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Kerala In Style

Day 1 To Cochin
Depart from the UK.

Day 2 Cochin
Arrive Cochin in the morning and transfer to the Brunton Boatyard for two nights. This elegant hotel, built in colonial style, overlooks the harbour. After a relaxed day, we enjoy a sunset cruise on the backwaters to see the Chinese fishing nets.

Day 3 Cochin
We visit the sights including the Dutch Palace, with its murals from the Ramayana, the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry and St Francis’ Church in Fort Cochin. This evening we enjoy Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama form.

Day 4 Periyar
We drive along the Western Ghats through tea and spice plantations to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, stopping en route at a plantation bungalow for a traditional meal with a local family. We stay at the exotic Spice Village, comprising cottages built with thatched roofs in the midst of spice gardens, for 2 nights.

Day 5 Periyar
Morning visit to the nearby spice plantations. In the afternoon we enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Periyar - a popular way of spotting herds of elephants and other wild animals.

Day 6 Kumarakom/Riceboat
Descend down the ghats to Kumarakom for the boat transfer to the ethnic Coconut Lagoon, overlooking the vast expanse of Vembanad Lake, where we stay the next two nights. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool, enjoy an Ayurvedic massage or visit the nearby bird sanctuary. (Optional afternoon cruise on a riceboat with overnight stay on board, for a supplement.)

Day 7 Kumarakom
This morning we enjoy a backwaters cruise (for those not taking the riceboat option). Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 8 Mararikulam
A short drive in the morning to the elegant Marari Beach Resort, with ethnic-style cottages tucked away on a secluded beach in Alleppey, for overnight stay. At leisure in Marari.

Day 9 To the UK
Retun flight from Cochin.