Kerala and the Lakshadweep Islands

Bangalore – Mysore
Arrival at Bangalore Airport, where you will meet our staff at the terminal and transfer by car to Mysore (1.5 hours). Check-in at the hotel and time to rest. Afterwards, guided city tour of Mysore. Mysore is known as the “City of Palaces.” There are numerous buildings constructed by the royal family, which are exquisite examples of Dravidian architecture and reflect the grandeur and opulent lifestyle of the emperors who ruled the state. In addition to the palaces, there are many other tourist attractions to visit in Mysore. One of the most popular sites is Chamundi Hills and the temple located at the top. This important Mysore landmark is also one of the favourite destinations for local people.
Overnight stay in Mysore.

Mysore – Wayanad
After breakfast, transfer by car to Wayanad. Wayanad is considered a lush green paradise, nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, and marks the boundary of the greenest part of Kerala. Lush and unspoiled, enchanting and mesmerizing, this land is rich in history, culture and nature. Along the way, there will be a stop at the village of Thirekapetta in Wayanad. Here you will enjoy a guided walk through the spice plantations and discover the village’s sustainable way of life. A traditional lunch will be arranged for guests, featuring rice, bamboo, bamboo shoots and pickles. After lunch, you will visit the bamboo village, a responsible tourism initiative. You will have the opportunity to interact with local farmers and visit Uravu, a local NGO that produces handicrafts made entirely from bamboo. The visit also includes interaction with members of the NGO, a visit to the bamboo nursery, and the chance to plant a bamboo sapling as part of the “Traveler’s Forest” initiative. You will be able to visit the workshop, interact with artisans and designers, and see with your own eyes the magic of creating such wonders from different varieties of locally grown bamboo. In the late afternoon, transfer to the eco-lodge.
Overnight stay in Wayanad. (B/L)

Wayanad
After breakfast, a full day to discover the tropical rainforest near the eco-lodge. The selected eco-resort is located in the most beautiful and best-preserved area of the Wayanad rainforest. Set along the slope of a forest-covered hill, at the meeting point of three branches of a mountain stream that splits as it flows through the 150-acre property, then rejoins and widens at the bottom of the slope, the resort is an exquisite jungle retreat and a true treasure for nature lovers. Wrapped in the enchantment of a tropical rainforest, beneath a vast interwoven canopy formed by majestic trees, stone-paved paths lined with tropical plants wind their way to brick-coloured cottages designed according to the principles of traditional architecture. In this natural paradise, you can enjoy a pleasant walk to a charming waterfall near the property. Bicycles will be available for you to explore freely the trails surrounding the resort. In the late afternoon / evening, a two-hour guided trek led by a resident naturalist from the resort, with the possibility of spotting the Nilgiri langur, the Malabar giant squirrel, the Malabar grey hornbill, the yellow-browed bulbul, as well as a wide range of other endemic species of the Western Ghats and an incredible variety of colourful butterflies.
Overnight stay in Wayanad. (B/L/D)

Wayanad – Cheruturuthy
After breakfast, departure for a tour of the most important sights in the hills of Wayanad, such as the Edakkal Caves, the Jain temple and the tea plantations. You will begin with a short trek (1 km trail from Edakkal) to discover the famous prehistoric cave. The remarkable rock engravings found on the walls of the cave have attracted the attention of historians and archaeologists from all over the world. The Edakkal Caves contain three distinct sets of petroglyphs. Archaeologists suggest that these rock carvings date back at least 5,000 years. The Edakkal Caves were inhabited during various historical periods. Later, visit a temple considered an excellent example of Jain architecture, dedicated to the great saint Ananthanatha Swami. The Ananthanatha Swami Temple is located about 6 km from Kalpetta. After lunch, transfer to Cheruturuthy (about 4 hours) and check-in at an Ayurvedic resort on the banks of the Nila River, or Bharathappuzha in Malayalam. This is the second longest river in all of Kerala. The culture and life of southern Kerala owe much to the Nila, so much so that the name is also used to identify the entire surrounding area. Opportunity to enjoy traditional Ayurvedic treatments at the resort before dinner.
Overnight stay in Cheruturuthy. (B/L)

