Day 01 : Arrival at Kochi Arrive Cochin.

Our representative will welcome you at the airport on arrival with the signboard. Transfer to hotel where you receive a traditional welcome with Garland and Tilak while the hotel formalities is completed. Relax then spend the rest of the afternoon discovering a little of this amazing city. Its historic links can be seen in the Colonial Bungalows, an old Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, the oldest European Church in India and a medieval Portuguese Palace. We will discover a little more off the rich cultural history of this place during our visits to museums and temples that dot the city and surrounding areas. In the evening we can enjoy a bouquet of traditional Keralan dances like kathakali and mohiniattam.

Day 02 : Cycle to Thattekkad

After breakfast we start off on our cycles, making the most of the early morning coolness heading towards the foothills of the Western Ghats towards the lowland forests of Thattekkad. We pass through scenic countryside with temples, spice gardens, paddy fields and rubber plantations. After a leisurely lunch we reach the River Periyar, the longest river in Kerala, which has been part of many ancient epics. Our stay will be at the secluded Hornbill Camp - a birder’s paradise on the riverside. You will be able to enjoy the gentle Periyar and the exquisite sounds of the forest – the perfect ending to a day of cycling. (Camp: Cottage tents with comfortable beds and en-suite bath/ toilet) Approx 6 hours ride Distance 55 Kms.

Day 03 :  Kayaking and exploring Thattekkad

Today we kayak to the Thattekkad sanctuary and explore the forests and the spice gardens which are abundant here. For those interested in birding, Thattekkad is the best birding region in South India. There is also the option of cycling through the forests to Edamalayar, rubber plantation visits and village walks. Optional activities: Birding with guide, visit to elephant rescue centre, lowland rain forest walk.

Day 04 :  Elephants and Tea

After breakfast, we will set off cycling along the Periyar riverbank and through dense low altitude forests of Neriyamanagalam where reed is extracted for manufacture of traditional household items like baskets and mats. As the scenery slowly changes we glimpse rubber estates, pepper estates, cardamom estates and finally tea plantations. We will stop at Adimali for lunch & make the rest of the way in the accompanying vehicle to the hills of Munnar – a hill town famed for its vast swathes of tea plantations. Munnar, once a favourite summer resort town of the British, is set amidst dramatic mountain scenery, craggy peaks, tall redwood trees, and some of the world’s highest tea plantations. On arrival at Munnar, we check into the hotel.

Day 05 :  Trekking in the Silent Valley

Today is a day of trekking. Our journey will take us into the Silent Valley, trekking to Meesapulimala, ‘The Mountain of the Whiskered Tiger’. This is a spectacular walk, passing through sholas, (high altitude mountain rain forest, also known as Cloud Forests), rolling grasslands, and rhododendrons. We travel across myriad mountain streams through spectacular valleys. Sightings of elephants, gaur (large dark-coated bison), Nilgiri Tahr (ibex) are highly likely. We camp out in the rugged mountains. Trek Approx 6-7 hours , Distance 14 km

Day 06 :  Trek to Suryanelli

We continue our trek through the wilderness and the world’s highest tea estate at Kolukumalai to reach Suryanelli where we will once again stay at a beautifully located luxury camp – the Anaerangal Camp, with a spectacular view of the Anaerangal Lake and the high altitude rain forests below. A sumptuous barbeque dinner by the campfire awaits you! (Camp: Cottage tents with comfortable beds and en-suite bath and toilet). Approx 8 hours trek, 10 kms.

Day 07 : Lakes, Spice Gardens and Amazing Wildlife

We will once gain continue our cycling & ride around the Anaerangal Lake (‘Lake where the elephants come down’) and along wonderful mountain roads to reach Nedungandom by lunchtime. Most of the way we pass through thick forests, cardamom estates and spice gardens that have made these Cardamom Hills world famous. In the afternoon we continue to our destination – Periyar and check into an eco lodge Here we can relax or explore the jungle. Periyar is one of the best wildlife reserves in India and has large herds of Asiatic elephants, Indian Bison as well as Tigers. For ornithologists it has over 330 species of birds including the majestic Great Hornbill. Here is a chance to meet some of the local people and see their fascinating lifestyles before we eat and retire for a good nights sleep. Cycling Approx 8 hours , Distance 80 km

Day 08 : Bamboo Rafting or trekking

Bamboo Rafting or trekking with local community members and indigenous people as guides Mannans are among the oldest indigenous group of people to inhabit Periyar Tiger Reserve. As late as the 1940’s, they lived in the remotest areas of the tiger reserve eking out a simple living by fishing in the lake and cultivating a few crops. Today they are the main conservators of the forest; enjoy your walk and talk with them as you discover the endemic flora and fauna of the region. We have a choice of activities organized by these tribals – Bamboo Rafting or a full day forest trek.

Day 09 : Spectacular Biking to the Hill Resorts

Today is the most spectacular day of cycling. We head towards Vagamon with an amazing skyline set against the rolling grasslands of the Western Ghats. The cycling route passes through tea gardens interspersed with pristine forests and tiny spice growing villages that have made this place so beautiful. Tonight we stay at Colonel’s Retreat, the country home of an eminent army man and scion of a family of estate owners in the hills. This exquisitely furnished homestay is set amidst a rubber estate with nothing but the sounds of nature to keep you company.

Day 10 : Aboard the Rice Boat

We start our cruise on the world-renowned rice boats – a luxurious way to see the backwaters & the life in the backwater countryside villages. We will explore the backwaters villages, cruise past ancient temples, paddy fields, lagoons & lakes. Overnight stay on rice boat. (Air-conditioned rice boat with en-suite bath & toilet, a/c from 10 PM to 6AM)

Day 11 :  Kayaking through the backwaters

We will commence our kayaking from near the coastal town of Alleppey & paddle through the famed backwaters – exploring the lagoons and lakes. The vast expanse of water, the friendly people, their life styles from up close is bound to mesmerize you. We will settle into the Akkarakalam backwater Villa – a small cozy family owned resort in the midst of the backwaters

Day 12 : Explore the Backwater Villages

We will continue paddling through the narrow canals of Pulinkunnu to island of Kavalam – an erstwhile headquarters of affluent agrarian families - the majestic homes standing testimony to past grandeur. We will stop for lunch at a beautiful coconut grove on a ‘bund’ on the lakeshore. We will continue our kayaking and return to the heritage villa by evening.

Day 13-14 : Wonderful beaches and relax by the pool

We will drive towards the fabulous Marari beach and check into a beach villa or hotel – a perfect place to relax after the 2 week adventure in Kerala. Day 15 : Cochin Departure After breakfast tour finish with transfer to airport.