Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your Authentic India Tours local representatives. You’ll get to know them as you’re transferred to your hotel, located in the city’s historic district, Fort Cochin, where you’ll start your Kerala experience.

The port city of Cochin (also known as Kochi) offers a fascinating mix of cultures and experiences to explore. In the evening, a private boat trip is organised past Cochin’s island shores. As the sun sets, you’ll be able to see the famous cantilevered fishing nets. Watch the fishermen skilfully dip the hammock-like nets into the water, silhouetted against the orange and pink sky.

Cochin is a melting pot of cultures, religions and nationalities. On this mornings tour you will see this first hand through its architecture, which has Portuguese, Dutch and British influences, as well as Indian.

You will get to see St Francis Church, which is the oldest European church in India, as well as the lavish interior of the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue. Then you can explore the Mattancherry Palace, which is also known as the Dutch Palace due to its colonial influences. It houses colourfully painted murals depicting the ancient Indian epic poem Ramayana. Your guide can tell you all about the story of a prince who tries to save his wife from a demon.

You’ll have the afternoon to spend at your leisure, so you may wish to wander around the heritage quarters. The quaint cobbled streets house a number of interesting antique shops. In the evening you’ll be taken to a traditional Kathakali performance, a Kerala dance famed for its colourful costumes and athletic movements derived from martial arts.

Today, you will take a scenic route inland to Periyar wildlife sanctuary, and stop to visit rubber and tea plantations en route. In fact, Periyar boasts the perfect natural environment for growing an array of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, pepper and vanilla, as it’s located in the Western Ghats, a kilometre above sea level. At lunchtime there is an opportunity to have an authentic Keralan meal in a beautiful plantation bungalow.

In the afternoon, you can explore the spice town at your leisure, or immerse yourself into the tribal village setting of your first class Spice Village hotel. In the evening, learn more about the spices grown in the region with a visit to a spice garden.

When you think of Indian wildlife, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is probably what you imagine. Before breakfast, the more fearless travelers will have the chance to discover the Periyar Tiger Reserve on foot with a local tribal tracker, whose unique expertise in the area will make this trek a wonderfully rewarding experience.

Then, in the late afternoon, we will take a boat ride on Lake Periyar for a chance to see various species of wildlife in their natural habitat without disturbing their way of life. From the comfort of a covered boat you can look out for wild elephants, bisons, sambar deers, nilgir langurs, malabar giant squirrels and a wide variety of birdlife.

This morning’s drive features an enchanting tour of tea and rubber plantations, ending with you boarding your personal houseboat for an overnight cruise, sailing to Vembanad Lake. Built from coconut fibres and bamboo, these houseboats have a timeless appeal that makes them as handsome as they are welcoming.

Simply relax as an expert driver navigates you down the narrow canals of the backwaters and across Vembanad Lake. As you drift along the water you will pass villages where you will be able to catch a glimpse of life on the backwaters and keep an eye out for electric-blue kingfishers, snake birds and herons.

After a leisurely breakfast, disembark from your houseboat at the resort boat jetty and you will be met by your driver and continue on to Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is an oasis of calm, hidden in the Kerala backwaters, a network of canals, lakes and coconut groves. The calm waters, verdant surroundings and abundant wildlife make it the perfect spot to unwind. Relax and appreciate the laid back pace of this beautiful village.

In the evening enjoy a cruise on Vembanad Lake, where you’ll watch the sun set over the calm waters.

You can take this day to relax and soak in the tranquility of this beautiful area by taking a gentle stroll along the lakeside, or simply enjoying the facilities of your gorgeous hotel.

Alternatively, you can visit the butterfly garden, go bird watching at Kumarakom bird sanctuary or try your hand at paddle boarding. For those wishing to experience the wonders of an authentic Ayurvedic therapy, this is also a great opportunity.

In the evening a first class carriage awaits for your overnight journey by the Maru Sagar Express from Ernakulam railway station to Gokarna.

You will arrive at Gokarna station in the morning and will be transferred to the wonderful Swaswara resort for your five night stay which will include a comprehensive programme for the wellbeing of body and mind.

This 5 night programme will help you to implement various mind and body techniques – not just to reduce and manage stress but also to create positive change within you. This programme includes consultations with doctors and yoga instructors, therapeutic massages, group and private yoga sessions, meditation, art therapy, nature trails, interactive cooking classes and healthy gourmet cuisine.

Today you will be picked up by your driver and transferred to Goa International Airport to catch your flight home.

Approximate travel time and distance: 3 hours and 30 mins, 160 kms