Kerala Spice Trail

Kerala enjoys a different pace of life to much of India. Overlooking the Arabian Sea it is an area of beautiful beaches, fragrant spice plantations and peaceful backwaters. Here you can explore wildlife sanctuaries, discover historic towns, cruise the scenic backwaters or just relax and enjoy the laid-back ambiance.

Essential Experiences:

• Watch for birdlife in the beautiful Periyar National Park

• Cruise through the tranquil backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat

• Discover the historic town of Cochin

The Tour: Our tour takes you to explore the historic town of Cochin with its Portuguese houses and Chinese fishing nets, to cruise on the Keralan backwaters and to explore the wildlife sanctuary at Periyar. There is also the option to extend your holiday on the relaxing beaches of Kovalam or the tranquil backwaters.

Accommodation: Hotel standards in India have improved markedly in recent years as the country's economic situation has improved. However, there can still be some variation in service levels, especially when you get away from the main cities. For this tour we have chosen properties that offer good standards of accommodation in good locations for discovering the nearby sights. One of the highlights of he tour is the opportunity to spend a night aboard a converted rice barge cruising scenic through the backwaters.

» Day 1 to Day 2: LONDON TO COCHIN

Overnight flight from London to Cochin. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for 2 nights. In the evening enjoy a traditional Kathkali dance performance. (B)

» Day 3: COCHIN

Now officially known as Kochi, this historic city offers a fascinating mix of influences including Dutch, Portuguese & British. Here you can find churches, mosques & synagogues; traditional chinese fishing nets and colonial architecture. Set on the Arabian Sea, the city grew on the wealth generated by the spice trade and became the first European settlement in India when colonised by the Portuguese in 1503. Half day city tour of Cochin, visiting many of the city’s historic sights. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

» Day 4: COCHIN TO PERIYAR

After breakfast, set off for the drive to Periyar, this popular wildlife is set in the hills around an artificial lake and is home to bison, sambar, elephants and tigers. After arriving, check in to the hotel before an afternoon visit to a nearby spice plantation (B)

» Day 5: PERIYAR

Enjoy a scenic boat ride on lake Periyar with the opportunity for bird watching. (B)

» Day 6 to Day 7: KUMARAKOM

Transfer to the pretty Kumarakom peninsula on Vembanad Lake. Spend 2 nights here, time is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings or you may prefer to take one of the optional tours available locally. (B)

» Day 8: BACKWATERS RICE BARGE CRUISE

One of the highlights of a trip to Kerala, is the opportunity to take an overnight cruise through the scenic backwaters that fringe the coast. This network of palm fringed lakes and shady canals are lined with small villages and offer an excellent insight into local life. (B,L,D)

» Day 9: COCHIN

Return to Cochin for final night. Nb: Clients opting for the optional Kerala Coast extension will continue straight to their chosen hotel rather than returning to Cochin. (B)

» Day 10: COCHIN TO LONDON

Return flight to London. (B)

Destination introduction

Stretching from the high peaks of the Himalayas to the lush backwaters of Kerala, India & Nepal offer a feast for the senses. Colourful, exuberant and diverse, these 2 nations offer a wonderfully enticing mix of experiences and activities.