At the southwest coast, India shows its gentle and relaxed side. Kerela’s backwaters have become an India ‘must do’- taking a boat trip on this intricate system of river’s, canals, lakes and lagoons, you’ll adjust to travel at floating pace, drifting in perfect silence by villages, paddy fields and coconut groves. Kerela’s beautifull beaches fit the swaying-palm-tree ideal, and inland, along the Western Ghats, wildlife sanctuaries sit side by side with coffee and spice plantations and the aroma of cardamom and cinnamon sits in the air. The hill stations offer unrivalled serenity and stunning tea-plantation views

The state’s sheltered location (the Ghats, with their dense forests and long ridges, have deterred many mainland invaders) has allowed distinctive customs, arts and festivals to thrive. The most renowned art form, Kathakali-an astonishing blend of dance, pantomime and religious play – is but one of a bamboozling array of performing arts and religious rituals. Attending a local theyyam- a holy dance performed as a sacred offering; where costumed dancers often go into a trancelike state – is an experience you won’t quickly forget

Kerela’s long coasting has encouraged maritime contact with the outside world for centuries, and reminders of the colonial past are everywhere; Syrian Christian churches; a strong Muslim presence; Dutch and Portuguese heritage homes; Raj-era game lodges; and even a 16th –century synagogue in Kochi. All over the state, you’ll feast on a distinctive and delicious cuisine, be pampered by clinics and resorts practicing Ayurvedic treatment and massage, and be welcomed by a deeply hospitable people. Come here with an open-ended itinerary and your plans to see the rest of India may be in serious trouble

Pick up from Cochin Airport and proceed to Allappuzha and check into a 'Kettuvellam' (Houseboat) for a lazy cruise on the backwaters while enjoying some sumptuous seafood. After a short nap, enjoy an ayurvedic massage at one of the traditional massage centers. Relieve yourself from stress & pressure. Get to restore your circulatory system and enjoy a day of relaxation and fresh air on your 'Kettuvellam' (Houseboat). Dinner & overnight on Kettuvellam.