TBD

This morning, enjoy a tour of the city - Visit the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663. Visit a Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town and Fort Cochin Area - Legend dates Jewish trade with Kerala from the times of King Solomon. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India. It has several antiquities including a wealth of records. These include a palm-leaf title deed the local Raja gave the Portuguese in 1503. See the Chinese Fishing Nets, along the tip of Fort Cochin unique to this part of Kerala and living symbols of a centuries-old Chinese influence on this coast. In the evening, enjoy the Kathakali Dance Performance at a local theater. Facial and hand gestures tell innumerable stories, so it is a good idea to watch the artists put on their make up for a show – an elaborate process as the colors are made from natural minerals and stone. (b)

Today we drive Munnar along winding roads which run through the dense forest and scenic hills. Till we come across the first stunning glimpses of the ribbed emerald - green carpet of tea planted slopes. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Munnar (at 6,000 ft) is a green destination in the forested High Ranges of Kerala. The locals are dedicated to growing, harvesting, curing and selling the drink that cheers but does not inebriate. The vistas in and around it are breathtaking with the heady aromas of tea, coffee and cardamom wafting from the nearby plantations. In the afternoon enjoy the sightseeing tour of Munnar. You will take a visit to a Tea Plantation followed by the Tea Museum, showcasing various antiquities, historical photographs and machinery which are displayed and depict the milestones achieved by the tea estates of the region. Afterwards enjoy a short walk through a tea garden. Touch, feel and smell the tea bushes in its natural environment. (b)

This morning we visit Athulya, a handmade paper workshop where a group of young, physically and mentally challenged adults works together. Created in 1999, the project was built on a simple premise – Wealth from Waste. They decided to recycle waste paper, cut boards and other stationery waste from all their estate offices. Living up to their motto of “we can and we will” these enthusiastic youngsters have proved that with hard work anything is possible. We then drive to Thekkady, the gateway to one of India’s largest wildlife sanctuaries. Later in the afternoon experience the Spice Plantation tour. This trip covers spice plantations such as cardamom, pepper, vanilla, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more. Tonight we enjoy a show of the Kalaripayattu, a unique martial art of Kerala. (b)

This morning enjoy a half day Bamboo Rafting tour at Periyar Tiger reserve. This is a unique program available in Thekkady. This eco-friendly program takes you to the thick forests on a trek and then to the catchments area of the Periyar Tiger Reserve on a bamboo raft. During this program you will have a panoramic view of the lake and forests, and are also provided with a rare opportunity of encountering wild animals and birds.(b)

Today is a full day to spend at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, explore the backwaters or take in an Ayurvedic "Full Body Oil Massage". Early morning you may choose to take a visit to the Bird Sanctuary (Optional) on the eastern shore of Vembanad Lake which is accessed only by small boats. (b)

After breakfast check out and transfer to a jetty to board the Kettuvalyam (Houseboat) for the next 24 hrs. enjoy cruising on the backwater of Kerala with lunch and dinner on board. Cruise along the narrow canals stopping to visit farmers in their homes or perhaps visiting a bazaar or maybe have someone break a coconut for its sweet water for you en-route. This is a wonderful opportunity to view the local, simple people who live along the backwaters of Kerala.(b,l,d)

After a delicious breakfast aboard your houseboat, disembark at Alleppey and meet your driver for your transfer to the airport in Cochin, where you board your homebound flight or continue to your next adventure in India. (b)