Hervo Holidays

Arrive Cochin in the morning and transfer to the Fort House (or stay at Xandari Harbour/Brunton Boatyard) in the Dutch quarters of Fort Cochin; enjoy a Kathakali performance in the evening. During your stay you will visit the Pardesi Synagogue, the Dutch Place and St Francis Church. A tuk tuk ride of the spice markets is arranged and there is a day trip to a fishing village with a traditional lunch there. There is the option of a cooking demo with a family and a meal with them.

Take a four-hour drive up the hills to the tea country of Munnar, stay at Ambady Estate (or at Windermere/Spice Tree); visit the Eravikulam Sanctuary (if open), home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr; see the Tata Tea Museum. Enjoy a jeep excursion to Kolukkumalai, to see the highest tea factory in the world, in picturesque surroundings. You can enjoy a day hike here; a picnic lunch has been arranged.

To Madurai, descending the ghats, through the plains of Tamil Nadu with vineyards, paddy fields and busy market towns; stay at the Heritage, a charming hotel in ethnic style; visit the famous Meenakshi Temple – the original being 2000 years old – a grand spectacle of Dravidian architecture; see the going to bed ceremony of the goddess in the evening.

Drive up the ghats again to reach the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread around a lake and home to wild elephants, Indian gaur (bison), dhole, spotted deer, the protected lion-tailed macaque and a rich birdlife. Stay a couple of nights at Cardamom County (or Spice Village). Take a boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot animals on the banks. An exciting day awaits you with a nature walk, spice gardens visit and bamboo rafting with lunch in the wilderness.

Spend the next two days staying with a family, with their home located in the midst of rich plantations. Your hosts will take you around the village, the local school, to get a glimpse of a society that is a hundred per cent literate with a social development index comparable to developed countries.

Board a private rice boat today for the night; cruise along the Vembanad Lake to admire the bird and village life along the banks, as fresh food is cooked on board. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique feature with their own ecosystem.

Drive to Mamallapuram; stay at the Ideal Beach Resort (or Radisson Temple Bay / Fisherman’s Cove) for two nights. Visit the 7th century Chola dynasty World Heritage Site including the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s There is the option of a canoe ride in the morning. Then transfer to your beach resort, Marari Sands (or upgrade to Beach Symphony/Marari Beach Resort); at leisure for a couple of days. All resorts have excellent Ayurveda facilities.

Transfer to Kochi airport for the return flight.