 Southern India & Kerala’s backwaters itineraryDay 1 Join the overnight flight to Cochin. Day 2 Morning arrival in Cochin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. You have the afternoon at leisure. This evening, you can enjoy a colourful Kathakali dance show. Day 3 This morning you’ll enjoy a city tour of Cochin taking in Bolgatty Island, the Dutch Palace, Fort Kochi and the Jewish Synagogue, located in an area called Jewtown. This evening you’ll enjoy a sunset cruise around Cochin Harbour, where the ubiquitous Chinese fishing nets create picture-perfect silhouettes against the red and orange sunset. Day 4 After breakfast, we begin the awe-inspiring drive to Munnar. The hills around Munnar are called the Blue Mountains, a name that especially comes to life once every 12 years, when the rare Neelakurunji plant blooms cover the entire mountain range in a sea of colour. An included visit to a Tea Museum will strengthen tea lovers’ affection for this uplifting leaf. Day 5 This morning we drive to Thekkady, past the steeply tumbling Powerhouse Waterfalls and through the spectacular spice-scented Cardamom Hills, a region of soaring mountains, tea plantations and dense jungle. In the afternoon you’ll enjoy a motorboat cruise on Lake Periyar. This evening, we visit one of Thekkady’s timeless villages or a spice market. Day 6 Today we drive to the enchanting resort of Kumarakom. In the afternoon we visit stunning Lake Vembanad, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. In the evening, watch the fishing boats drift while enjoying a drink in the hotel bar. Day 7 This morning we board a comfortable, modified houseboat for the overnight backwater cruise to Alleppey, drifting past wading elephants and water buffalo, rural villages, temples and churches. Magnificent sunsets complete one of the most romantic and relaxing cruises to be found on earth. Day 8 Disembark the houseboat and drive to Kovalam, a tropical paradise situated in a sheltered natural bay and famous for its blue waters, idyllic palm groves and three crescentshaped sandy beaches. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Trivandrum Napier Museum and the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum where the many ancient treasures include the Maharajah’s music room and a massive throne made from 25 elephant tusks. We will then continue on to your hotel. Day 9 A day to relax on a stunning beach, or join an optional excursion to Kanyakumari. Day 10 Transfer to Trivandrum airport for your return flight to the UK. 
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