9 Nights/ 10 Days

"Kerala - "God's Own Country" The complex network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals fringing the coast of Kerala forms the basis of a distinct regional lifestyle, and travelling by Houseboat along these backwaters is one of the highlights of a visit to the state."

DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive by International flight, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel, overnight stay.

DAY 02 DELHI
Today you will explore other sights of Delhi. Contemporary history unfolds as we see the Qutab
Minar - the tallest stone tower in India built in 1191 AD. Close by are the cloisters of one of the first mosque built in India, the Quwwatul - Islam mosque. In the centre of its courtyard is an amazing 2000 year old iron pillar erected in 4 AD, cast of such pure iron that it has never rusted. We continue to Hamayun's tomb built by the widow of the Mughal Emperor Humayun (some say the inspiration for the Taj Mahal). A drive through Delhi's broad tree-lined avenues brings us to India Gate- a memorial to the "unknown soldier", Rashtrapati Bhawan (residence of the president of India), past Rajpath and leading to Connaught Circus a shoppers paradise, you can bargain and get the best price ever. Afternoon free for leisure / shopping, overnight stay..

DAY 03 DELHI - COCHIN …..by flight
In the morning transfer to airport for flight to Cochin, on arrival transfer to hotel, followed by city tour of Cochin, a port city with a rich past and bustling present. The Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans came here to trade and their influence on Kochi and its people is still evident. Kochi is an attractive city and the serene back-waters, golden sunsets, lagoons overhung with feathery coconut palms, picturesque Islands - Vypeen, willingdon, Ramanthuruth, Vallarpadam and Bolghatty - all contribute to its beautiful cityscape. The interesting Jewish Synagogue - the oldest in India, the Mattancherry Palace of the former maharajas, also known as the Dutch palace, old British churches, the Bolghatty Palace, are all worth seeing and make a visit to Kochi a unique experience.

DAY 04 COCHIN - MUNNAR …..by surface
In the morning we will drive to Munnar, the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India, on arrival check-in at the hotel, rest of the day free for leisure and explore the beauty of Munnar - situated at 1600 m above sea level on the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes make it popular resort. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, overnight stay.

DAY 05 MUNNAR - THEKKADY …..by surface
Today we will drive towards Thekkady, on arrival check-in at the hotel, Periyar, best known for its wildlife, is a must-see for all visitors to Kerala, later in the afternoon we go for the boat cruise in The Periyar Lake which lies at the heart of the sanctuary which is a veritable paradise for all wildlife lovers. Where else can one view the animals in their natural surroundings while cruising on the lake, or better still come within a few feet of a herd of wild elephants and still be at ease! The majestic gaur, deer, wild boar and the distinctive Nilgiri langur are often spotted along the lake as also water birds. Overnight stay.

DAY 06 THEKKADY
More wild life viewing in the morning and later Vandanmedu, a small quaint little town is world's largest producer of Cardamom. An exhilarating drive through steep winding pathways will take you to Vandanmedu, evening return to the hotel, overnight stay.

DAY 07 THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM …..by surface
After breakfast proceed for Kumarakom an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies, on arrival check-in at your resort and enjoy the beauty of this small water world, overnight at the resort.

DAY 08 KUMARAKOM
Day free for exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming, overnight at the resort.

DAY 09 KUMARAKOM - ALLEPPEY …..by houseboat
After your leisurely breakfast check-out from the lake resort and check-in at Deluxe House Boat along Kerala's scenic Backwaters - a unique web of lakes , lagoons , canals and rivers - are an integral part of Kerala's Tourism Scenario. Relishing the traditional Kerala cuisine and dishes made out off local fish, served by the crew members , the houseboats takes one to a fascinating cruise at a leisurely and relaxing pace. As one duration of boat - hire ends, what remains is handful of lifelong memory. Overnight at the Deluxe House Boat.

DAY 10 ALLEPPEY - COCHIN- ONWARD DESTINATION …..by surface
In the morning check-out from your houseboat and drive towards Cochin Airport to board flight for Delhi / Mumbai to connect further flight for onward destination.

TOUR ENDS