This morning, we continue our exploration of Fort Kochi, visiting the Jewish Town Synagogue, Fort Kochi beach and the iconic Chinese fishing nets that line the harbor. As we navigate the old town’s winding alleyways and bustling markets, we’ll get a taste of Indian street food, sampling delights such as Masala Vada a crispy fritter made from chana dal, fennel seeds, and peppers and Bonda, a delicious spiced potato snack encased in crispy batter.

Then, we embark on a scenic one-hour drive toward Kerala’s famous backwaters. As we travel through water-lined suburbs and quaint villages, the landscape gradually opens up to reveal an intricate network of lush rice paddies, swaying coconut palms, and serene waterways the gateway to the Kerala backwaters.

Spanning over 900 square kilometers, the backwaters are a complex system of freshwater lakes, man-made canals, and 38 interconnected rivers. For centuries, these waterways have been the lifeline of Kerala’s economy, with kettuvallam traditional wooden boats once used to transport rice, spices, wood, and other goods from the mountains to the coast. Today, the backwaters continue to sustain a vibrant local economy, supporting fishing, agriculture, and cottage industries.

This afternoon, we board our upmarket houseboat for an overnight stay. A modern take on the traditional kettuvallam rice barge, our houseboat features comfortable air-conditioned en-suite cabins, a central dining area, and spacious decks to relax and take in the stunning scenery.

As we leisurely cruise through the tranquil waterways, we’ll observe riverside village life locals washing clothes along the banks, tending to their animals, and cultivating vegetables on narrow strips of land. The day unfolds at a gentle, unhurried pace, offering the perfect opportunity to soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Disembarking mid-morning, we take time to explore the bustling markets of Alleppey, the commercial hub of the backwaters, where fishermen, farmers, and artisans gather to trade their goods. From here, we embark on a short one-hour drive to our hotel for the night, set in the heart of the backwaters with stunning views over Kumarakom Lake.

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to:

Join a Keralan cookery masterclass, learning the secrets of the region’s flavourful cuisine.

Indulge in an Ayurvedic massage, a traditional healing therapy using herbal oils.
Take a guided walk along the waterways, exploring small villages and local farming techniques.

Discover Kumarakom’s rich birdlife, with a chance to spot kingfishers, cormorants, herons, and egrets, among many other endemic and migratory species.

Whether you prefer to unwind in nature or immerse yourself in local traditions, Kumarakom offers the perfect setting to experience the beauty and tranquility of Kerala’s backwaters.

Leaving the tranquil backwaters behind, we re-enter the vibrant energy of India as we travel to Kottayam train station. Here, we board an express train north to Kozhikode, covering over 200 kilometers (125+ miles) in approximately three hours. Traveling in comfortable, air-conditioned chair class, we enjoy a smooth ride aboard carriages designed with modern European influences.

Kozhikode (formerly Calicut) has long been a historic trading hub, first established for trade with Arab and Chinese merchants before gaining prominence in 1498 when Vasco da Gama first set foot in India. This marked the beginning of European exploration and the lucrative spice trade. The city’s cosmopolitan past is reflected in its diverse architecture, featuring mosques, churches, temples, and Portuguese colonial buildings.

In the afternoon, we delve into Kozhikode’s rich trading history, starting with a visit to the Beypore boatyard. Here, traditional boats and dhows are still meticulously crafted by hand, allowing us to witness the age-old boat-building techniques that have endured for centuries. Next, we embark on a walking tour through the old quarter, wandering past historic buildings, places of worship, and the lively central market.

Our day concludes at Kozhikode Beach, arriving just in time for sunset. This is a popular gathering spot for locals, where families and friends come together to eat, play cricket, and watch the sun dip into the Arabian Sea, offering a perfect end to our exploration of this historic coastal city.

Leaving the Malabar Coast behind, we journey into the Western Ghats, a mountain range also known as the Sahyadri Hills. These mountains play a crucial role in shaping Kerala’s climate, capturing monsoon rains that have nurtured the region’s incredible biodiversity. Thanks to this, Kerala thrives as a major agricultural hub, cultivating everything from rice, tea, and coffee to fragrant spices like cardamom, pepper, and nutmeg.

Our four-hour drive winds through lush spice plantations, banana groves, and tea estates, leading us into the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve-India’s largest protected forest and a sanctuary for an incredible variety of flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, we embark on a game drive through Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, venturing deep into its verdant jungles. The sanctuary is home to herds of wild elephants, playful monkeys and gibbons, elusive leopards and jungle cats, graceful deer, and, if we’re lucky, the majestic Bengal tiger. Riding in 4WD jeeps, we’ll be guided by a park naturalist, enhancing our chances of spotting these magnificent creatures up close.

