DAY 1: Depart Trivandrum and travel to the eco-friendly SpiceVillage Resort located on the outskirts of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Spread over a huge expanse, the Spice Village Resort is set in plantation style - with hundreds of varieties of spices, flowers and plants surrounding the cottages. The resort also has a resident naturalist, who will guide you through the plantations.

DAY 2: Take a morning boat ride on Periyar Lake, viewing exotic wildlife on both of it’s banks. Here you will view elephants, bison, sambhar, wild boar, langur, flying squirrel and various species of birds and butterflies. Later in the afternoon you will visit a small spice plantation, where you will learn about the many uses of the spices, both in medicine and local cuisine.

DAY 3: After breakfast, you will be driven to Kochi (Cochin), popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Kochi has one of the world’s most beautiful natural ports and is the commercial capital of Kerala. Visit Fort Cochin and it’s many attractions.

DAY 4: Start with a sightseeing tour of Kochi, visit the harbour then take a stroll along the beach and see the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background. Visit the Mattacherry Dutch Palace, Hill Palace and later in the evening enjoy a traditional Kathakali Dance show.

DAY 5: Board a houseboat in Kumarakom and enjoy an exclusive cruise along the beautiful backwater canals of Kerala - a highlight of any visit to the south. Pass villages built on narrow spits of land, stop to visit local markets on bullock-cart, or marvel at craftsmen engaged in century old boat making tradition. Experience a night on the houseboat.

DAY 6: Disembark in Kumarakom, a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake. With meandering waterways and ancient cottages, this is truly an authentic Kerala experience.

DAY 7: After breakfast at the hotel, you are transferred back to Trivandrum for your onward journey.

COST: $1,110 per person. Valid 16Apr-30Sep08.

TOUR INCLUDES: Transport by air-conditioned car/micro bus with an English speaking guide, 6 nights accommodation, breakfast daily, lunch and dinner on the houseboat, porterage, service charges and government taxes.

TOUR EXCLUDES: International and domestic airfares, other meals, taxes, personal expenses and travel insurance.

DAY 1: On arrival in Kochi (Cochin) you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you will enjoy the day at leisure.

DAY 2: Visit the colourful sights of Kochi city. Walk through the winding streets past Jewish synagogues, Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace and St. Francis Church. In the eventing watch a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre.

DAY 3: Cross the Cardamom Hills and enjoy the spectacular scenery whilst passing tea plantations and tiny villages on the way to Periyar.

DAY 4: Travel through the valleys of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and visit a small spice plantation, where you will learn about the many uses of the spices, both in medicine and local cuisine. Board a boat and cruise through the park which is home to elephants, bison, sambhar, wild boar, langur, flying squirrel and various species of birds and butterflies.

DAY 5: All aboard your houseboat in Kumarakom and relax as you cruise through palm fringed lakes and narrow canals, stopping along the way to visit the local markets and craftsmen. Experience a night on the houseboat.

DAY 6 AND 7: Disembark your houseboat in Alleppey and travel by road to the coastal town of Kovalam, a bustling beach side resort set amongst a lush and peaceful palm tree and rice paddy setting. Your time is at your own leisure to shop at the local markets, take a swim in the ocean or just relax!

DAY 8: After breakfast at the hotel, you are transferred back to Trivandrum for your onward journey.

COST: $1,036 per person. Valid 16Apr-30Sep08.

TOUR INCLUDES: Transport by air-conditioned car/micro bus with an English speaking guide, 7 nights accommodation, breakfast daily, lunch and dinner on the houseboat, porterage, service charges and government taxes.

TOUR EXCLUDES: International and domestic airfares, other meals, taxes, personal expenses and travel insurance.