DAY 1:
Join the overnight flight to Bombay (Mumbai).
DAY 2:
Upon arrival we will transfer to Bombay’s domestic airport for the connecting flight to Cochin (Kochi) from where we’ll transfer you to your well located hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 3:
This morning you’ll enjoy a city tour of Cochin taking in Bolgatty Island, Fort Kochi and the Jewish Synagogue, located in an area called Jewtown after Jewish settlers that arrived here from Yemen and Babylon around A.D. 52. In this charming cobbled district you’ll find the Commonwealth’s oldest synagogue soaring majestically above the area’s curio shop and spice trading centre - where you can watch merchants in their waterside warehouses trading in pungent mountains of pepper, tea, turmeric, ginger and star anise.
This evening you’ll enjoy a romantic sunset cruise around Cochin Harbour, where the ubiquitous Chinese fishing nets create pictureperfect silhouettes against the red and orange sunset.
DAY 4:
After breakfast, we begin the aweinspiring drive to Munnar. Watched over by Mount Anamundi (south India’s highest mountain) the enchanting hill resort of Munnar is revered for its heavenly views of rolling hills draped in vast tea plantations. The hills around Munnar are called the Blue Mountains, a name that especially comes to life once every 12 years when the rare Neelakurunji plant blooms to cover the entire mountain range in a sea of colour - excitingly, the next flowering time is scheduled for September 2006. An included visit to a Tea Museum will strengthen tea lovers’ affection for this uplifting leaf.
DAY 5:
This morning we drive to Thekaddy (Periyar) past the steeply tumbling Powerhouse Waterfalls and through the spectacular spicescented Cardamom Hills, a region of soaring mountains, tea plantations and dense jungle. In the afternoon you’ll enjoy a safari cruise through the Periyar Wildlife Santuary. This evening, we visit one of Thekaddy’s timeless villages or a spice market.
DAY 6:
Today we drive to the enchanting resort of Kumarakom in Kerala’s Backwater region where life has gone unchanged for centuries. In the afternoon we visit stunning Lake Vembanad, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. In the evening, watch the fishing boats drift by from your cottage’s own private verandah.
DAY 7:
This morning we board a comfortable, modified houseboat for the overnight Backwater Cruise to Alleppey, drifting past wading elephants and water buffalo, rural villages, temples and churches. Magnificent sunsets complete one of the most romantic and relaxing cruises to be found on earth.
DAY 8:
On arrival in Alleppey, we disembark the houseboat and drive to Kovalam, a tropical paradise situated in a sheltered natural bay and famous for its azure waters, idyllic palm groves and three crescent-shaped sandy beaches. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Trivandrum Napier Museum and the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum where the many ancient treasures include the Maharajah’s music room and a massive throne made from 25 elephant tusks. We will then continue on to your hotel - perhaps take a romantic evening stroll and watch the lights of fishing boats twinkling far out into the Arabian Sea.
DAY 9:
A day to relax on one of Kovalam’s stunning beaches, or to join an optional excursion to Kanyakumari.
DAY 10:
A morning transfer to Trivandrum Airport for the flight to Bombay (Mumbai), home of Bollywood, tandoori prawn kebabs and much more besides. On the afternoon city tour you’ll encounter many attractions including the Gateway of India (the British Raj’s most recognisable landmark), the exquisite Jain Temple and the marvellous Raj-era Victoria Station.
DAY 11:
This morning we must bid farewell and transfer to Bombay’s Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport in time for the flight to the UK.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
You will enjoy accommodation in top quality hotels/houseboats throughout your stay in India. Rooms and cabins are all furnished with en suite facilities, TV and many other amenities.
Nights 2 & 3: A bad A trium, Cochin
This deluxe hotel is well located in the heart of the downtown area of Ernakulam, near to many of the major tourist attractions. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, health club, beauty parlour, Ayurvedic therapy, bar and restaurant.
Night 4: T & U, Munnar
Gloriously nestled in the majestic hills of Munnar and just one kilometre from Munnar Town, the T & U boasts bars, lounges and an enchanting restaurant with huge panoramic windows looking out over the dreamy green hills.
Night 5: Cardamom County, Periyar
This beautiful resort close to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is set within landscaped gardens and features 30 comfortable cottages each with their own verandah with magnificent views of the Kumily Hills. Facilities include a king-sized pool, Ayurvedic health centre, bar and restaurant.
Night 6: Whispering Palms, Kumarakom
The exotic Whispering Palms hotel is situated on the banks of vast Lake Vembanad. Facilities include an outdoor pool, bar and restaurant.
Night 7: Houseboat, Alleppey
Your houseboat is fully equipped with modern features and facilities include a viewing deck, bar and restaurant.
Night 8/9: Estuary Island Resort, Kovalam
With gardens on one side and white sandy beaches on the other, this terrific resort beside the Arabian Sea offers excellent facilities including three restaurants (one floating!), bars, outdoor pools, Ayurvedic spa and fitness centre.
Night 10: Suba Palace Hotel, Mumbai
This popular hotel is well located in a quiet quarter of South Mumbai’s heritage precinct, with the Gateway of India and shopping mecca of Colaba Causeway closeby. The hotel’s facilities include a bar and restaurant.
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