Day 1:
On arrival at Cochin, travel by road to Alleppey, where you will board your very own houseboat, complete with crew. Spend the rest of the day lazily cruising the backwaters and enjoying the stunning scenery and tranquility, whilst the crew prepares traditional meals on board, including fresh fish. Overnight on the houseboat.

Day 2: Houseboat - Kumarakom
Have breakfast on board while you cruise on Kerala's famous backwaters and disembark at the luxurious Coconut Lagoon hotel; one of South India's most discreet holiday destinations with a unique cultural heritage. The resort can only be reached by boat. The accommodation is in traditional wooden cottage family houses, carefully restored and with every modern luxury. Lunch is at the hotel and the afternoon is spent at leisure in the resort. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon.

Day 3:
A day of leisure at Coconut Lagoon.

Day 4:
Check-out after breakfast and travel by road to Periyar. Later, a boat cruise on Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat. Whilst cruising on the lake you are likely to see elephants and other wild animals at close quarters. Overnight at the Spice Village resort.

Day 5:
Start the morning with a guided tour of the spice plantation, then travel by road to Cochin.Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, go on a tour of Fort Cochin and visit the Cochin Harbour to see the giant Chinese fishing nets. Then on to St. Francis's Church, built in 1503, which is the oldest European Church in India. Vasco da Gama died in Cochin in 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone still stands.Built in oriental style and one of the oldest buildings, Mattancherry Palace was originally built by the Portuguese and presented to the King of Cochin in the year 1555 AD. It was later taken over by the Dutch. It is now known as the Dutch Palace. There are 17th century murals depicting scenes from the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. Head to the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568, and browse around the antique shops in Jew Town. In the evening discover the exquisite grace and classical beauty of Kathakali, one of Kerala's most elegant dance forms, at a local auditorium. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 6:
Departure to Cochin airport for flight to Goa.

COST INCLUDED:

	Accommodation on twin sharing basis on BB basis for all hotels except the houseboat which is on American Plan basis.
	Transportation on tour.
	Local English speaking guide.
	Entrance fees.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Airfare (Air fare quoted as supplements)