Kerala-Tea and Spice Country

Depart from UK an overnight flight to Kochi. 

Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to your hotel for two nights. Kochi earlier known as Cochin, is the oldest European settlement in India. Many influences including Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese are evident all around in the city. Traders from the West came to Kerala as far back as the 3rd century B.C. and took back with them spices, ivory and teak. Modern Cochin is a splendid mosaic where Portuguese architecture and British influences all blend harmoniously with Kerala's indigenous heritage. 

Morning City tour of Kochi includes a visit to the Dutch Palace, housing a fine collection of mural paintings. The Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 is magnificently decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. A visit to the St. Francis Church, Kochi's oldest, built by the Europeans in India. See the Chinese fishing nets that line the tip of Fort Kochi. In the evening a chance to see the famous Kathakali dance performance. (Optional). 

Morning departure for Munnar. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft, Munnar was the favoured summer resort of the British in colonial days. It has a seemingly endless expanse of tea and cardamom plantations, pristine valleys and mountains, exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests, with the aroma of spice scenting the cool air. Afternoon tour includes visit to a tea plantation. Stay for one night. 

After breakfast drive to Thekkady, located on the cool hills of the Western Ghats, in the region of coffee, tea, pepper and cardamom plantations. Afternoon wildlife viewing by motor boat at Lake Pariay. Periyar National Park is famous for its large population of Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog and many species of birds. Stay for one night. 

Morning visit to a spice plantation, where you will be shown how some spices are grown. Later drive to Kumarakom. Stay in Kumarakom for two nights. 

Morning at leisure on the shores of the Vembanad Lake .At your leisure you may like to visit the nearby bird sanctuary or a local village. Evening Sunset boat trip in the Vembanad Lake. 

Drive to Kovalam, an uncluttered beach of silver sands with rows and rows of tall palms. Stay for two nights. 

Day at leisure to enjoy the sun, sand and the sea. 

Transfer to the International airport in Trivandrum towards your onward journey to UK with sweet memories.