India's treasures: From Delhi to Kerala

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Madurai.

Known as the ‘Athens of the East’, Madurai is a vibrant centre for art, literature, and music, and a hub for Tamil culture and language. It hosts numerous festivals and events that celebrate its heritage. The city's bustling markets, aromatic street food stalls, and intricate silk weaving add to its charm. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Madurai.

*Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your day with a visit to the Madurai Flower Market to experience local life. Sample regional fruits and vegetables and take in the sounds and smells of southern India.

Proceed to the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, a 17th-century landmark, partially open to visitors despite ongoing renovations. Next, visit the spectacular Meenakshi Amman Temple, showcasing intricate Dravidian architecture and vibrant sculptures. The temple's inner sanctum houses the idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, attracting devotees and tourists from around the world. The Hall of the Thousand Columns in the outer corridor is a highlight. Return to the hotel.

In the afternoon, visit the Gandhi Museum to learn about this key historical figure, and see the Mariamman Teppakulam, an enormous water tank with religious significance. Afterward, take a tuk-tuk ride back to the Meenakshi Amman Temple to observe a special night ceremony. Transfer back to the hotel by car. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, travel by road to Periyar, one of the most popular national parks in southern India, known for its tranquility, peaceful surroundings, and wonderful nature. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, followed by a visit to Periyar National Park. This wildlife reserve covers 777 km², including 360 km² of lush evergreen forests. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978, it is home to large herds of elephants and a variety of other wildlife. The visit to the park includes a shared boat ride on Lake Periyar. Overnight stay in Periyar.

Estimated transfer distance: 90 miles / 145 km. Approximate duration: 4 hours.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, visit a spice plantation. Kerala was historically an important trading centre for spices, which were highly valued for preserving food and flavouring dishes. The spice plantations of Kerala are not industrialised crops; the spices grow amidst the jungle, many in the wild. During the visit, you will learn about spices such as vanilla, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom. After the tour, enjoy the spice market, where you can buy a variety of spices. 

After the visit, enjoy free time at your leisure. Overnight stay in Periyar.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, travel by road to Kumarakom, visiting a tea plantation on the way. Around noon, board a boat for a cruise through the backwaters of Kerala, a network of canals and lagoons surrounded by palm groves and paddy fields. The boat will stop at villages, allowing you to observe and learn about local life. Relax on the boat and enjoy a lunch featuring traditional Kerala cuisine, included with your trip. 

After the cruise, return to the hotel and enjoy free time. Kumarakom, situated on the shores of Lake Vembanad, offers a serene landscape of water, lilies, lotus flowers, mangroves, and coconut trees. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Estimated transfer distance: 90 miles / 145 km. Approximate duration: 4 hours.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the marvellous nature of the region at your own pace. Optionally, you can experience village life in Kerala with our Responsible Tourism Experience*. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

*Responsible Tourism Experience: Begin with a canoe ride across the lake to the village. Enjoy activities such as “Coconut Climbing” and taste fresh coconut water. Continue across paddy fields to a coconut grove to sample Kerala beverages. Observe coconut leaf weaving, coir-making, and local fishing practices.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy another free day at your leisure. Consider embarking on a canoeing adventure through Kumarakom's intricate waterways or unwinding with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa session. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Kochi and visit the city. Start with Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century. Explore the Jewish quarter, filled with shops selling handicrafts, spices, and antiques, and visit the small synagogue.

Afterward, explore Fort Kochi, the oldest European settlement in India, with old colonial houses now converted into shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest church built by Europeans in India, and the coast to see the enormous Chinese fishing nets. Kochi, spread across various islands and natural peninsulas along the Arabian Sea coast, has a cosmopolitan and eclectic history linked to maritime trade.

Finally, attend a Kathakali performance, a classical dance of Kerala portraying Hindu legends. Overnight stay in Kochi.

Estimated transfer distance: 53 miles / 85 km. Approximate duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes.