Fly to Kochi (Cochin).

Arrive Kochi and met by the Novaturient representative. Transfer to the Brunton Boatyard for 2 nights. Late afternoon hotel’s courtesy sunset cruise to see the sights and sounds of the busy river including the Chinese fishing nets.

After breakfast enjoy a Heritage walk of Fort Kochi. The area is famed for its culture, architectural heritage and excellent food. Your visit includes the Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, St Francis Church and the fascinating Chinese fishing nets. Drive later to visit the Mattancherry Palace - also known as the Dutch Palace. In the evening watch a colourful, traditional Kathakali dance performance.

A scenic two-hour drive from Kochi through winding hilly roads and verdant forest takes you to Athirappilly. On arrival check in at the beautiful Rainforest for 2 nights. Afternoon walk to the lovely waterfall: it’s roughly 330 feet wide and about 80 feet high. During the monsoon the flow is spectacular.

Today take a guided trek in Sholayar forests to see the beauty of nature.   Hunt, camera at the ready, for rare and endangered species and keep an eye out for the Malabar pied hornbill, gaur, Malabar giant squirrel, elephant and sambar. Such is the diversity of the area that over a thousand species of wildlife have been documented in this lush tropical rainforest. Afternoon at leisure. 

After breakfast drive to Palakkad, enroute visit the Guruvayur Temple (non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum). On arrival check in at Kandath Tharavad Heritage Home for overnight stay. Afternoon, explore the local village with visits to a basket weaver and potter, check out the local shops – including the Toddy one! Finally visit the Kalaripayattu Martial Art Academy.

After breakfast drive to Coonoor. On arrival check in at Gateway Coonoor for 2 nights. The Nilgiris undulating hills are famed for their tea plantations: the myriad shades of green make the landscape incredibly picturesque.  In the afternoon visit a Tea plantation and Tea factory. Learn how tea is made and sample a cup.

After breakfast board the narrow gauge Nilgiri Toy Train for a scenic ride to Ooty.  The train is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The journey is great fun as the little train bowls along through the beauty of the Nilgiri mountains and tea plantations.  Upon arrival in Ooty sightseeing includes the Botanical Garden with its collection of cork and monkey puzzle trees. See the fern house and glorious orchids.  Also stop by the Government museum and the Rose Garden, with its large collections of ramblers, hybrid tea roses and miniature roses. After sightseeing drive back to Coonoor.

After breakfast drive to Kabini and check in at the Red Earth for 3 nights. Later have a quintessential Kabini experience in a coracle, slowly drifting down the Kabini close to the shore on the lookout for animals coming to drink at the water’s edge.

Morning and afternoon safaris in the Nagarhole National Park (by shared boat or canter). The Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and was once the exclusive hunting ground of the Maharaja’s of Mysore. It has deep forests, a tranquil lake and busy babbling streams.  The Kabini river winds through the park and is home to tiger, elephants, leopard and over 250 species of bird.   

After breakfast discover the local Tribal villages surrounding the backwaters and explore the virgin landscapes and its vivid wildlife with our local guide. Afternoon once again enjoy safari in the Nagarhole National Park (by shared boat or canter). 

After breakfast drive to Wayanad. The area is outstanding for its scenic walking trails, tumbling waterfalls and wildlife. On arrival check in at CGH Wayanad Wild for 2 nights. Afternoon guided tour with a Naturalist to explore the local flora and fauna. 

Morning visit the Edakkal Cave, one of India’s most important prehistoric rock shelters, with its unique intricate stone carvings dating back to the Neolithic and Mesolithic ages. Afternoon at leisure.

After breakfast drive to Kannur. On arrival check in at Chera Rocks Beach Resort for 3 nights stay. Afternoon at leisure.

After breakfast sightseeing of Kannur, includes visiting the St. Amgelo’s Fort, built by Portugese in the early 16^th  C. Also see the Kerala Folklore Academy, Folklore museum and a library. Kannur is also known for the Theyyam festival, a unique combination of dance and music reflecting tribal culture.

Day at leisure.

Transfer to the Kozhikode airport to board flight home.