On this 12 days holiday you will be transported back in time in the spice-trading port of Cochin, with its melting pot of cultural influences, lulled by the serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters and thrilled by the game-spotting in the jungles of Periyar. The fragrant tea plantations and hill forests of Munnar are sure to enchant as you discover the Spice of Kerala.

Meet and assistance on arrival by TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS representative at the arrival lounge holding plaque card and transfer to the Kovalam, enriched with rich greenery of palm fingered bays in secluded coconut groves and laced with golden sands. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart pals and the rocky promontories, makes this beach paradise. Overnight at Kovalam.

After breakfast proceed on a sightseeing tour of Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of peninsular India, and the meeting point of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This pleasant land is encircled by majestic hills along with swaying coconut trees and paddy fields, with a few elevated patches of red cliffs and some free flowing valleys presenting an eye-pleasing scene. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim centre, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters and multicoloured sand found on its beach. This is the only place in India, where the sunset and moonrise can be viewed simultaneously on a full moon day. Kanyakumari has been named after the Goddess Amman, who is the popular deity of the area. It is said that the Goddess Parvati in one of her incarnations did penance on one of the rocks of this land’s end to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva. One can also see plains between the mountainous terrains and the sea coast, with temples and churches, presenting a truly beautiful way to mark the end of the land of marvellous India. Later return to the hotel for dinner and overnight at Kovalam. (B, D)

After breakfast travel to Kollam, also known as Quilon, that is the centre of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. The Malayalam Era is based on the founding of Kollam in the 9th century and being one of the oldest ports of the Malabar Coast it was an important centre of trade during the ancient times and was frequented by Phoenicians, Persians, Romans, Arabs and Chinese, with also famous travellers like Marco Polo and Ibam Batuta, who have acclaimed the historical importance of Kollam as a commercial town. The industrial centre is well known for its titanium, mineral sands and china clay and is also the birth place of the legendary art form of ‘Ramanattam Kathakali’. The historical importance of the place also stems from the fact that the township was designed and built by Syrians, an instance of foreign influence on Kerala. On arrival check in to the hotel with rest of the day free to explore and enjoy this beautiful small town. Dinner and overnight at Kollam. (B, D)

After breakfast visit this small village, this is an opportunity to interact with locals and experience their day to day life. Kollam is blessed with all unique features; sea, lake, mountains, plains, streams, rivers, backwaters, forest, vast green fields and tropical crop of every variety. The sight of white egrets dipping into the clear waters of the Ashtamudi Lake on a moonlit night is simply stunning. At the many temples, mosques, churches of this town, one can meet people eager to share their stories and monuments. Rest of the day is free to enjoy the backwater recreation club. Dinner and overnight at Kollam. (B, D)

After breakfast drive down to Alleppey. Here we board our houseboat, converted from a Kettavallum or traditional rice barge, and sail through the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. This large aquatic area is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals, and the people who live in this region have created their own distinct lifestyles. Witness the peaceful way of life on these amazing waterways with lunch, dinner and overnight stay on board; this will be a real highlight of your holiday. (B, L, D)

After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and travel to Periyar, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary. It is home to bison, wild elephant, boar, languor, the great Indian tiger and many more wildlife species. The sanctuary is spread over an area of about 777 sq km and comprises of a thick evergreen forest with exotic wild life. It was declared a tiger reserve sometime in 1978. It has an artificial lake formed by the Mullai Periyar Dam, built across the Periyar River. On arrival check in at the hotel, and after some relaxation proceed for a boat cruise on the Lake, which show cases a kaleidoscope of activities that incur around the lake and jungle. Evergreen moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands characterise Periyar. Dinner and overnight at Periyar. (B, D)

After a leisurely breakfast proceed to view the rare species of plantations, animals and visit a spice plantation growing cardamom, pepper, coffee, and tea estate. Walk amidst the palette displaying variant shades of green, neatly arranged into terrace farms, the symmetry broken only by the sudden appearance of a gurgling stream. It is believed that the spice trade dates back three thousand years in Kerala and many spices find their home here. The slanting slopes caress a variety of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves. On the way back you could stop at the local market and purchase some fragrant spices. Dinner and overnight at Periyar. (B, D)

After breakfast travel to Munnar, a place to enjoy scenic beauty and marvellous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by. The town stands at a confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The three streams later join the Periyar river and finally the Arabian Sea. The name Munnar reflects this very fact, since in Tamil moon aar literally implies three rivers. At an altitude of 6000ft Munnar has been the favoured summer resort since the time of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. A haven of peace and tranquillity, Munnar is amazingly beautiful, an idyllic destination. On arrival check in at hotel, rest of the day is free for your own activities. Dinner and overnight at Munnar. (B, D)

After a leisurely breakfast proceed on a sightseeing tour of the city which is difficult to describe. Witness tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometres, lush green hills, very low population and far from pollution. The place is encircled by wooded hills of the Annamalai Ranges, with the towering bulk of Ana Mudi, which is peninsular India’s highest peak at about 2695m. Sprawling tea plantations, picture books towns, winding lanes, exotic flora and fauna in the forests and grasslands, make Munnar a pleasant hill station. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight at Munnar. (B, D)

After breakfast travel to Cochin, a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. It’s strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. The history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Cochin, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Cochin became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. It was declared a major port in 1936. On arrival check in to the hotel; rest of the evening is free for last moment shopping. Dinner and overnight at Cochin. (B, D)

After breakfast proceed on a sightseeing tour of the city where the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. Cargo-laden barges and vallams or country boats move ponderously slow, over the sprawling vastness of the Vembanad Kayal, Kerala's largest lake that spreads full bosomed and silver gray in the sultry sun. In the evening enjoy the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterized by artistic gesticulations, amazing costumes and very extensive make-up. The stories are mostly taken from the Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Dinner and overnight at Cochin. (B, D)

After a leisurely breakfast check out and transfer to the airport to board the flight for your onward journey. (B)

• Accommodation with private facilities
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with Chauffeur
• Local English-speaking guide
• Private Backwater cruise with overnight on board
• Wildlife safari by boat
• Plantation visit at Periyar
• Kathakali Dance show
• Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Entry fee/Monument charges
• Assistance and Transfers

• Departs daily
• Overland travel by private car
• Order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions
• Itinerary can be customised to suit your requirements
• Ask for pre and post accommodation

• Any meals other than specified, drinks, laundry, Mineral water, telephone calls or other expenses of a personal nature.
• Camera fees (Video or still) at the monuments
• Tips/gratuity