Arrive at Cochin in the morning and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, take a guided tour through the historical bye lanes of Fort Kochi a town, which was ruled by three European powers in succession – the Portuguese, the Dutch and finally the British. You will see the Jewish synagogue, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Chinese Fishing nets, Dutch Cemetery, Dutch Palace and the Fort Cochin beach. In the evening enjoy a Kathakali performance – a 400 year old dance form.

After breakfast, proceed to Munnar ,a small mist laden hill station located at 1600 M above sea level and which was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India . Here, more than 12000 hectares of lush, manicured tea fields form an irresistible canvas . Among the exotic flora found in these forests and grasslands is the neelakurinji which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years and will bloom this

year. Viewing this is considered lucky. Afternoon visit the Tea Museum – which houses an interesting array of relics and artifacts of the past. At the adjacent tea processing unit one can see the various stages of tea manufacture and the intricacies of tea-tasting which is an educative experience. Open 10 am to 4 pm Closed on Mondays.

After breakfast, visit the Eravikulam National park in Rajamalai(18 kms) and home to the largest population of the endangered nilgiri tahr (wild goats). This 97 sq. Km park , a former hunting preserve of the British planters today exemplifies wildlife conservation at its best. The incredibly agile Nilgiri Tahr is today the pride of Munnar and its mascot. Afternoon go to Top Station which is perched precariously on a precipitous ridge and has an interesting site-the ruins of the old ropeway station that linked the foothills to the tea estates, transporting tea chests out and provisions in. Enroute see the Mattupetty Dam, the Kundale Lake and the Echo point. Night return back to resort.

As you wind your way, the wooded terrain clears to reveal a breathtaking spectacle of rolling tea and cardamom plantations. Fill your lungs with fresh mountain air, savour the rich fragrance of cinnamon and cloves. Thekkady is situated in the southern segment of the Western Ghats in the Cardamom Hills at an altitude of 900 to 1500 mtrs. The Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the 18 hot spots in the world recognized for their

biodiversity. Afternoon visit a Tribal Village built inside Mannan settlement, the earliest people to inhabit Periyar Tiger Reserve. They have various types of artifacts related to agriculture, marriage ceremonies, cultural events, etc.

Early morning enjoy a boat ride in the lake and if you are lucky you can watch young elephants drinking at the water’s edge. The Periyar is the only wild life sanctuary in India that offers the unique opportunity of viewing wild life in their natural habitat at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. Afternoon go on a guided plantation tour into a spice plantation where pepper, cardamom, vanilla, etc is grown. Evening back to the resort.

Drive to Kumarakom, the heart of the famous backwaters of Kerala. After lunch, Relax at the resort. Spend the waning hours of the afternoon just watching the sun go down from the middle of the Lake Vembanad or explore the area on foot to a local village set amidst paddy fields. Relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort.

An early morning visit can be made to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary sprawled over an area of 14 acres and where species like darters, bitterns, brahminy kites roost. After breakfast proceed to Alleppey. Embark on an exciting 21-hour houseboat cruise at 12.30 pm. Board the traditional houseboat and start the long and meandering ride through the unique backwaters of Kerala in a thatched roof houseboat. The

houseboat is an improvisation of the large country barges, which were an essential part of the land's ethos in days gone by. The kettuvalloms (houseboats) are comfortably furnished with an open lounge, one or two bath attached bedrooms and a kitchenette, and are extremely eco friendly. Every houseboat is manned by a crew - chef, guide and an oarsman. Winding through the vast expanse of the paddy fields and tiny hamlets and palm fringed narrow canals is an unforgettable experience. Night at the houseboat where you can catch your own fish from the backwaters and ask the chef to fry it.

Disembark from the houseboat and proceed to Kochi airport with a lot of happy memories. If time permits, you can do shopping for silks and handicrafts at Kochi.