Day 1: Arrive in Cochin

Upon arrival in Cochin, your representative will greet you and your driver will transfer to your hotel for check-in. After freshening up (and depending on your arrival time into Cochin) you will start your day with a guided tour of Fort Kochi, a neighborhood with a mix of colonial Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets along the coastline. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance to experience Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.

Overnight at hotel.

Deluxe

India

Forte Kochi Hotel – Cochin

Deluxe

India

Brunton Boatyard – Cochin

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 2: Cochin

After breakfast, explore more of Cochin’s cultural offerings. Visit the Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace, where you can learn about the region’s fascinating history. Later, take a relaxing walk along Marine Drive, enjoying the coastal views, or visit the Spice Market to shop for local spices and souvenirs. End the day with dinner at one of the city’s renowned seafood restaurants.

Overnight at hotel.

Deluxe

India

Forte Kochi Hotel – Cochin

Deluxe

India

Brunton Boatyard – Cochin

Day 3: Cochin to Alleppey (House Boat)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey (1.5 hours) and board your Kerala Houseboat for a scenic cruise through the backwaters. Experience the tranquil lifestyle of the local villages as you glide through the lush waterways. Enjoy a traditional lunch onboard as you continue your journey. In the evening, the boat anchors for a peaceful dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight on the houseboat.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 4: Alleppey Houseboat to Kumarakom

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (1 hour), a village nestled along the picturesque Vembanad Lake in Kerala’s backwaters. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Kumarakom is renowned for its serene backwaters, lush landscapes, and traditional village life. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing by the backwaters or opt for a Yoga & Ayurveda Massage at the resort.

Overnight in Kumarakom.

DeluxeSuperior

India

Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom – Kerala

At Coconut Lagoon, each room offers a unique experience, blending regional charm with carefully curated traditional...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 5: Kumarakom to Munnar

After breakfast, drive to Munnar (approximately 4 hours) located in the high ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Munnar, a charming hill station, is famous for its lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and cool climate. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, offering scenic trekking trails, breathtaking viewpoints, and rich biodiversity. In the evening, take a relaxing walk around the hotel grounds.

Windermere Estate in Munnar is a peaceful boutique resort set amid lush tea plantations. Offering cozy rooms and cottages, it’s ideal for nature lovers, with activities like tea tours, nature walks, and birdwatching. The resort also features a restaurant, spa, and scenic views, making it a perfect retreat in Munnar’s serene landscape.

Dinner & overnight in Munnar.

Deluxe

India

Windermere Estate, Munnar

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 6: Munnar

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day moderate trek in the Letchmi Hills of Munnar. The trek begins through tea plantations, and as you ascend, you’ll traverse ridges offering stunning views of grasslands, rocky slopes, tea and spice plantations, and the Shola forest.

Post-trek, visit the Shristi Welfare & Art Centre and explore the local market. Afterward, return to your hotel for the night.

Dinner & overnight in Munnar.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 7: Munnar to Thekkady

After a homely breakfast, you will begin your drive to Thekkady (approx. 3.5 hours). Thekkady is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich flora and fauna. After checking into your hotel, you will head to the sanctuary for a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you may spot elephants and other wildlife. In the afternoon, visit a nearby spice plantation and learn about the cultivation of Kerala’s famous spices.

Dinner & overnight in Thekkady.

Deluxe

India

Spice Village – Thekkady

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 8: Thekkady to Madurai

In the morning, you will drive to Madurai (approx. 3.5 hours), one of India’s oldest cities. En route, you will stop off for lunch in a popular, local restaurant.

After checking into your hotel, you will visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture. The evening aarti (prayer ceremony) at the temple is a must-see, offering an insight into Tamil religious practices.

Dinner & overnight in Madurai.

Superior

India

Heritage Madurai

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 9: Madurai

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Madurai, starting with the grand Thirumalai Naickar Palace, renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architecture. Next, visit the iconic Meenakshi Temple, a vibrant spiritual center with intricate carvings showcasing the region’s cultural heritage. Take a moment to relax by the tranquil Water Tank and explore the colorful Flower Market, filled with vibrant blooms and fragrant aromas. Continue your tour at the lively banana and fruit market, where you can experience the region’s agricultural abundance and vibrant local life.

In the evening, attend the night ceremony at Meenakshi Temple, a revered ritual where the image of Lord Shiva is carried to unite with his consort, Parvati, in her shrine.

