Kerala: Up the Malabar Coast

Head to the Trivandrum's Fort area today and visit the 18th century Padmanabhaswamy Temple, fusing Keralan and Dravidian architecture, here you will find the spiritual heart of Trivandrum and the streets around the temple throng with stalls and bustle with worshippers heading inside. Later return to your hotel in Kovalam and enjoy some time on the beach or take a stroll through the small town with its handicraft shops and local restaurants. You may be in time to see the fishermen pulling in the day's catch along the beach.

You will drive north today to Kumarakom, checking in to your resort on Vembanad Lake in the Kerala Backwaters. Here traditional Keralan houses sit amidst the tranquil waters with coconut palms swaying above. Explore the backwaters by kayak or canoe this afternoon or perhaps take an electric bicycle to head through the villages, alternatively you may like to relax with an ayurvedic treatment.

Head out on a birdwatching walk this morning or have a restful morning before embarking on a cruise through the backwaters in a traditional boat. Explore these waterways that have proved a lifeline for transport, trade and livelihoods for the generations that have lived in the quiet villages you will encounter. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise before heading back to the resort in the afternoon.

Checking out from your resort this morning take a drive along Lake Vembanad to the coastal city of Cochin. The city is a fusion of Portuguese, Dutch, British and Keralan architecture with the colonial history of the city apparent throughout the Fort area. Centuries of traders arriving from far flung corners of the world have created a city rich in communities of different ethnicities. You may like to head out on a walk this afternoon to explore the city before taking in a performance of Kathakali, a traditional dance by which a myth or legend is told to the audience.

With your guide explore Fort Cochin, home to the grand Matancherry Palace, a blend of Portuguese and Dutch architecture with an interior display of murals showing scenes from the epic stories the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Visit the 16th century Paradesi Synagogue with its stunning hand painted tiles and unique chandeliers. Head to the spice market in Jew Town for a browse and a taste before taking the famous Chinese fishing nets for a spin with the fishermen — you may even catch something for dinner.

Drive north through Kerala to Cheruthuruthy, home of the Kerala Kalamandalam performing arts academy, where the ancient traditions of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi dance are taught and preserved. En route visit a Kalarippayattu gymnasium to watch — and try — Kerala's extraordinary ancient martial art.

Drive north through the Malabar Coast to Kozhikode, the ancient spice port where Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498, transforming the global spice trade. Explore the remarkable Mishkal Mosque and the atmospheric spice bazaars of this historic city.

Explore the remarkable Kozhikode — visiting the 14th-century Mishkal Mosque, the ancient Tali temple, the beach where Vasco da Gama anchored his fleet, and the vibrant spice market. In the afternoon drive to Kannur.

Drive into Karnataka to Coorg — the remarkable coffee and spice growing district of the Western Ghats. Visit a coffee estate to learn about the cultivation and processing of Karnataka's famous Arabica and Robusta coffee.

Drive to Mysore, Karnataka's cultural capital, via the remarkable Nagarhole wildlife corridor. Visit the extraordinary Mysore Palace — one of the largest in India — and the famous Devaraja market.

Transfer to Bangalore for your departure flight, stopping en route at the remarkable Hoysala temples at Somnathapura — extraordinary 13th-century star-shaped temples covered in exquisite carvings.

After transfer to Bangalore airport the tour concludes. Onward flights available throughout the day.

Traditional Kerala houseboats (kettuvallams) are converted rice barges with private bedrooms, en suite bathrooms, a dining area and sun deck. A dedicated crew of two or three — including a cook preparing fresh Keralan meals — accompanies each boat as you cruise the palm-fringed backwater canals.

Kerala cuisine is generally milder than North Indian food, with coconut, curry leaves and seafood at its heart. Hotels and houseboats readily adjust spice levels, and vegetarian options are outstanding throughout the region.

Yes — beach extensions, additional wildlife parks, Ayurvedic retreats and different hotels can all be woven in. Contact us to shape the perfect South India journey.