For the next two nights, we stay at a serene eco-resort, seamlessly integrated into the surrounding jungle. Scattered across the forest, the spacious cabins provide an immersive experience in nature. The resort features an infinity pool, a restaurant and bar serving locally sourced cuisine, and a team of naturalists offering talks and excursions. Due to Wayanad’s higher altitude, temperatures remain cool in the evenings, eliminating the need for air-conditioning—each cabin is instead equipped with large ceiling fans for comfort.

Today offers a relaxed pace, beginning with a visit to the Chundale Lockhart Tea Plantation, located 30 minutes from our resort. Here, we’ll take a guided walk through the lush plantation alongside an expert tea picker, who will share insights into the cultivation, care, and harvesting of the various tea varieties grown on-site. We’ll also have the chance to tour the tea processing factory, gaining a deeper understanding of its production, before concluding with a tea tasting session.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to unwind amid the tranquil surroundings or join one of the informative talks led by the resort’s naturalists. For those eager to explore further, optional activities include:

Butterfly Walk – Discover the diverse butterfly species thriving in the area.
Cookery Demonstration – Learn the secrets of Kerala’s rich culinary traditions.

Jungle Night Walk – Embark on an evening adventure to spot nocturnal wildlife, such as the Malabar gliding frog, Malabar pit viper, scorpions, Brown Palm civets, and jungle cats.

Whether you choose to relax or explore, today presents the perfect opportunity to soak in Wayanad’s natural beauty.

Leaving Wayanad behind, we continue our journey through the forested mountains of the Western Ghats, heading north toward Coorg. As we drive along the fringes of the National Park, keep an eye out for potential wildlife sightings along the roadside.

Crossing into Karnataka, we make a stop at the Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple of Coorg. This impressive Tibetan monastery has served as a sanctuary for over 16,000 refugees and is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. Home to 600 monks, the site features an ornate temple complex and a nearby Tibetan market, offering a glimpse into Tibetan culture and traditions.

After a four-hour drive, we arrive in Coorg, often referred to as the Scotland of India due to its cool climate, rolling hills, and vast coffee plantations. Our accommodation is nestled within its own coffee estate, offering well-appointed rooms surrounded by lush greenery. The resort boasts an open-air restaurant with breathtaking views, an infinity pool, a full ayurvedic spa, and guided plantation walks, making it an ideal retreat in this scenic hill station.

This morning, we set out to explore one of the many coffee plantations that thrive in this part of the Western Ghats. Our visit takes us to the Mercara Coffee Plantation, where coffee has been grown, cultivated, and roasted for over 80 years. Thanks to the region’s ideal climate and varied altitudes, both Robusta and Arabica beans flourish here. During our tour, we’ll gain insight into the entire coffee-making process—from harvesting and processing to roasting—before enjoying a freshly brewed cup of their signature coffee.

Leaving the hills of Coorg behind, we make our way down to the Malabar Coast, heading toward Mangalore. After a five-hour drive, we arrive in the late afternoon and check into our hotel. In the evening, we’ll walk to the Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple in time for evening prayers. This 800-year-old Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an important pilgrimage site for many in southern India and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s spiritual traditions.

Today, we embark on our second express train journey, traveling along the palm-fringed Malabar Coast to the vibrant state of Goa.

Goa’s unique charm stems from its nearly 500 years of Portuguese rule, which ended in 1961. Unlike the rest of India, Goa’s colonial heritage is reflected in its colorful architecture, relaxed atmosphere, and distinct cultural influences. It officially became an Indian state in 1981, over three decades after India's independence.

Our five-hour train ride, in comfortable, air-conditioned chair class, brings us into Goa around lunchtime. After checking into our hotel, the afternoon is free to relax or explore at leisure.

For the next two nights, we stay at a resort-style hotel, thoughtfully designed in the style of Portuguese villas. The spacious rooms feature traditional touches and private balconies, while the resort itself boasts two free-form swimming pools, a gym, a spa, and a selection of bars and restaurants offering delicious local cuisine and freshly caught seafood. Nestled on the pristine white sands of South Goa, the hotel also offers a range of optional activities for those looking to make the most of their stay.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure - whether it's unwinding by the pool, basking on the beach, or participating in some of the hotel's activities. The beachfront is dotted with charming shacks serving freshly caught seafood and ice-cold beer, perfect for a laid-back meal by the sea.

For those eager to explore, there are a couple of exciting excursion options:

Dudhsagar Falls – A breathtaking four-tiered waterfall, accessible via an adventurous 4WD journey through the lush forest.

Panjim & Fontainhas – Discover the heart of Goa in its capital, where the cobbled streets of Fontainhas, the Old Latin Quarter, showcase a blend of colorful Portuguese villas, historic churches, and tranquil markets. Panjim is often celebrated as India’s most relaxed and picturesque state capital.

Our journey concludes in Goa this morning. If you'd like to extend your stay and enjoy more time by the beach, additional nights at the hotel can be arranged, Please let us know at the time of booking.

There are no scheduled activities today, so you are free to depart at your convenience. For those with later flights, the hotel offers luggage storage facilities.