Cheruturuthy – Fort Kochi
After breakfast, visit Kerala Kalamandalam, a special university where it is possible to study the ancient performing arts of Kerala. Here you will have the opportunity to spend time with teachers and students (the school is closed during weekends and holidays such as Christmas or in summer). Later, you will meet our local guide to visit a village where you can directly witness some of the traditional arts and crafts. You will observe local textile artisans working on their handlooms and traditional potters making terracotta vessels. Here you will also be able to create your own souvenir to take home with you. Afterwards, there will be the opportunity to meet some of the few families in the state who are still engaged in metalworking. You will also have the chance to spend some time with local artists who will introduce you to the traditional artistic heritage of the Nila River. This is an initiative in collaboration with the Vayali Folklore Group of Arangottukkra, which is committed to preserving Kerala’s cultural heritage by supporting artists and their families. In the late afternoon, transfer to Fort Cochin (3 hours). Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Fort Cochin is a jewel in Kerala’s crown, with its European heritage and cosmopolitan character. A pleasant walk through its streets is one of the best ways to discover all that the city has to offer: its natural harbour and historic sites. In the evening, there is the possibility to walk around and explore the city independently.
Overnight stay in Cochin. (B)

Fort Kochi
After breakfast, half-day guided tour of Fort Cochin, exploring the Jewish Town, the synagogue, the spice markets, the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, and the Chinese fishing nets (the Jewish synagogue is closed on Fridays and Saturdays; the Dutch Palace is closed on Fridays). Return to the hotel in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free to walk around, explore the city by bicycle, or simply enjoy some shopping. In the evening, you will attend a cultural show and Kathakali performance at a local cultural centre. Here you will be able to appreciate the wonders of Kerala’s art forms. The Kerala Kathakali Centre is dedicated to preserving and celebrating India’s rich heritage of ancient art and culture. Kathakali is a traditional performing art distinguished by the elaborate and colourful make-up and costumes of the actor-dancers. Traditional Kathakali themes include folk tales, religious legends, and spiritual ideas drawn from the Hindu epics and the Puranas.
Overnight stay in Fort Cochin. (B)

Fort Kochi – Kumarakom – Fort Cochin
After breakfast, transfer to Kumarakom (1 hour by car). Kumarakom is located near Lake Vembanad and offers exotic sightseeing, boat trips, and memorable fishing experiences. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the area’s main attractions. While cruising along Lake Vembanad, you may catch sight of numerous migratory birds such as egrets, darters, herons, and teals. Proceed to the hotel, located near a river canal in an old historic house in perfect Kerala style, for check-in. On this day, you will take part in a responsible tourism initiative called the “Village Life Experience.” It is a half-day tour package specially designed to give participants an authentic experience of village life, making use of community-based tourism products and services, as envisaged by the Responsible Tourism Programme of the Government of Kerala. In the evening, return to Cochin.
Overnight stay in Cochin. (B)

Cochin – Agatti – Thinnakara/Bangaram
Early in the morning, transfer to Cochin Airport for the flight to Agatti. Upon arrival in Agatti, one of our representatives will welcome you and accompany you to the boat for the transfer to Thinnakara or Bangaram Island (approximately 30 minutes). Once you arrive on the island, you will be welcomed with a welcome drink and escorted to the resort. The enchanting island of Thinnakara, with its 3-star resort set amidst the captivating turquoise expanse of the ocean, is renowned for its pristine snow-white sands. Majestic palm trees sway gently, helping to create a peaceful atmosphere. The calm waters of the Indian Ocean lap the shores of Thinnakara, offering an idyllic retreat that is sure to capture the hearts of travellers. On Bangaram Island, you will likewise be welcomed with a welcome drink and escorted to the 4-star resort. The enchanting island of Bangaram, set amidst the captivating turquoise expanse of the ocean, is renowned for its pristine snow-white sands. Majestic palm trees sway gently, contributing to a serene atmosphere.
Overnight stay in Thinnakara/Bangaram. (B L D)

Thinnakara/Bangaram
Day at leisure to relax on the beach of Thinnakara. The island, located opposite Bangaram Island, is an unspoiled paradise where you can enjoy a boat excursion and relax on the beach.
Overnight stay in Thinnakara/Bangaram. (B/L/D)

Thinnakara/Bangaram
A full day entirely dedicated to relaxation. You can swim in the crystal-clear sea and unwind on the white sandy beaches.
Overnight stay in Thinnakara/Bangaram. (B/L/D)

Thinnakara/Bangaram – Cochin
This is your last day in Lakshadweep. After breakfast, you will take a boat transfer from Thinnakara or Bangaram to Agatti for your return flight to Cochin, where you will board your international flight.