Namaste – Welcome to India! Upon arrival, we are greeted the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. We are then transferred to our hotel and have the balance of the day free.

Overnight: Casino hotel by CGH Earth, Kochi (2 nights) (D)

Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is Kerala’s commercial capital and is home to one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Today we explore this waterfront gem, starting with a visit to St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The remains of Vasco De Gama, the first European to find India by sea, were buried here before being taken back to Portugal. Next we visit the Roman Catholic Santa Cruz Cathedral, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. We continue to the Jewish Quarter with its Old Synagogue and the Dutch Palace, also built by the Portuguese. Later we take a boat cruise to visit Bolghatty Palace and observe one of the most photographed highlights of Kerala: the massive traditional Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, we enjoy a vibrant Kathakali dance performance. This dramatized presentation of a play usually based on the Hindu epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas, is a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. (B, D)

Journey on to Thekkady, where we check in to our hotel. The area is famous for its colourful and fragrant spice plantations. In the afternoon, we will visit the breathtaking fields where cardamom, pepper, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, all spice and tea are grown. We will also see traditional Ayurvedic medicinal plants and have the unique opportunity to buy garden-fresh spices. In the evening, we return to our hotel for dinner.

Overnight: The Elephant Court, Thekkady (2 nights) (B, D)

Our day starts with a jungle walk at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the early morning. Home to India’s rare Bengal tigers, this sanctuary is one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. After a jungle walk to spy elephants and unique lion-tailed macaques, we return to our hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, we enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar, watching animals in their natural habitat by the water's edge. Boars, sambar deer, wild dogs, langur monkeys and elephants are all part of the amazing game viewing here. The sanctuary is also a haven for water birds and we can see plenty of darters, grey herons, egrets and kingfishers. Our evening is free to explore the local bazaar in Thekkady and purchase some of the famous spices grown in this area. (B, D)

We continue our exploration of South India as we drive to Alleppey. Here we board our traditional houseboat and embark on a journey through the picturesque backwaters of Kerala, relaxing in tranquility as we take in the stunning scenery. Along the way, we see verdant vegetation, glassy lakes and locals going about their traditional way of life.

Overnight: Deluxe Air-Conditioned Houseboat (1 night) (B, L, D)

We enjoy breakfast on board, sail to Alleppey and disembark at the Puthenagady Jetty. A comfortable drive gets us to beautiful Kovalam Beach on the Malabar Coast near Trivandrum. The perfect opportunity to relax on the beach today and soak up Kovalam’s world-famous sun and sands. Sit back, relax and drink in the area’s endless white sands, calming blue waters and secluded coconut groves.

Overnight: Somatheeram Ayurveda Village / Manaltheeram, Kovalam (2 nights) (B, D)

A unique chance to relax as we enjoy a soothing one-hour rejuvenation massage. The rest of our day is free to sample Kovalam’s pristine sands and jewel-toned waters. (B, D)

After an incredible tour of Kerala, we are transferred to the Trivandrum Airport for our flight home. We bid farewell to India after what will have been a memorable journey into history, culture, art and architecture, having made new friends and lots of memories. Or extend our adventure with India holiday tour packages to other regions of incredible India. (B)