Classic Kerala tour: culture, tea, wildlife & backwaters

Enjoy a private tour of colonial Cochin today with your local guide. The tour usually lasts for around half a day and includes St Francis' Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. Your guide can tailor the tour to suit your interests. This evening you will be welcomed to a family home to learn some secrets of mouth-watering Keralan recipes. You can then enjoy the fruits of your labour with your friendly hosts.

This morning, drive for around three hours into rural Kerala to stay at a traditional homestay. The property is warm and welcoming, surrounded by beautiful spice gardens and a wonderful flowing river at the bottom of the garden, where you can even have a swim.

Spend today at your leisure. There are plenty of activities to choose from, just have a chat with Jose and Sinta, your hosts. Enjoy a spice plantation walk, cycle around the nearby village, visit a local temple, learn about honey extraction and even try milking a cow.

This morning head up to the Western Ghats; a three-hour drive to the town of Munnar. Look out for some wonderful waterfalls on your way to the tea country. Relax on arrival and take in the beautiful views, go birdwatching or on a butterfly walk. Your hotel can arrange activities if you wish.

Spend the morning trekking through the beautiful hills surrounding Munnar. Your private trek is with a local, experienced guide. If you find the trek too strenuous, ask your guide to take it at a slower pace and shorten it if need be.

This morning, drive the four-hour journey to Periyar National Park. In the afternoon you will travel on a 4x4 tour to discover the villages and to visit a family spice farm at Kumily.

The morning will be at leisure. After brunch, travel for around three to four hours to the Keralan Backwaters. Board your traditional private rice barge and spend your afternoon and evening relaxing as you float around the waterways.

Wake up on your houseboat and enjoy breakfast before disembarking. Your driver is on hand to meet you and take you to Marari Beach.

Take a stroll along the beach or relax under a palm tree with a book.

Full day at leisure. You might like to try an Ayurvedic massage or hire a bicycle to explore the quiet surrounding lanes.

Your driver will take you back to Cochin for your onward flight. The drive takes around 90 minutes so will be arranged depending on your flight time. Your return flight will arrive the same day.