Does part of you long to try an exotic new destination but are you also craving the sound of the sea's waves? If so this tour is for you! We've combined Kerala's beautiful beaches with a fascinating cultural excursion, to make your choice easy! For those wishing to sample the sweetness of South India in a short time – this tour is sure to please! Kerala offers many delights to visitors-- from colorful markets, to fantastic palm lined beaches, and wildlife parks . . . not to mention the famous backwaters! Kerala still remains an idyllic retreat from "real" life. A visit to this lush green oasis will surely leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Days 1 - 3 Kovalum You are met at the airport in Trivendrum and transferred to your hotel at the beautiful beach town of Kovalum. With its palm trees, white sandy beaches, and rocky outcroppings, Kovalum is the perfect place to combat jet lag! The name "kerala" is supposed to mean "the land of the coconuts" and it won't take you long to find out why! After a day of relaxing on the beach we make an excursion to Padmanabhapuram in Tamil Nadu. This was the ancient capital of Travancore and the Palace still remains. The palace has been wonderfully maintained; it is a beautiful building, epitomizing Keralan architecture. The journey alone, through small villages and lush jungle, is well worth seeing!

Days 4 & 5 Thekkady We continue our journey inland, to the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady. Periyar is home to bison, antelope, sambar, wild boar, monkeys, a wide variety of birds, and some 750 elephants. The sanctuary is located on Periyar Lake in the hills of the Western Ghats. We view the game at Periyar lake by private motorboat, as they come to the lake side for water. We also take an excursion on elephant back into the park!

Days 6 & 7 Kumarakom From Periyar, it's a picturesque drive to Kumarakom, nestled in Kerala's centuries old palm fringed backwaters that stretch over 1900 kms. The backwaters refer to the large inland lakes and canals of Kerala. They snake over the land, bestowing paddy fields with good harvests and providing villages with water. Today these backwaters act as vital waterways for the transport of goods, people, and products. They are often the only link between remote, isolated villages. It's an incredible experience to float along these soothing waters in a local boat. We spend our time here either relaxing in our hotel along the water, or sailing through the narrow canals. Either way we can enjoy the scenic natural beauty of coconut trees, rice paddies and village life.

Days 8 & 9 Varkala Today we make our way back to the coast, by boat and coach to Varkala. Long a place of pilgrimage to Keralans, it is beginning to be noticed by foreign travelers for its beautiful beach and cliffs, as well as the quiet pace of the nearby village. In Varkala we have time to explore the surroundings and perhaps indulge in some of Kerala's famous aryuvedic treatments such as oil massage and steam baths.