Captivating Kerala

Your itinerary

Start Location Visited Location

Plane End Location

Cruise Train

Over night Ferry

Day 1 Hotel - The Zuri Kumarakom Resort and Spa Welcome to Kochi, Gateway to the Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner Backwaters of Kerala Day 4 Dip more than your toes in the bountiful backwaters of Kerala, 'God's own country'. This slice of southern India is a lush garden filled with spices, brilliant Cruise the Calm Backwaters colours and the enchanting sounds of nature. Relax on the tranquil shores of the Kerala's intrinsic relationship with water takes centre stage today. Enjoy a leisurely Arabian Sea, let the freshest seafood melt in your mouth and sink into a more start to the day or choose to take part in an optional yoga session before straightforward way of life - one where nature sets the pace for the day. But first, boarding a traditional houseboat for a cruise surrounded by Kerala's iconic on arrival at Kochi Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Later, join your backwaters. Take a deep breath and enjoy the slow, sultry pace of life fringing the Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with local appetisers. narrow canals as you wind your way to Alleppey. Watch villagers wave to each other from their wooden Shikaras (traditional boats), see how life unfolds along Hotel - Le Meridien Kochi the palm-fringed shoreline. Even your ride for the day is rooted in history. These houseboats, known locally as Kettuvalloms, were formerly old barges used to Included Meals - Welcome Reception ferry rice and spices. Upon arriving in Alleppey, you'll disembark and return to Day 2 Kumarakom for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Nature and Wildlife in Periyar National Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Park Day 5 Your love affair with Kerala's lush landscapes begins today. Head to Periyar, Explore Multi-Cultural Kochi named after Kerala's longest river which winds its way deep through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Choose to spend the afternoon either Remnants of Kerala's colourful centuries-old trading history are best explored in relaxing at your stunning resort hotel or soaking up the sounds of nature during the old port city of Kochi. It was here that Chinese, Arab and European merchants an optional immersive Nature Walk with an expert 'Local Specialist'. This evening would come to buy the fragrant spices that found their way to tables all over the look forward to an exhilarating 'Dive Into Culture' Kalarippayattu performance. world. In turn, they left their mark on Kochi's architecture, cuisine and traditions. Watch as trained Kalari warriors show off this most ancient of martial arts, Colonial bungalows, Catholic churches, mosques and a European fort dot the jumping and somersaulting in the ultimate coordination between mind and body. cityscape of what was once known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Enjoy some This is followed by dinner at your hotel. free time for lunch and then embark on a city tour to see this multi-cultural centre first-hand, including views of the Mattancherry Dutch Palace and St Francis Hotel - Elephant Court Church, built by Portuguese traders. Visit the Fort Kochi area and see the traditional cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala. Admire Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner how these fixed land installations made on bamboo scaffolding are artfully lowered into the sea to catch the seafood for which Kochi is so famous. This Day 3 evening, 'Connect With Locals' and enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local Onwards to Kumarakom family followed by a delicious 'Be My Guest' Farewell Dinner. The intoxicating scents of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves will linger long after Le Meridien Kochi today's encounter with Kerala's famous spices. Your first stop today is a visit to Hotel - Kumily Spice Garden. Here you'll learn how the locals grow and share an Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest astounding variety of flavourful spices, ranging from pepper and ginger to vanilla and cardamom, the queen of spices. Gain insights into the entire process of spice Day 6 cultivation at close quarters and discover how Kerala's spice trade with the world Farewell Kochi has shaped its culture and heritage to this day. There's more to experience as you head to Kumarakom, a tranquil village set on the peaceful banks of Lake Your epic encounter with Kerala's culture and natural wonders has sadly come to Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala. Embark on a walking tour and 'Dive Into an end, but your memories will last a lifetime. Say farewell to your travel Culture' as you admire the vibrant day-to-day of village life in the regional market companions and take an airport transfer for your onward flight. and on its lively streets. Included Meals - Breakfast

All optional experiences for this trip Book with your travel director when you travel

AVAILABLE ON DAY 4

AVAILABLE ON DAY 2 Early Morning Yoga No trip to India is complete without a relaxing yoga session! This one-hour Nature Walk in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary experience is tailored for both yoga lovers and those who are new to the Explore the buffer zone of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with a Local practice. Yoga practice helps to achieve three important goals, that go Specialist. Tread lightly along the dense forest trails, learning about the beyond health, healing and wellbeing. It helps to change the dynamics endemic flora and fauna as Banyan, Teak and Bamboo trees provide a between mind, body and spirit, which is the key to successful meditation. serene backdrop for a lesson in Kerala wildlife. You may be lucky enough to The English speaking instructor will guide you through the various yoga see herds of wild elephant and bison seeking to quench their thirst along positions and breathing exercises. There will also be a short session to the quiet shores of Periyar Lake. Or keep a keen eye out for hornbills, discuss the importance of Yoga in our day-to-day life and the instructor will flycatchers and kites – some of the many species of local and migratory be happy to answer any questions. A Yoga mat will be provided. The price birds that flock to this pristine sanctuary. The price shown is in US dollars. shown is in US dollars.

