Days 1 | Delhi – Cochin

Upon arrival, we will move to the heart of Delhi, one of the most diverse cities in India. Here, we will witness immense wealth alongside poverty, ancient architectural beauty next to old and neglected houses, rich Indian cuisine to McDonald's and Domino's Pizza. The city is filled with numerous markets and the aroma of spices and incense, warm and curious people, and a plethora of colors. The governmental institutions of India, including the central government seat, the Prime Minister's office, and the residences of all government and military officials, are located in the city. During our tour, we will experience the dreams of India: the scents, sounds, and endless chaos that make the capital of India so special (lunch included). After the tours in Delhi, we will proceed to another domestic flight to Cochin, where we will settle in our hotel.

Day 2 | Cochin

This morning, we will commence our actual tour in the region, starting with a day of different and fascinating worlds. We will begin our tour in the historic quarter of the harbor city of Cochin, also known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." The starting point will be the Dutch Palace, where we will hear the story of the Dutch conquest of South India and be impressed by the beautiful wall paintings depicting various scenes from Indian mythology. Following that, we will proceed to the Jewish Quarter of Cochin, where we will hear the story of the Jewish community that fled from the persecutions of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal. We will learn about one of the most magnificent and unique communities that was formed in the exile of Israel, visit the synagogue, and then head to the viewpoint overlooking the Chinese fishing nets, a symbol of the city, and pay homage to Vasco da Gama, buried in the Church of St. Francis. After the tours, we will have additional free time to wander the streets of the old city. In the evening, we will join together to witness Indian entertainment in the unique style of Kathakali dance – combining masks and pantomime. Accommodation and dinner in Cochin.

Day 3 | Cochin – Munnar

This morning, we will leave the warmth and humidity of Cochin and head to the beautiful mountainous region of the Western Ghats, also known as the "Himalayas of the South," to the refuge of the British from the intense heat – Munnar. The winding journey will take us through endless tea plantations, with the arrival situated in the resort town of Munnar, perched at an altitude of 1,500-1,600 meters, serving as a holiday town. Upon arrival in Munnar, we will go to an overlook of the breathtaking waterfalls and stroll through the numerous tea plantations surrounding Munnar. Accommodation and dinner in Munnar.

Day 4 | Munnar – Thekkady

This morning, we will deepen our acquaintance with the beautiful landscapes of the Munnar region and incorporate a journey that combines tastes and scents. The tour will begin at the Munnar Tea Museum, where we will learn to recognize the crucial plant and receive explanations about tea cultivation and processing. From here, we will continue to the colorful tea plantations and witness the colorful tea leaves being plucked. Afterward, we will proceed to the local spice kingdom, where we will learn about one of the main production branches of the region: the spices of Kerala. Here, we will also learn a lot about ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Following this, we will head to Thekkady for accommodation and dinner.

Day 5 | Madurai

Today we dedicate our time to Madurai, the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. The city was built many years ago on the banks of the Vaigai River, designed in the shape of a lotus flower, with the Minakshi Temple at its center. We will stroll around the temple in the narrow streets of craftsmen: blacksmiths, silk weavers, and flower vendors, amidst the crowds of pilgrims and rickshaws. We will visit the Minakshi-Sundareswarar Temple complex, two twin shrines dedicated to Minakshi, "the goddess with fish-shaped eyes," and her consort Sundareswarar (Shiva). We will be impressed by the magnificent towers surrounding the temples adorned with countless sculptures and colorful embellishments. In the second part of the day, we will take a rickshaw tour of the city, experiencing the chaotic movement that India is famous for. In the evening, we will return to the temple and participate in the ceremonial laying of the gods to sleep. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Day 6 | Madurai – Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Thekkady

After breakfast, we will travel to the city of Thekkady, located near the stunning Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. We will journey through tea plantations and stop for breathtaking views of the valleys stretching between the mountains and the bodies of water that dot the landscape. We will visit spice farms and learn about the trees and plants that made India a sought-after destination for traders worldwide. In the evening, we will witness a unique martial arts performance traditional to Kerala, from which traditional dances and Ayurvedic healing methods originated. Following the performance, we will travel to our hotel in Thekkady.

Day 7 | Thekkady – Boat Ride in the Backwaters

After breakfast, we will travel through rice fields and palm-fringed waterways to the Backwaters region, often referred to as the "Venice of the East." We will embark on a leisurely boat ride through the intricate network of canals and lakes, enjoying the pastoral and stunning scenery of village life, the greenery of coconut groves, and the blue of the rivers and backwaters. We will see tangled forests, tea plantations, and traditional South Indian temples. We will continue to explore the numerous waterways and the Gondarti Quarter and visit a typical temple in southern India. We will then visit a local workshop where they produce carpets, mats, weavings, and more from coconut fibers – local craftsmanship known in the region. Overnight stay and dinner in the Backwaters region.

Day 8 | Among the Backwaters of Alleppey

We will embark on a slow and delightful cruise among a network of canals and lakes, enjoying the picturesque and mesmerizing landscape of village life, the greenery of coconut groves, and the blue of rivers and backwaters. We will pass through dense forests, tea plantations, and rice fields, witnessing traditional South Indian village houses built on the banks of the rivers. On this enchanting day of boating, we will experience the intricate natural wonders of Kerala. After the cruise, we will travel to our hotel in the region. Overnight stay and dinner in the Backwaters.

Day 9 | Cochin 

Our magical journey in Kerala and South India concludes.