Follow the slow boat through Kerala

This itinerary gives you a chance to explore historic Kochi, enjoy the backwaters in and around one of India's largest lakes, the wonderful diversity of the landscape, and last but not least the friendly people and delicious food.

Day 1  Fly overnight on Emirates via Dubai to Cochin (Kochi).

Day 2  A quick transfer from the airport to your hotel in Kochi - this could be Brunton's Boatyard on Fort Cochin Island, or Taj Malabar on neighbouring Willingdon. An Evening boat ride around this vast harbour will enable you to watch the sun set over the Chinese fishing nets.

Day 3  An interesting morning or afternoon sightseeing on Fort Cochin Island - Dutch Palace with its erotic wall paintings, the Synagogue and St Francis Church, the first european church in India - and a chance to shop in the local markets for cotton goods or visit one of the emporiums for wonderful cashmere garments, antiques and gems.

Day 4  A splendid drive to Munnar deep in the Cardamon hills and spend two days relaxing on a private tea estate. A chance to relive the bygone years in beautiful countryside.

Day 6  This morning drive to the rugged escarpment of the Western Ghats into neighbouring Tamil Nadu and the city of Madurai, the home of the famous Meenakshi Temple which even non Hindis can enter. Spend the night at nearby Taj Garden Retreat.

Day 7  Cross the plains to the pine covered hills surrounding Lake Periyar, a huge dam near Thekkady, and enjoy a late afternoon cruise: you may be lucky enough to see elephants or even a tiger! Overnight at the very comfortable Spice Garden or truly romantic Lake Palace (but not to be confused with the Lake Palace Udaipur!).

Day 8  A wonderful drive with spectacular views descends to the backwaters where you spend a couple of nights at the small lakeside resort of Kumarakom at Coconut Lagoon, the smaller Taj Garden Retreat or at the sumptuous Radisson Laguna Resort.

Day 10  Join your traditional but air conditioned rice barge for a two day journey across the lake: drifting along the waterways and canals - a chance to watch life along the river bank, visiting churches and temples en route, perhaps bartering for giant cray fish, encountering flocks of ducks on their daily swim, the sound of temple chants never far way.

Day 12  Back to the UK.

Optional Extension:

Relax at the Marari Beach Hotel on one of the most unspoilt parts of the coast - enjoy the peace and quiet of this charming hotel, watch the sun setting as the fishermen set off for their nights catch, enjoy more ayurvedic treatments and relax.

Cost from:

£1995.00 per person including luxury private a/c transfers with English speaking driver/guide throughout, with accommodation on a bed & breakfast or full board basis.
ATOL 2881