Description
Day 1: London - Cochin
Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Cochin via Doha with Qatar Airways.
Day 2: Cochin
On arrival in Cochin, you will be transferred to Le Méridien Hotel for your overnight stay. After settling in, join us for an afternoon tour of this beautiful city, known as the Gateway to Kerala. Sights include the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and St Francis Church - the oldest European church in India. During the evening, there's a trip to a local theatre to see a Kathakali classical dance performance.
Day 3: Cochin - Periyar
After breakfast, say farewell to Cochin as you depart for Periyar, a 5-hour journey by road through some of India's loveliest scenery. On arrival, you will be transferred to the Elephant Court, which is located just a short distance from Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, walking through a nearby spice plantation, perhaps, and stocking up on spices at local shops. (B)
Day 4: Periyar
Grab your binoculars for an early morning boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot local game. Elephant and bison occasionally come to graze here, as well as spotted deer and sambhar. After photo opportunities galore, depart by road for Alleppey to board a boat of another kind - a houseboat, which will be your accommodation for the night! During the afternoon, cruise leisurely through the backwaters of this area - a unique web of lakes, lagoons, canals and rivers, known as the Venice of the East. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Kumarakom
Back on terra firma, depart for Kumarakom, a bird sanctuary on the serene banks of Vembanad Lake. Water fowl, cuckoo and wild duck can be seen in abundance here, and in winter, large flocks of migratory wild duck from Siberia come in spectacular formation to roost. 2 nights will be spent at the Hotel Lake Palace. (B)
Day 6: Kumarakom
Spend today your way, pampering yourself at the Maya Spa perhaps (own expense), one of the largest in southern India. Alternatively, head outdoors to spot the fascinating wildlife that inhabits this area. (B)
Day 7: Kumarakom - Cochin
Depart Kumarakom by coach for the trip back to Cochin to stay once again at Le Méridien Hotel. The afternoon is free to explore or to simply relax before your delightful evening harbour cruise. (B)
Day 8: Cochin - London
Morning transfer to Cochin airport for your return flight with Qatar Airways to London Heathrow via Doha.
Goa Extension
You may wish to extend your holiday in India with a 7-night stay in Goa. On day 8, you will be transferred to Cochin airport for your short flight to Goa, where you will spend 7 nights at leisure at the Holiday Inn Goa (B). On day 15, you will fly back to London Heathrow, via Mumbai with Virgin Atlantic.
Departs: Every Sat from London Heathrow.
Please Note: We reserve the right to substitute hotels for those of a similar standard.