Adult Price: $17.00* Adult Price: $27.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change. subject to change. Captivating Kerala

Your itinerary

Start Location Visited Location

Plane End Location

Cruise Train

Over night Ferry

Day 1 Hotel - The Zuri Kumarakom Resort and Spa Welcome to Kochi, Gateway to the Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner Backwaters of Kerala Day 4 Dip more than your toes in the bountiful backwaters of Kerala, 'God's own country'. This slice of southern India is a lush garden filled with spices, brilliant Cruise the Calm Backwaters colours and the enchanting sounds of nature. Relax on the tranquil shores of the Kerala's intrinsic relationship with water takes centre stage today. Enjoy a leisurely Arabian Sea, let the freshest seafood melt in your mouth and sink into a more start to the day or choose to take part in an optional yoga session before straightforward way of life - one where nature sets the pace for the day. But first, boarding a traditional houseboat for a cruise surrounded by Kerala's iconic on arrival at Kochi Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Later, join your backwaters. Take a deep breath and enjoy the slow, sultry pace of life fringing the Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with local appetisers. narrow canals as you wind your way to Alleppey. Watch villagers wave to each other from their wooden Shikaras (traditional boats), see how life unfolds along Hotel - Le Meridien Kochi the palm-fringed shoreline. Even your ride for the day is rooted in history. These houseboats, known locally as Kettuvalloms, were formerly old barges used to Included Meals - Welcome Reception ferry rice and spices. Upon arriving in Alleppey, you'll disembark and return to Day 2 Kumarakom for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Nature and Wildlife in Periyar National Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Park Day 5 Your love affair with Kerala's lush landscapes begins today. Head to Periyar, Explore Multi-Cultural Kochi named after Kerala's longest river which winds its way deep through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Choose to spend the afternoon either Remnants of Kerala's colourful centuries-old trading history are best explored in relaxing at your stunning resort hotel or soaking up the sounds of nature during the old port city of Kochi. It was here that Chinese, Arab and European merchants an optional immersive Nature Walk with an expert 'Local Specialist'. This evening would come to buy the fragrant spices that found their way to tables all over the look forward to an exhilarating 'Dive Into Culture' Kalarippayattu performance. world. In turn, they left their mark on Kochi's architecture, cuisine and traditions. Watch as trained Kalari warriors show off this most ancient of martial arts, Colonial bungalows, Catholic churches, mosques and a European fort dot the jumping and somersaulting in the ultimate coordination between mind and body. cityscape of what was once known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Enjoy some This is followed by dinner at your hotel. free time for lunch and then embark on a city tour to see this multi-cultural centre first-hand, including views of the Mattancherry Dutch Palace and St Francis Hotel - Elephant Court Church, built by Portuguese traders. Visit the Fort Kochi area and see the traditional cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala. Admire Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner how these fixed land installations made on bamboo scaffolding are artfully lowered into the sea to catch the seafood for which Kochi is so famous. This Day 3 evening, 'Connect With Locals' and enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local Onwards to Kumarakom family followed by a delicious 'Be My Guest' Farewell Dinner. The intoxicating scents of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves will linger long after Le Meridien Kochi today's encounter with Kerala's famous spices. Your first stop today is a visit to Hotel - Kumily Spice Garden. Here you'll learn how the locals grow and share an Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest astounding variety of flavourful spices, ranging from pepper and ginger to vanilla and cardamom, the queen of spices. Gain insights into the entire process of spice Day 6 cultivation at close quarters and discover how Kerala's spice trade with the world Farewell Kochi has shaped its culture and heritage to this day. There's more to experience as you head to Kumarakom, a tranquil village set on the peaceful banks of Lake Your epic encounter with Kerala's culture and natural wonders has sadly come to Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala. Embark on a walking tour and 'Dive Into an end, but your memories will last a lifetime. Say farewell to your travel Culture' as you admire the vibrant day-to-day of village life in the regional market companions and take an airport transfer for your onward flight. and on its lively streets. Included Meals - Breakfast

All optional experiences for this trip Book with your travel director when you travel

AVAILABLE ON DAY 4

AVAILABLE ON DAY 2 Early Morning Yoga No trip to India is complete without a relaxing yoga session! This one-hour Nature Walk in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary experience is tailored for both yoga lovers and those who are new to the Explore the buffer zone of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with a Local practice. Yoga practice helps to achieve three important goals, that go Specialist. Tread lightly along the dense forest trails, learning about the beyond health, healing and wellbeing. It helps to change the dynamics endemic flora and fauna as Banyan, Teak and Bamboo trees provide a between mind, body and spirit, which is the key to successful meditation. serene backdrop for a lesson in Kerala wildlife. You may be lucky enough to The English speaking instructor will guide you through the various yoga see herds of wild elephant and bison seeking to quench their thirst along positions and breathing exercises. There will also be a short session to the quiet shores of Periyar Lake. Or keep a keen eye out for hornbills, discuss the importance of Yoga in our day-to-day life and the instructor will flycatchers and kites – some of the many species of local and migratory be happy to answer any questions. A Yoga mat will be provided. The price birds that flock to this pristine sanctuary. The price shown is in US dollars. shown is in US dollars.

Adult Price: $17.00* Adult Price: $27.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and * The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change. subject to change.