This tour offers a balanced mix of the "must see" places of Kerala with a bit of Tamil Nadu farm stay and the less seen hillside and beaches of the Malabar; North of Kerala. Accommodation included is a combination of exclusive and small boutique properties and homestays where you can experience the flavour of the place. You would also be the guest at the Kolukkumalai Mountain Lodge, which is perched next to the World`s highest orthodox Tea factory.Soft sunrise, gentle walks and not so soft treks with loads of view points and bird life.

Day 1 Cochin

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel in Fort Cochin where you stay for 2 nights. Late afternoon enjoy a sunset cruise along the harbour. On this relaxing private tour you can see the busy evening life of the fisherman as they get their final catch to the markets and a spectacular sunset with the backdrop of the famous Chinese fishing nets.

Day 2 Cochin

Morning enjoy a guided tour of Fort Cochin and Mattencherry. This will include a visit to the 16th century St Francis church tha used to hosue the remains of the Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama. This will be followed by visiting the Chinese fishing nets. The dutch Palace with its ornate paintings and collections, The Jewish synagogue . The synagogue built in 1568 still retains some of the gold crowns,glass-railed pulpit, Belgian lamps and chinese hand-painted tiles. Evening visit a cultural center to witness Kathakali;the pantomime dance form of Kerala.

Day 3 Cochin-Alleppey

Late morning drive to the backwaters of Alleppey (1 hour 15 mins). Stay for 2 nights at the Nelpura Homestay. The hosts personally tend to the needs of the guests who get to use the canal or garden facing family rooms which are traditional wooden Kerala Pavilions. The freshly cooked traditional meals are served in the main house.

Day 4 Alleppey

You could take a canoe ride in the backwaters or explore the village on foot or cycles. If open then you could also visit the neighboring "snake-boat" building yard.

Day 5 Alleppey-Thekkady

Morning drive to Thekkady (4 hours). This is a picturesque drive through small farms and local crop plantations and Rubber Estates. Stay at the Mayapott Estate for 2 nights. This is a 3 room tastefully constructed bungalow on a 100 acre Cardamom Estate. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the Estate.

Day 6 Thekkady

Day at leisure. The main town of Kumily and the Periyar National Park is a 30 minutes drive. You can opt to go for a boating on the lake, Jungle walk by the Reserve with armed guard or go for Elephant activity; this includes riding, bathing and feeding the giant animal in a small plantation.

Day 7 Thekkady-Munnar

Morning another scenic drive(3 hrs) to the high ranges of Munnar.The car will drop you at the base of the hill from where the Jeep takes you through the estate road to the Lodge.Your stay will be away from crowded main town in the midst of the rolling hills at the Kolukkumalai Mountain Lodge. This worker`s line of the world`s highest Prthodox Tea factory has been converted into comfortable stay for travelers who are keen to get away from the crowd and like to walk and trek the length and breadth of the High Ranges.

Day 8 Munnar

You have the option of lazing on the day-bed with a book, visit the Tea factory with a guide, participate in the Tea-tasting session in the afternoon. If keen on walks and treks, you could walk up the Kolukkumalai peak or do a day-trek to the Meeshapulimana peak; one of South India`s highest peaks at a height of 2640 meters above sea-level.

Day 9 Munnar-Sethumada

A 4-5 hours drive in the morning takes you to the state of Tamil Nadu. you stay for 2 nights at the Banyan Tree Farm for 2 nights. This homestay offers rural farm stay experience and is just 40 mins away from the Parambikulam National Park.

Day 10 Sethumada

You could go for a game drive in the Parambikulam National Park, explore the 4500 acres of farm where they grow coconut, cocoa,pepper, nutmeg and lots of fruits and vegetables.Or take a dip in the stream inside the farm, take a jeep drive upto the border of the Reserve. This is a great way to see bird-life. You could also visit the Tribal village in the nearby hills.

Day 11 Sethumada-Devala

a 6 hours drive through small towns to the hills of Devala. This is the perfect place to break your journey before getting into North Kerala. Situated about 2 hours from Ooty and Wayanad , this small town is in the midst of acres of Tea gardens and forest. The Ambrina bungalow that houses you for the night is a quaint planter`s retreat with 3 rooms, huge living room with fireplace and verandahs that overlook the landscaped surrounds.

Day 12 Devala-Wayanad

A 2 hours drive late in the morning gets you to the Northern hills of Kerala. Wayanad is a part of Kerala that has recently opened up to Western tourists. your stay will be at the Aranyakam Homestay for 2 nights.The hosts Rajesh and Neema have been planters in this area for long and offer homely accommodation in spacious rooms and tree houses that look out to the Nilgiri hills. Afternoon you could go for a walk in the Estate or learn Kerala cuisine from Neema.

Day 13 Wayanad

Morning you could visit the Neolithic Edakkal caves that has stone-age carvings on its walls. If keen on wildlife you could visit the Muthunga wildlife sanctuary where one can easily spot deer, Elephants, Wild Gaur and not too difficult to get a glimpse of a Tiger. Wayanad is also known for its tribal population that is quite adept in art and craft.

Day 14 Wayanad-Neeleshwar

A 6 hours drive to the Malabar coast. Unlike the crowded beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, this beach of North Kerala is still quite un-explored. You stay the last 4 nights at the Kanan Beach Resort,Neeleshwar. This is boutique resort with 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom villas that come with kitchenettes and big verandahs. All the rooms face the Arabian sea. The resort has a restaurant, pool and very good ayurvedic facilities.

Day 15 Neeleshwar

At leisure

Day 16 Neeleshwar-Calicut

A 5 hour drive to Calicut airport to board your onward flight.