A Taste of Southern India

Day 1 Arrive in Cochin

Arrive in Kochi, a historic port city located on India's Malabar Coast. Cochin has been an active trading port since 1341 and has seen the influence of Arab, Chinese, and European merchants over the centuries. Spread across several islands connected by lagoons and waterways, the city offers a charming mix of heritage and cosmopolitan flair.

There are no scheduled activities today. You are free to relax or explore at leisure. A welcome meeting with the tour leader will be held at 5:00 PM at the hotel reception, followed by an optional group dinner.

If booked, an airport transfer will be provided from Cochin International Airport (COK), located approximately 40 km (1.5 hours) from the hotel. Stay for two nights at an art-deco style hotel on Willingdon Island, offering multiple fine dining options and proximity to Fort Kochi.

Overnight : Hotel

Day 2 Explore Kochi & Traditional Sadya Lunch

This morning, we begin our exploration of the historic Fort Kochi district. We’ll travel by autorickshaw to the Embarkation Jetty and board a scenic ferry for a ride across to Mattancherry Palace. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later renovated by the Dutch, the palace is renowned for housing some of India’s finest murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

After visiting the palace, we’ll stroll through the charming lanes of Fort Kochi, stopping at the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town and witnessing the iconic Chinese fishing nets lining the harbour—an age-old fishing technique introduced by traders from China.

We’ll then head to the elegant Tea Bungalow for a traditional Sadya lunch (meaning banquet), a wholesome vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. The in-house chef will introduce us to the origins and cultural significance of each dish before we enjoy a multi-course spread of locally prepared flavours.

Post lunch, we’ll relax with a harbour cruise, soaking in the coastal breeze and viewing the intricate network of waterways that form Kochi’s lifeline.

In the evening, we experience the magnificence of Kathakali, Kerala’s classical dance-drama form. Blending dance, mime, opera, and expressive storytelling from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the performance is visually striking with elaborate costumes, facial expressions, and precise eye movements developed through years of rigorous training.

Day 3 Dosa-Making Experience & Scenic Drive to Munnar

We begin the day early with a cultural immersion into local life in Kochi. A public ferry ride takes us to Ernakulam town, where we walk through the bustling vegetable and spice market, learning about the exotic ingredients commonly used in South Indian cuisine. We'll gain insights into local produce, fresh spices, and traditional cooking elements that have shaped Kerala’s culinary identity.

Our next stop is the Shiva Temple court complex, offering a brief cultural glimpse before heading to a local restaurant for a live dosa-making demonstration. Dosa, a famous South Indian breakfast delicacy, is a thin, crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It is served with aloo masala (a potato-based spiced filling) or sambar (a tangy lentil and vegetable stew). You'll get to understand the technique and enjoy freshly prepared dosas for breakfast.

By mid-morning, we depart from Kochi and head inland towards Munnar, a scenic drive of approximately 5 hours through lush landscapes. En route, we stop at a traditional local bakery to enjoy a Thali lunch, consisting of rice, lentils, mixed vegetable curries, and flatbread served in small bowls—offering a well-balanced regional meal.

As we move closer to Munnar, the countryside transforms into sprawling tea and spice plantations, reflecting Kerala’s rich trading history. For over 2000 years, Kerala has been a global spice hub, exporting coveted items like black pepper (known as "black gold"), which attracted ancient traders such as the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese. These trade links introduced Christianity and Islam to Kerala, making it the first region in India to embrace both faiths.

Upon arrival in Munnar, situated in the Western Ghats, you'll be surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and neatly lined tea gardens. Once a serene summer retreat for the British Raj, Munnar offers a soothing climate and stunning natural views.

The remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure to explore Munnar at your own pace, relax at the hotel, or enjoy short walks around the town.

Overnight : Hotel

Day 4 Full-Day Exploration of Munnar & Visit to Tea Estates

Today is dedicated to discovering the natural beauty and tea heritage of Munnar, one of India’s most picturesque hill stations. We begin with a guided visit to a local tea plantation, where you’ll learn firsthand about tea cultivation techniques, from nurturing tea shrubs to the skilled process of hand-picking tender leaves. The scenic surroundings offer fantastic photo opportunities with lush green slopes stretching across the valleys.

Next, we proceed to the Tea Museum, where you'll gain a fascinating insight into the transformation of raw tea leaves into the final product we enjoy each day. Discover the historical evolution of tea production in the region and observe traditional processing methods through interactive displays and old machinery demonstrations.

The afternoon is free for relaxation at the hotel. You may:

• Unwind at the spa with therapy treatments (optional).
• Join a yoga session, perfect for rejuvenation amidst the tranquil hill surroundings.
• Opt for a scenic circular walk (approx. 4 hours) across grasslands and tea estates, reaching an altitude of around 2,000 metres—ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
• Hire a bicycle (limited availability) to explore the area at your own pace.

Enjoy the serene mountain atmosphere of Munnar as the day slows down.

