Day 1:  Arrive Cochin, India
Arrive today into Cochin, sometimes called “Queen of the Arabian Sea.”  Your host welcomes you and escorts you to your waterfront hotel. Choice of Hotels

Day 2:  Cochin
Today is devoted to exploring the legendary eclecticism of Cochin, a cluster of islands and peninsulas where ancient Phoenician, Arab, Jewish, Chinese and European traders came in search of prized spices, tea, and hardwoods. The blending of these customs with traditional culture created a Hindu Renaissance, which is reflected in fine local architecture as well as the distinctive regional art and dance forms that are a focus of your stay.  Discover ancient Jewish Town, historic Mattanchery “Dutch Palace,” and Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India. Photograph cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and other indelible marks of early traders. This evening, begin your South India sojourn at a classic performance of Kathakali, Kerala’s elaborate storytelling dance drama. Choice of Hotels (B)

Day 3:  Cochin / Munnar 
This morning, you travel to Munnar, a hill station on the Western Ghats surrounded by lakes, reservoirs, forests and tea estates.   The serene, lush landscapes make this a nature enthusiast’s haven.  Munnar is the major center for Kerala's tea industry.  Upon arrival, you check into your hillside retreat in the blissful hills.  Choice of Hotels ( B )

Day 4:  Munnar 
Venture out into Munnar and its surrounding tea gardens. Tea estates are situated at elevations from 4,000 to 6,000 feet, mostly on the inner slopes of this basin-like plateau.  Move on to the scenic area around Mattupetty Dam and lake of the same name. Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary near Munnar is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat. Half the world population of this threatened species is concentrated in this region. Choice of Hotels ( B )

Day 5: Munnar / Periyar
Journey to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India’s first Project Tiger Reserves.  This is an excellent backdrop for an afternoon of wildlife viewing by boat on Lake Periyar. Get close to wild elephants as they drink, bathe and play at water’s edge.  Be on the lookout for statuesque sambar deer, giant wild oxen or gaur browsing in the marshes.  Search green, wooded shores for wild boar, busy monkeys, and if you are very lucky, a rare sighting of tiger.  Spend the night in splendid isolation at your choice of either a comfortable jungle cottage, raised on stilts among the trees or at a garden retreat. Choice of Hotels (B)

Day 6:  Periyar / Alleppey / Houseboat
The modern world seems a million miles away as you embark on a remarkable journey through Kerala’s famed scenic backwaters.  Sail from the market town of Alleppey aboard a small, traditional houseboat for an overnight voyage.  Enjoy a hot meal on deck served by your private staff while drifting through green panoramas dotted with snake boat docks, fishermen, coir-making villages and paddy fields. Share the glassy waterways with hand-poled canoes and cargo-laden flat boats. Houseboat (B,L,D )

Day 7:  Houseboat / Kumarakom
Your houseboat journey ends in the heart of Kerala’s balmy, coconut-fringed backwaters. Arrive at your lavish heritage resort on a shady private island on Lake Vembanad.  Choice of Hotels (B)

Day 8:    Kumarakom
Dream the day away in this idyllic locale, conceived in the finest Keralan architectural traditions.  Enjoy a spa treatment at the Ayurvedic massage center.  Prefer something a bit more active?  Remote villages and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are a short boat ride away.  Choice of Hotels (B)

Day 9:    Kumarakom / Cochin / Depart
Depart the spice-scented shores of southern of India as you board your onward flight. (B)

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