Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival / Cochin Transfer with a guide and arrive at your heritage hotel in Cochin, rich with Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Overnight at Forte Kochi hotel.
Day 2
Cochin Breakfast time. Morning heritage visit of Fort Kochi and time exploring the Dutch colonial port city of Cochin, originally known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. One of the most important trading posts on the Spice Route, Cochin’s multi-cultural past is evident in Chinese fishing nets introduced by Kubla Khan’s court, Dutch palaces and Portuguese forts. Explore the back streets and spice markets to learn the history of the spice trade in India. Late afternoon visit cultural ‘Kathakli Dance’ centre to see the elaborate costumes and make up session. Welcome seafood dinner along the seaside promenade. Overnight at Forte Kochi hotel.
Day 3
Cochin / Houseboat Breakfast time. Drive a short distance to the backwaters region of Allepey where you will embark onboard the houseboat. Lunch on board and afternoon visit to a local village. Cruising along the palm tree-lined backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat, watching local villages and lush jungle slip by while your on-board chef cooks up a storm, is an essential South Indian experience. Enjoy dinner and special local band performance. Overnight aboard the luxury houseboat.
Day 4
Houseboat /Munnar Breakfast on board. Disembark and drive to the spectacular tea plantation region of Munnar. This idyllic hill station famous for its tea estates and exotic lush greenery, serves as the commercial centre for some of the world’s largest tea estates. The rolling hills around Munnar are carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations contoured, clipped and sculpted like ornamental hedges. Check in to Windermere Estate, a boutique property set in the heart of a working coffee and cardamom plantation, surrounded by lush tea gardens, set high in the breathtaking green hills. Overnight at the Windermere Estate.
Day 5
Munnar Optional early morning bird and nature walk. Breakfast. Morning visit to museum and Tea plantation to learn about the process of the regions tea making. Afterwards visit Shristi ( the Charitable Trust which educates specially-abled children of the plantation community workers ). Return to hotel for time at leisure and private tea tasting session. Dinner and Overnight at the Windermere Estate Retreat.