Overnight : Hotel

Day 5 Drive to Thekkady & Farm-to-Plate Spice Garden Experience

After breakfast, we leave the tranquil highlands of Munnar and begin a scenic drive toward Thekkady, passing through dense forests, rolling hills, and rural landscapes. This region, located near the Periyar National Park, is renowned for its spice cultivation and lush greenery. The drive today typically takes around 3–4 hours, offering beautiful views along the way.

Upon arrival, we head to a local spice garden for an enriching farm-to-plate experience. Guided by a resident expert, you’ll learn about the historical and cultural significance of spices in Indian cuisine and Ayurveda. Discover how exotic spices such as cardamom, pepper, vanilla, nutmeg, ginger, and curry leaves are cultivated in this fertile region. The aroma-filled walk through the spice plantations provides a sensory journey like no other.

Following the plantation tour, we enjoy a live cooking demonstration, showcasing how local chefs carefully blend freshly harvested spices to enhance flavour and healing properties in traditional Kerala dishes. We then sit down to relish a spice-infused lunch, freshly prepared using ingredients sourced from the garden itself.

Later, check in at your comfortable hotel in Kumily, featuring a combination of jungle cottages and forest-view rooms.

Overnight : Hotel

Day 6 Cookery Class, Village Walk & Traditional Toddy Tapping

After breakfast, we depart from Thekkady and travel back toward the coast to reach our one-night village homestay, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Kerala life. On arrival, your tour leader will brief you about the community’s customs, lifestyle, and respectful interaction with host families, helping you settle comfortably into the local environment.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely village walk, taking in the peaceful surroundings and interacting with residents. During the walk, you'll witness the traditional process of toddy tapping—the collection of natural sap from palm trees. This fresh sap, once gathered, undergoes fermentation for approximately five hours, transforming into toddy, a mildly alcoholic drink with about 6–7% alcohol content, widely consumed in Kerala.

Later, we join a hands-on cookery session with our host family. Learn how to prepare regional home-style dishes such as spicy coconut curry, cooked using age-old techniques and recipes passed down through generations. This is a heartwarming experience that offers a deep appreciation for Kerala’s culinary traditions.

As evening settles in, relax and share stories with the family over a freshly prepared homecooked dinner, enjoying simple yet flavorful food made with locally sourced ingredients.

Tonight's accommodation will be in traditional Keralan-style twin-share rooms. Most rooms feature an attached private bathroom, while some have private facilities located along the corridor. Bathrooms are clean yet basic, equipped with a toilet, shower, and limited hot water supply. Fresh bedding and towels are provided.

Overnight : Hotel

Day 7 Discover the Kerala Backwaters by Houseboat

After breakfast, we begin one of the most scenic and tranquil experiences of the tour – an unforgettable journey through Kerala’s world-renowned backwaters. We board a traditional houseboat, locally known as kettuvallam, specially converted for overnight stays. Cruising at a relaxed pace, we slowly drift through a peaceful network of canals, rivers, and lagoons surrounded by lush tropical landscapes.

As we sail, witness authentic village life along the waterside – from locals tending to their livestock and farming on narrow strips of land, to children waving as the boat passes, and serene garden patches bursting with colourful flowers contrasting against the deep green backdrop of coconut trees and paddy fields.

While on board, enjoy an interactive cooking demonstration, with the option to prepare a traditional Kerala-style fish curry or a delicious vegetarian alternative, served on banana leaf for an authentic touch.

By late afternoon or evening, our houseboat moors alongside others for the night, enabling us to connect to a power supply and operate air conditioning. Accommodation on the boat is simple yet comfortable, offering twin-share rooms with en-suite facilities, providing a rustic but memorable experience on the calm backwaters.

Overnight : Hotel

Day 8 Morning Backwater Experience & Return to Kochi

Wake up to serene views of rural Kerala as the houseboat gently comes to life. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board while taking in the peaceful surroundings of the backwaters one last time. After disembarking mid-morning, we begin our drive back to Kochi.

We arrive in Fort Kochi by lunchtime and head to a popular seafood restaurant located on the northern tip, offering scenic views of passing boats and the harbour. Enjoy freshly caught local fish prepared in authentic Kerala style – an ideal way to unwind after the tranquil cruise.

The rest of the afternoon is free for personal exploration or relaxation. You may wish to stroll through Fort Kochi’s boutique cafés, art galleries, colonial landmarks, or visit nearby waterfront areas.

If desired, your tour leader can assist in making dinner reservations at the highly acclaimed “Chef Pillai Restaurant” at Le Meridien, known for its premium Kerala fine-dining experience. As tables are limited and highly sought after, bookings should ideally be made at the beginning of the tour.

Overnight : Hotel

Day 9 Trip Ends in Kochi

After a memorable journey through the serene landscapes of Kerala, our tour concludes today at our hotel in Kochi. There are no scheduled activities, allowing you to relax or make your own plans depending on your departure schedule.

If your flight is later in the day, you may use the luggage storage facilities available at the hotel to explore the city or unwind comfortably.

For travellers requiring an airport transfer, please ensure your departure is from Cochin International Airport (COK).

This marks the end of your Kerala experience – filled with nature, culture, and tranquillity. Safe travels and we hope you carry back beautiful memories!

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