Dinner & overnight in Madurai.

Superior

India

Heritage Madurai

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 10: Madurai to Tanjore

After breakfast, drive to Tanjore (approx. 2 hours) to visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest temples in India. Explore the temple’s grand architecture and intricate artwork, and then visit the Tanjore Royal Palace and Museum for a glimpse into the Chola dynasty’s history. Tanjore, known for its cultural heritage, art, and history, is a city that beautifully blends spirituality and tradition. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Tanjore.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 11: Tanjore to Pondicherry

After breakfast, you will drive to Pondicherry (approx. 3 hours), a coastal town known for its French colonial architecture. After checking into your hotel, you will explore the French Quarter, with its charming streets, vibrant buildings, and quaint cafes. In the evening, visit Promenade Beach for a relaxing walk by the sea.

Overnight in Pondicherry.

Mid-range

India

Palais de Mahe – Pondicherry

Day 12: Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram

After breakfast, drive to the picturesque temple town of Mahabalipuram – a UNESCO World Heritage site and former capital of the Pallava dynasty in Tamil Nadu. Drive time is approx 2 hours.

Upon arrival, check in at your resort and then begin your guided tour of Mahabalipuram. This small seaside village, once shaped by the Pallava dynasty, is renowned for its stunning 7th-century rock-cut temples and sculptures. Visit the Shore Temple, with its intricate carvings and rows of Nandi bull statues overlooking the sea, and Krishna’s Butterball, a massive boulder seemingly defying gravity. Continue to Arjuna’s Penance, a detailed rock sculpture depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. Lastly, explore the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic structures dedicated to the Pandava brothers, showcasing the remarkable architectural skill of the Pallava period.

Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

Deluxe

India

Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort – Mahabalipuram

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 13: Mahabalipuram to Chennai

After breakfast, you will drive to Chennai (approx. 1.5 hours) in the morning. Upon arrival, you will embark on a guided tour of Chennai’s key attractions. Start with the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, a striking example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then, head to Fort St. George, the first British fort in India, now housing a museum and the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Visit San Thome Basilica, a beautiful church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of Jesus’ apostles. Continue your tour at the Government Museum, one of the oldest in India, with an extensive collection of art, archaeology, and anthropology. End your tour at Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, perfect for a stroll, picnics, and enjoying local snacks.

Overnight in Chennai.

Superior

India

Taj Connemara – Chennai

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 14: Chennai to Port Blair (Flight)

Today you will take your transfer to the airport for your flight to Port Blair, Havelock Island (flight duration approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, you will be met by your representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Port Blair.

Overnight in Port Blair.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 15: Port Blair to Havelock Island (Ferry)

After an early breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the ferry jetty for your catamaran ferry ride to the tropical island of Havelock (ferry duration approx 1.5 hours).

Upon arrival into the jetty, your Barefoot Resort representative will meet you and transfer you to the resort (drive time approx 15 minutes). Upon arrival into Barefoot Resort, the team will transfer your bags to your room whilst you enjoy a welcome talk and fresh coconut in the lobby area.

Dinner & overnight at the resort.

Deluxe

India

Barefoot, Havelock – Andaman Islands

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Days 16-19: Havelock Island

You will have the next 4 nights to enjoy at your own leisure to enjoy the surroundings and activities at the resort.

Barefoot Resort offers a range of eco-friendly activities that showcase the beauty of the Andaman Islands. Guests can explore vibrant coral reefs through scuba diving snorkelling & rockpooling, kayaking through mangroves, or take guided nature walks with their onsite naturalist guides to discover the island’s rich biodiversity. Birdwatchers will appreciate spotting endemic bird species, while beach lovers can relax on the white sand of nearby Radhanagar Beach. Yoga sessions and wellness treatments are also available, making Barefoot a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in a unique, untouched paradise.

Deluxe

India

Barefoot, Havelock – Andaman Islands

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 20: Havelock Island > Port Blair > Chennai

After breakfast, you will bid farewell to Havelock Island and take your transport back to the jetty for your ferry back to Port Blair.

Upon arrival into Port Blair, your representative will greet you at the ferry port and take you to the airport where you will catch a domestic flight back to Chennai.

Upon arrival into Chennai, your representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel where you can relax before your flight home the next day.

Superior

India

Taj Connemara – Chennai

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 21: Departure

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast