Fly from London Heathrow or other reginal airports on an overnight flight to Kochi.

Morning arrival Kochi. Meet, assistance and transfer to hotel. At leisure until evening classical Kathakali Dance Performance. Originating roughly 300 years ago, Kathakali is one of the seven classical dance forms in India. It's an enthralling blend of complex dance steps and vibrant music telling a religious story. The intricate make up, extraordinary costumes, coupled with fascinating facial and body expressions make the dance totally mesmerising. 2 Nights Crowne Plaza or similar.

After breakfast heritage walk of Fort Kochi to explore the fascinating past of this historic town; still elegant and picturesque, highlighted by delightful vignettes of the Portuguese era. See the fascinating ancient Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church (the oldest European Church in India) and Santa Cruz Basilica (originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. Later drive to Mattancherry Island to visit the Paradesi (Jewish Synagogue) and the Dutch Palace. Remainder of day at leisure.

After breakfast drive to Munnar. The scenery is breathtaking - lush green valleys are dominated by soaring mountains with tumbling waterfalls coursing down their slopes. Afternoon explore the local market of Munnar teeming with stalls filled with aromatic spices, tea, delicious chocolates and the freshest of vegetables... and souvenirs! The Amber Dale Hotel or similar for 2 nights.

After breakfast visit the Tata Kannan Devan Tea Museum. The museum traces the legacy of tea plantations of Munnar and houses artefacts, photographs and machinery used for processing tea. The plantation itself has seven huge tea gardens, with 16 manufacturing units making it one of the largest tea centres in the country. Naturally visitors can buy a selection of local teas. Later visit Srishti Welfare Centre. This is a Tata Global Beverages initiative running a welfare programme helping children of estate staff who have various disabilities, and provides educational and vocational needs. Work produced including handmade paper and natural dyed fabric - which also can be purchased.

After breakfast drive to Madurai. Evening visit Meenakshi Temple, with its stunning gopurams to see the Temple closing ceremony where Lord Shiva is carried to his wife - Meenakshi (Parvati) - on a silver palanquin amidst a cacophony of sacred music, dance and devotion. Overnight The Heritage Madurai or similar.

Early morning visit to the flower and vegetable markets. In the flower market baskets of jasmine - the Madurai Malli- fill the air with their heady fragrance mingling with the sublime scent of roses. Vegetables, from bananas to coconuts to onions and ginger are piled high and business is always brisk! Later explore the vast Meenakshi Temple complex. The magnificent gopurams, painted with such incredible vivacity, dominate the area. Inside, the stories of the mythological Indian world, filled with gods and demons, are seen throughout the ancient Temple. Also visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - a gracious building in the Indo-Saracenic style, famous for the stucco work on its domes and arches.

Afternoon drive to Thekkady. 2 nights at The Greenwoods or similar.

Morning walking tour in Periyar National Park led by a local tribal guide or naturalist to learn about the flora and fauna of the Park. The walk passes through evergreen and deciduous forests, interspersed with marshy grasslands. The Park is home to elephant, monkey and wild boar. Spices have always been an important part of life in Kerala. Explore the huge variety of spices on a visit to a Spice Garden including cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and medicinal plants. Later visit Kumily market offering a vast variety of local spices.

After breakfast leave for Kumarakom to board a houseboat for a fascinating cruise on the Backwaters. The Vembanad Lake is a living symbol of biodiversity and is home to an astounding variety of flora and fauna. The Backwaters also host a busy local community: indeed, the waters are a 'highway' and a vital communication link for the small villages and farms dotted along the banks. Overnight stay on Houseboat.

Disembark the houseboat after breakfast and drive to Mararikulam. Relax on the pristine shore of the Arabian Sea. Simply unwind listening to the gentle breeze, or walk the endless sands watching fishermen cast their nets. Stay at The Marari Beach Resort or similar for 2 nights.

Day at leisure to relax to enjoy the beauty of the coast and local area.

Moring transfer to Kochi airport to fly to UK with same day arrival.