Classic Southern India

India, 12 Nights

Highlights
• Cruise the tranquil backwaters in a converted rice barge
• Observe traditional village life, culture and customs
• Explore lush tea plantations

The south of India is rich in colour and redolent of the fragrant spices it is renowned for. Tea plantations, rice paddy fields and the spice-filled Cardamom Hills provide a spectacular backdrop when exploring the sights, scents and sounds of Kerala. Observing local village life while cruising on tranquil backwaters on a rice barge, taking in traditional dancing, temples and tropical plantations with the chance to discover the region's wildlife, this 13 day A&K journey culminates on the exquisite shores of the Indian Ocean.

Day 1
Fly from London to Dubai with Emirates.

Day 2 - Dubai/Kochi
Arrive in Kochi (Cochin) where you will be met at the airport by your private car and driver. Staying at the beautiful boutique hotel Malabar House in Fort Cochin for two nights, today is mostly about acclimatisation although the evening's sunset cruise we will give you a taste of the bustling harbour of this former colonial port.

Day 3 - Kochi
Spend today immersing yourself in all that Kochi has to offer; the spice markets, the Dutch Palace, St Francis Church and the opportunity to observe the local fishermen casting their ingenious Chinese nets and hauling in their catch. In the evening enjoy wandering through the town to see a traditional Kanthakali dance performace.

Day 4 - Kochi/Munnar
Today you will be driven in your private car to the charming little hill station of Munnar (a journey or 150kms and around 4 hours), the region's foremost tea growing area. Although long, the drive itself is most absorbing as you wind your way through a photogenic landscape of undulating cardamom and tea plantations. You will stay at the delightful private retreat on the Windermere Estate for two nights.

Day 5 - Munnar
Spend all day exploring the Windermere Estate with its 60-acres of manicured tea gardens and lush green forests, keeping your eyes peeled for exotic bird life and discovering more about the flora of the region.

Day 6 - Munnar/Madurai
A dramatic morning drive takes you across rolling hills to the escarpment of the Western Ghats (170kms, 5 hours) descending into the different world of Tamil Nadu, a state with an ancient artistic culture that is liberally dotted with thousands of ornate temples. You will stay overnight at the Gateway Hotel, from where your guide will help you unravel the mysteries of the magnificent Meenaskshi Temple.

Day 7 - Madurai/Thekkady
Today you will be driven across rural plains and lowlands to Lake Periyar (137km, 4 hours), now a wildlife reserve, for an afternoon nature walk, keeping your eyes peeled for the colourful bird life around the lake. Tonight you will stay at the Spice Village, a genuine eco-resort with resident naturalist comprising several individual cottages set in landscaped gardens with a swimming pool and Ayurveydic spa located just outside the National Park.

Day 8 - Thekkady/Kumarakom
Continue your journey by road to the picturesque backwaters of Kumarakom (130kms, 4 hours) to the Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Spa & Resort located on the shores of Vembanad Lake.

Day 9 - Kumarakom
A full day in which to explore Kumarakom, perhaps enjoying an Ayurvedic Spa treatment in the Maya Spa.

Day 10 - Backwaters cruise
Today brings a relaxing cruise of the backwaters aboard a beautifully converted, simple but comfortable rice barge which will be your home overnight, moored at a suitable spot to enjoy the sunset. This is an enchanting way to observe fishermen at work, small villages and local people going about their business.

Day 11 - Kumarakom/Mararikulam
A picturesque two hour drive through tropical countryside brings you to the delightful coastal fishing village of Mararikulam, where you will stay at the Marari Beach Resort in a luxurious palm-thatched cottage set in 55 acres of coconut grove on the edge of a golden beach.

Day 12 - Mararikulam
All day to enjoy the hotel's facilities and relax on the shores of the Indian Ocean (your stay here can be extended for as long as you would like).

Day 13 - Maraikulam/London
Drive directly to Kochi Airport for your return flight via Dubai.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 13 day suggested journey through Southern India will cost from £2,475 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.