Today, enjoy a private guided tour of colonial Cochin, offering an insightful journey through its rich history and vibrant culture. Typically lasting around half a day, the tour includes visits to iconic landmarks such as St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica, the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, and the renowned Chinese Fishing Nets. Your local guide can customize the tour to align with your interests. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the charming colonial fort area on foot, or simply relax and indulge in the amenities of your hotel.

After checking out at 10:00 AM, begin your journey to Muvattupuzha, a picturesque town where three rivers—Thodupuzha, Kaliyar, and Kothamangalam—converge. Historically significant as a key spice trade route from the highlands to Cochin, Muvattupuzha is also renowned as a major hub for pineapple production in India.

Arrive and check in at the Hotel, a boutique luxury resort set amidst lush gardens designed by the celebrated landscape architect Made Wijaya. The interiors, crafted by Russell Grainger, offer exceptional comfort and elegance. The resort provides an array of wellness activities, including yoga, meditation, Ayurveda treatments, and access to a large swimming pool and a fully equipped gym.

Immerse yourself in unique local experiences offered by the Hotel, such as Kerala cooking classes, canoe river crossings, visits to traditional tea shops, Bollywood dance lessons, Kalari martial arts demonstrations, henna art, and more, all curated in collaboration with the local community. Enjoy a perfect blend of luxury, culture, and wellness during your stay.

Start your morning with a calming yoga or meditation session on the veranda, setting the tone for a rejuvenating day. Embark on a local area tour to experience the vibrant culture of Muvattupuzha up close. Begin with a visit to a toddy shop, where you can savor freshly tapped palm and coconut toddy straight from the local trees.

Next, explore the nearby Forest Temple, a small but spiritually significant Hindu temple. Return to the resort for a traditional Ayurvedic massage and treatment, designed to relax your mind, detoxify your body, and rejuvenate your core.

Enjoy a henna application session, a cherished Indian tradition, especially popular during weddings. Later, savor a delicious lunch at the Indian Summer House, followed by some leisure time by the pool to unwind.

In the evening, visit the local temple accompanied by Amayee, one of the beloved aunties from the community. She will guide you through the temple, sharing fascinating stories and offering insights into its cultural significance. Immerse yourself in the vibrant community spirit that surrounds the temple.

Conclude your day with a delightful poolside BBQ at the resort, a perfect way to relax and reflect on the enriching experiences of the day.

After a delicious breakfast at Indian Summer House, check out and depart for Munnar at 8:45 AM. The 3-hour drive will take you through picturesque landscapes to Munnar, once the summer capital of the British administration in South India.

Arrive in Munnar by 11:30 AM and head straight to the Tata Tea Factory and Museum. Discover the rich history of the region's tea estates, from traditional hand-rolling methods to modern automated factories. Learn about the black tea-making process and explore fascinating artifacts, including a 1913 sundial, a 1920s Pelton Wheel, and antique tea equipment. End your visit with a tea-tasting session, offering a chance to savor exotic varieties from around the world. This is a must-see for tea lovers eager to immerse themselves in Munnar's tea heritage.

After lunch, make your way to the Pothamedu View Point, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of lush coffee, tea, and cardamom plantations. The tranquil beauty of the green valleys makes this spot a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It offers panoramic views of Munnar and its surrounding landscapes.

After a day of discovery, head to your Hill Resort in Munnar and complete the check-in formalities by 3:00 PM. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and unwind.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the resort before preparing for check-out. Your first stop today is Rajamalai National Park, a captivating destination where you can spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr in its natural habitat. Renowned for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, the park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Please note that the park is closed annually from 10th January to 15th March. If the park is closed during your visit, you may drive to Mattupetty for elephant spotting. This route is well-known for frequent elephant sightings, and if you're fortunate, you may witness a herd of elephants grazing peacefully in the meadows of the lower plains.

Next, head to Thekkady, home to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for wildlife lovers. Explore the sanctuary’s diverse flora and fauna, take a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, and keep an eye out for exotic wildlife in their natural environment.

After a day filled with wildlife exploration, head to your resort and complete your check-in formalities. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and unwind at the resort.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Thekkady, nestled near lush plantations in the heart of the Periyar jungles. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 777 sq km (with 360 sq km of dense evergreen forest), is one of the world’s most captivating natural wildlife reserves. Declared a tiger reserve in 1978, this sanctuary is a haven for diverse flora and fauna. The region is also known as the ‘Spice Village of India’ due to its vast fields of spices like cardamom, pepper, and coffee. The drive to Thekkady takes you through expansive tea estates, towering rubber tree plantations, and spice gardens.

Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the serene river, providing an opportunity to take in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Afterward, check into your resort, which is located right on the edge of the Periyar Game Preserve. Later in the evening, set out on a game drive through the sanctuary. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as elephants, bison, deer, and, with some luck, the elusive tiger as they wander through the tropical undergrowth.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the jetty to board your houseboat, which will be your home for the night. Set sail through the narrow lakes and famous canals towards Alleppey, where a network of rivers, both man-made and natural, meanders through the lush, marshy lands of Kerala. Once used for transporting cargo, the "Kettuvalloms" are large boats made from bamboo mats and wood from arecanut trees. Today, these traditional boats offer a unique way to explore the backwaters and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the canals.

As you cruise along, savor the fresh and delicious local dishes, including white prawns and pearl-spotted fish, prepared by a personal cook on board. The day will end with the houseboat anchored in a serene part of the lake, surrounded by the gentle swaying of coconut palms. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you spend the night drifting in the calm backwaters.

Check out of your hotel at 10:00 AM and depart for Marari Beach. Arrive at Marari Beach around 2:00 PM and check into your resort.

Marari Beach, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The name "Marari" is derived from the nearby village of "Mararikulam." Recognized by National Geographic as one of the top five Hammock Beaches, Marari Beach offers an idyllic setting for a relaxing getaway. With its golden sands, swaying coconut trees, and tranquil atmosphere, it is the perfect destination for a holiday with friends and family or for unwinding in a peaceful coastal retreat.

Start your day with a delightful and authentic breakfast at the resort, setting the tone for a relaxing day ahead. Later, you can immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the nearby village and gaining a deeper understanding of the way of life in this serene beach setting. Take a leisurely stroll or hop on a bicycle to visit the local markets and interact with the friendly locals.

As the day winds down, enjoy your final evening in Marari by watching the breathtaking sunset. Witness the sky transform into vibrant hues, reflecting off the golden sands and the calm sea—an unforgettable way to end your time at this beautiful beach.

As your memorable Kerala holiday comes to a close, you’ll be transferred to the airport, ready to board your flight home. Take with you a wealth of cherished memories from your fantastic journey through the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and serene backwaters of Kerala in South India. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back soon!