Day 1: Trivandrum - Relax, sightseeing and a night at a beach resort
Your first day sets the scene for this whole relaxing journey. Kerala is a magical state, lush jungle, tranquil backwaters and laid-back cities.
Along with a taste for coffee the Malyali share the Tamil passion for long, multi-syllable words, though here they speak Malayalam. Trivandrum's other name is Thiru-v-anatha-puram or the abode of the snake god Anantha. Anantha is the serpent on whom Lord Vishnu rests.
Day 2: Trivandrum - Tour the city.
Take in the Padmanabhapuram temple, the Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace museum, the Napier Museum and the Sri Chithra art gallery. There's a strong Christian tradition in Kerala so you'll find a mix of architecture from magnificent churches to magnificent temples.
Day 3: Kumarakom - The emerald peninsula.
Drive to Kumarakom, the charming emerald peninsula that juts into the Vembanad Lake and visit the bird sanctuary - an ornithological paradise and haven for migratory birds.
Day 4: Periyar - A very special wildlife sanctuary.
A perfect blend of spectacular nature and human innovation on the banks of Periyar lake, set in lush greenery high in the western Ghats (hills).
Day 5: Periyar - A spicy walk.
For centuries Kerala has grown and exported spices around the world and a walking tour of the Periyar spice plantation allows you to wander through plantings of cardamom, tea and coffee.
Day 6: Munnar - A favourite place for Brits.
This haven of peace and tranquillity was used by the British as a popular summer resort. It's amazingly beautiful and a comfortable place to be to escape the heat - high up in the hills in Idduki district. The aroma of spice in the cool air, the wildlife sanctuaries and exotic flora and fauna make this a place you'll never want to leave!
Day 7: Travel - Tear yourself away from Munnar.
You'll travel through tea plantations, immaculate valleys and mountains on your way to your next destination - the port of
Cochin, where you'll arrive in the evening.
Day 8: Cochin - All life is here!
An ancient port originally built by the Portuguese there's a multinational influence from the Jewish quarter to the Chinese fishing nets at the harbour entrance. It's build around a natural harbour with lagoons, canals and fishing hamlets to reflect the diversity that is Kerala.
Day 9: Cochin - Soak up the culture.
There's everything you could possibly want from the Mattancherry Dutch palace, to the Jewish synagogue and town. Or why not take a look at the Fort
Cochin area then catch a performance of the vivid and colorful traditional Kathakali dance. The tour ends here.