Splendor of Kerala
11 days - Mumbai, Kochi, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kovalam
Experience India's southwestern state of Kerala. A green strip of land situated along the coast, Kerala is renowned for its backwaters, fragrant spices, coconut groves, ayurvedic treatments, delicious cuisine, azure waters, and golden sandy beaches. After a night in Mumbai, our first stop is Kochi (formerly Cochin); known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” due to its natural harbor being one of the finest. The fabric of this eclectic town is reflected in the colorful history of international traders who have left their impression over the centuries. The aroma of spice fills the air as you wind your way through carpets of tea bushes, tall rubber trees, coffee gardens, cardamom and pepper to Periyar. The game reserve here features unique wildlife and can be explored by motor launch. The backwaters of Kumarakom are a paradise of mangrove forests, paddy fields, and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. A highlight of any visit to Kerala is a cruise and overnight stay on a premium houseboat. Cruise to Alleppey as you navigate the backwaters, see local life unfold along the banks, and enjoy delicious meals served onboard. The tropical beach of Kovalam is a favorite year-round spot for swimming, and has white sandy beaches, coconut trees, and coral reefs. The program features a few free days here to relax and soak up the sunshine. Our last stop is Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, it is the fastest moving and most industrialized city in India. It is a heady mix of shopping malls, fashion, Bollywood, luxury hotels, and world-class restaurants.
Private tour itinerary

Day 1: Mumbai. Arrive at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Kochi. Fly to Kochi. Formerly known as Cochin, it is Kerala's second largest city. In the evening enjoy a performance of Kathakali dances. (breakfast).
Day 3: Kochi. This morning discover the sights and sounds of Kochi city. Begin with a visit to the Jewish Synagogue; the commonwealth's oldest, it was constructed in 1568 after allowing Jewish refugees from Jerusalem to settle here during the Crusades. Proceed from here to the ancient Dutch Palace Mattancherry Kottaram to see the astonishing murals that depict the entire Ramayana and Mahabharat. Another stop is made at St. Francis Church, constructed in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, it is the oldest European built church in India. Finish with a visit to see the amazing Chinese fishing nets. Operating on principles of physics advanced for their time, it is believed that traders from the court of the Mongolian emperor Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. This evening enjoy an "At Home" dinner and cooking demonstration at the home of Nimmy and Paul. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 4: Periyar. Depart on an overland journey to Periyar, or Thekkady, located on the Tamil Nadu and Kerala border. The region is known as the "Spice Village of India" for its vast spice and tea gardens. Upon arrival proceed to your resort on the fringes of the Periyar Game Preserve. This evening embark on a visit to the park for game viewing of elephants, bison, deer, and occasionally a tiger, by motor launch. (breakfast).
Day 5: Kumarakom. Visit the Spice Market of Periyar this morning before driving to Kumarakom. Situated on the bank of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is the most beautiful and picturesque backwater destination in Kerala. (breakfast).
Day 6: Kumarakom. Today is free to relax and enjoy your resort. A recommended option is an Ayurveda treatment at the resort. Ayurveda is not only the ancient Indian science of preventative health and healing, but is also a philosophy of living, and a natural way to refresh yourself and eliminate toxic imbalances from the body. (breakfast).
Day 7: Alleppey. Experience the backwaters of Kerala aboard a premium houseboat. The backwaters are a network of 900 miles of canals both manmade and natural, 38 rivers, and 5 big lakes extending from one end of Kerala to the other. The houseboats (kettuvallom), used in early days for the transport of goods from isolated interior villages, are today converted and designed for comfortable cruising and overnight stays. Once aboard the boat cruise along the backwaters, winding your way past magnificent landscapes, coconut trees, lush green paddy fields, and small villages. Spend overnight aboard your boat. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 8: Kovalam. After breakfast on board, disembark and proceed by road to Kovalam. Kovalam is one of the finest beach destinations of South India, and famous for its clean and beautiful golden beaches and enchanting surroundings of swaying coconut palms. (breakfast).
Day 9: Kovalam. Today is free to enjoy the beach and azure waters that are ideal for swimming. There are many restaurants serving both western and Indian cuisine, and the grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns, and calamari are fresh from the sea. Also available are Ayurvedic massage centers, and water sport facilities. (breakfast).
Day 10: Kovalam. A second free day to relax and enjoy Kovalam. (breakfast).
Day 11: Mumbai/departure. Fly from nearby Trivandrum Airport to Mumbai. Upon arrival enjoy a short city tour of the city. Visits include the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery, and the Hanging Gardens of Malabar Hill. Finish at the airport tonight for your onward flight. (breakfast).

Meals: breakfast daily (10), one lunch, and two dinners.

Cost per person, double occupancy from $4,050.
Our deluxe India tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.