DAY 4: KUMARAKOM TO THEKKADY – SPICES & MARTIAL ARTS

After breakfast, depart for Thekkady, Kerala’s renowned spice-growing region and gateway to the lush forests of the Western Ghats. Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, with verdant hills and plantations gradually replacing the tranquil backwaters. On arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax.

At around 3:30 PM, set out to visit a nearby spice plantation. Accompanied by an experienced plantation guide, discover the fascinating world of Kerala’s aromatic spices, learning about their cultivation, distinctive aromas and traditional uses. You will have an opportunity to browse and purchase freshly harvested spices to take home. Later, head into town to witness an exhilarating performance of Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s traditional martial art, renowned for its agile movements, impressive techniques and centuries-old heritage. Return to your hotel after an enriching afternoon of nature, flavours and culture.

Lunch and dinner: At your own leisure and expense. Overnight: Spice Village, Thekkady.

DAY 5: THEKKADY – GAVI FOREST JEEP SAFARI & LEISURE

Rise early for an adventurous drive to the Gavi forest gates (28 km from the hotel & 40 minutes), followed by an approximately two-hour jeep safari through the verdant landscapes of the Western Ghats. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest, with its rich biodiversity, lush vegetation and opportunities to spot birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Around 10:00 AM, return to your hotel for a leisurely late breakfast.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Make the most of Spice Village’s inviting surroundings, unwind at the bar, enjoy a friendly game of indoor recreation or treat yourself to a relaxing spa session, subject to availability.

Lunch and dinner: At your own leisure and expense. Overnight: Spice Village, Thekkady

DAY 6: THEKKADY TO MUNNAR – THROUGH KERALA’S TEA-CLAD HILLS

After breakfast, depart for Munnar, one of Kerala’s most enchanting hill stations, renowned for its rolling tea plantations, misty mountains and refreshing mountain air. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Western Ghats, with breathtaking views of verdant hills and seemingly endless tea estates, many of which trace their origins to the British colonial era.

The journey offers wonderful opportunities to admire the changing landscapes and capture memorable photographs along the way. On arrival in Munnar, check in to Tall Trees and take some time to unwind after the drive.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a gentle stroll around the property, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature, or simply relax and savour the tranquillity of your hill retreat.

Dinner: At your own leisure and expense. Overnight: Tall Trees, Munnar.

DAY 7: MUNNAR – TEA GARDENS, HILL SCENERY & LOCAL LIFE

After breakfast, set out to explore the charming hill station of Munnar, celebrated for its rolling tea plantations, cool mountain air and spectacular highland scenery. Visit a tea plantation to discover the landscapes that have made Munnar famous, followed by a visit to the Munnar Tea Museum, where you can learn about the region’s tea-growing heritage, traditional processing methods and the history of its tea estates.

If you wish, continue to Mattupetty Dam, a picturesque spot surrounded by verdant hills, offering lovely views of the reservoir and its natural surroundings. Return to the hotel for lunch, followed by a relaxing afternoon at leisure. Enjoy the peaceful setting of your retreat or simply take time to unwind amid the greenery. In the evening, you may opt for a stroll through Munnar town and its local market, where you can browse tea shops, regional produce and local specialities.

Lunch and dinner: At your own leisure and expense. Overnight: Tall Trees, Munnar.

DAY 8: MUNNAR TO COCHIN – AN EVENING OF KATHAKALI

After breakfast, depart Munnar for Cochin, enjoying the scenic drive from Kerala’s misty highlands to its historic coastal city. On arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax after the journey.

In the evening, experience one of Kerala’s most captivating cultural traditions with a Kathakali performance, the state’s celebrated classical dance-drama, renowned for its elaborate costumes, striking makeup, expressive facial movements and intricate hand gestures.

We recommend arriving at the cultural centre around 5:30 PM, approximately half an hour before the performance begins at 6:00 PM. This offers a fascinating opportunity to witness the artists applying their elaborate makeup and preparing for the performance—an art form in itself.

The programme typically begins with a demonstration of the nine principal facial expressions (navarasas) and expressive hand gestures (mudras), followed by an approximately 30-minute dramatic excerpt from one of India’s great epics, the Ramayana or the Mahabharata. Through powerful expressions, stylised movements and evocative storytelling, Kathakali brings ancient tales to life.

After the performance, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

DAY 9: DISCOVER COCHIN – COLONIAL HERITAGE & JEWISH QUARTER

After breakfast, set out to discover the historic treasures of Cochin, a captivating port city shaped by centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, British and Jewish influences. Begin with a visit to St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, admired for its simple colonial architecture and historical significance. The church is closely associated with the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, whose original burial site is commemorated here. Continue with a gentle walk along the waterfront, where remnants of the old Portuguese fort evoke the city's maritime past. Admire Fort Kochi’s iconic Chinese fishing nets, silhouetted against the water—a timeless feature of the coastal landscape and a wonderful opportunity for photographs. Later, drive to the historic Mattancherry district to visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), renowned for its traditional Kerala architecture and remarkable murals depicting scenes from Hindu epics. Continue to the atmospheric Jewish Quarter, with its heritage buildings, antique shops and charming lanes.

Please note that the Paradesi Synagogue is closed on Fridays & Saturdays.

For lunch, we recommend the Ginger House Museum Hotel restaurant, known for its waterside setting and views over the harbour. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Return to Brunton Boatyard and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, soaking in the distinctive atmosphere of historic Fort Kochi.

Overnight: Brunton Boatyard, Fort Kochi.

DAY 10: COCHIN – JEWISH HERITAGE & DEPARTURE

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel, with time to unwind and savour the surroundings until checkout.

Later, drive to the historic Mattancherry area to visit the Paradesi Synagogue, subject to opening hours. Explore the charming Jewish Quarter, with its heritage lanes, antique shops and local boutiques, offering time to browse for souvenirs and distinctive keepsakes.

Continue with a brief orientation drive through Ernakulam, Cochin’s bustling modern city centre, offering a glimpse of everyday urban life in Kerala. Depending on your flight schedule, you will then be transferred to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey, bringing your memorable Kerala holiday to a close.

Departure: Transfer to Cochin International Airport for your flight / Drive to Kovalam for extension

TOUR ENDS