This morning breakfast at hotel, later begin a sightseeing tour around Kochi, beginning with the Dutch Fort and St. Francis Church, the first European church to be built in India. The history of this church reflects the colonial struggle of European powers in India from the 15th to 20th centuries. It is said that the Portuguese trader, Vasco da Gama, was originally buried in St. Francis Church before being taken back to Portugal.

The next stop is the Santa Cruz Basilica and from here you can view the unique cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the only place outside China where they are used. Locally known as Cheenavala, they are used for a unique and unusual method of fishing and many fishermen earn a living by using these massive nets.

Continuing your tour of the city, visit the Jewish Synagogue in the heart of the Jewish Quarter. The prosperous Jewish trading community built the Jewish synagogue in 1568. It is the oldest synagogue in India but was partially destroyed in the war of 1662 and was rebuilt by the Dutch. End the day with a stroll through the nearby markets.

In evening enjoy the Kathakali Dance performance in a local theatre.

Drive approximately 4-5 hours (130 kms) to Munnar – the first hour is a steep and winding descent from the highlands, a stretch of even road and then a steep ascent again to Munnar. The group bus will not be able to drive under the clearance height of the bridge, located just outside Munnar. Hotel staff will send jeeps to collect you and your luggage to take you the remaining short distance to the hotel to check-in.

This morning travel to Mattupetty Dam, located 13kms from Munnar town where we will enjoy an easy walk around the lakeside areas.

Later visit Eravikulam National Park, which is about 97sq km in size, situated along the crest of the Western Ghats in the high ranges of Idukki district. The park holds the largest viable population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a small stocky goat. Apart from the Nilgiri Tahrs, the National Park is home to other animals such as Nilgiri Marten, ruddy mongoose, small clawed otter and dusky striped squirrel.

February- April Itinerary to be confirmed
Depending on the time of year (February-April is Nilgiri Tahr mating season) you may enjoy a walking tour of the national park or light trekking through Munnar this afternoon. If time permits then visit Tea Museum before 1600 hrs. (Closed on Monday)

Depart early from your hotel and drive 1-2 hours (80km) to Kothamangalam town. Here you will tour local rubber, coffee and pepper plantations and enjoy lunch with local family before driving another 2 hours (76km) to Kumarakom, located in the Kerala backwaters region.

Upon arrival proceed to your hotel, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, and check-in.

This morning after check-out, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy a tour of the sanctuary on foot, home to many different species of bird such as the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.

Later, board your houseboat, a converted rice barge known as a ‘kettuvallam’. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern bathrooms, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Parts of the curved roof of plaited palm or wood open out to provide shade and allow uninterrupted views.

While cruising to Alleppey witness the village life around the backwaters of Kerala. What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala. An unhurried backwater cruise on a traditional houseboat is the best way to discover Kerala’s exceptional scenic beauty.

Tonight you will enjoy dinner on-board and stay overnight on the houseboat.

Please note: While on the houseboat, electricity can be intermittent. There is a generator on board, so keep this in mind when charging phones, cameras or other electronic items. The cabins on board are all air conditioned, but the living areas and deck may be cooled with fans. If you are a light sleeper you may wish to bring ear plugs, as the generators may be loud at night.

After breakfast disembark at Alleppey. Drive 30-40 minutes (15km) to Mararikulam and upon arrival check into your beachside hotel.

The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to relax by the swimming pool or at the beach.

Please note: there is no individual TV in the guest rooms. A TV is available in the shared recreation room in the hotel.

Tour and learn about traditional fishing techniques Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village, located on a small island near the Kerala backwaters region. Watch traditional craft demonstrations before visiting Cherthala town, which is a major coir production area.

Learn about coir weaving before returning to the hotel, where the afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure.

The day is free at your leisure to relax.

After a late check-out drive 1 hour (42km) and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Kochi before continuing to the airport for your overnight flight to Australia.