is here that we find the Anamudi peak, the highest peak in the Western Ghats in South India.

Munnar’s serene atmosphere, silver streams and pleasant climate invites us to enjoy the cool mountain breeze. This morning you’ll walk through the Kerala valleys redolent with pepper, cardamom, mango, coffee and cotton. Then this afternoon we will visit a tea plantation and tea factory where you can learn about the whole process of tea. The children may even be able to help with picking the tea.

This morning you will be driven to Periyar, approx 90 kilometres (two hours drive). On arrival you will check into your hotel for two nights. While in Periyar, you can learn how to cook some of the choicest Indian delicacies. We can arrange a makeshift kitchenette with all the ingredients outdoors, and the hotel chef will more than willingly impart his culinary skills to you and your kids.

This morning you’ll enjoy a gentle cruise on Lake Periyar in search of herds of wild elephants. One of the largest wildlife reserves in India, the sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 sq. kms in the Cardamom Hills region of the Western Ghats. As well as elephants, sambar, bison, spotted deer, tigers and leopards may also be seen, along with abundant birdlife.

Later you will have the option to hone your bush trekking skills with experienced forest guides and learn how to track animals. This afternoon, it is possible to visit the spice plantations to see how crops are grown, harvested and processed.

Today you’ll be driven to Alleppey, approx 120 kms (three and half hours drive), where you will embark on our converted rice-barge, ready to cruise gently along the backwaters.

The rice houseboat traditionally known as 'Kettuvallam' is made entirely of natural materials; wood, rattan and bamboo, in harmonious tones of brown and honey. It has neither engine nor machinery of any sort on board. Sixty eight feet long and ten feet wide, with a slightly unturned prow and rear, it sits low in the water. In front, roofed but otherwise open to air, is the living and dining area, its sides shaded by shutters propped open at midway by bamboo poles. This comfortable space is covered with coir matting and is furnished with four rattan chairs and a table. Although the superstructure is only a few years old, the boat itself is a century old. Until it was reconditioned as a rice-boat, it transported rice and wood.

Enjoy this relaxing cruise along the backwater of the South, passing by small villages, rice paddies, and rubber plantations. Learn to cook and then enjoy traditional Keralan cuisine.

This morning you will return to Kochi (1½ hour drive) and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, known as “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”. It is also famous for its exquisite designer gold jewellery. During your tour you will see the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese for a local King in 1555 AD. The famous Jew Street, a cul-de-sac leading to the beautiful Synagogue built in 1568.

The walking tour of Fort Kochi takes you through city streets still graced with traces of Portuguese, Dutch & British colonial architecture, including a few old trading factories, the only ones still standing anywhere in the world, juxtaposed with cricket greens. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a local school, where the children can play football, learn a few words and swap stories.

This evening you will be invited to see a Kathakali dance performance, the traditional dance-form of Kerala. This classical dance requires lengthy and rigorous training to attain complete control of the body and sensitivity to emotion so as to be able to render all its nuances through facial expressions and hand gestures. The dances are based on the two great Indian epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Kathakali dance is a most stunning display of poise, elaborate make up and the art of story telling. We will arrive early to see the make-up being put on by the artists and we can also arrange for one of the Kathakali artists paint your face in the same way that has been followed for generations.

This morning you will transfer to Kochi international airport for your return flight to London.

For those people taking our extension to Mararikulam, the itinerary varies from the above as follows:

Day 8 Drive to Mararikulam
This morning you will leave the main tour and be driven to Mararikulam, a sleepy fishing village. The Marari Beach Resort leads down to a sandy beach lapped by the warm Arabian Sea, fringed by palm trees.
Hotel with swimming pool (breakfast) 3 nights

Day 9 and 10 At leisure
This eco-friendly resort is perfect for rest and relaxation after your tour. You stay in your own thatched cottage with a verandah. Today you can enjoy your time relaxing by the pool or on the beach, lounging in a hammock or visiting the Ayurvedic spa.

Day 11 Afternoon drive to Kochi
The morning is at leisure to continue enjoying the hotel. Then this afternoon you will be transferred back to Kochi, a journey of approx 1 hour 15 mins, for your early flight to London the following day.
Hotel with swimming pool (breakfast)

Day 12 Fly to London
This morning you’ll be driven to Kochi airport for your return flight to London.