Kerala for all in one week

Visit of Saint-Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was buried, the Santa Cruz basilica and the surrounding area of Princess street, where you can admire the many colonial buildings. At sunset, walk along the beach and Chinese fishing nets. Dinner and night in one of the island's charming hotels.

In the morning, visit the city's monuments: the Dutch palace of Mattancherry, the Pardesi Synagogue, the Jewish quarter and its antique shops, Bazar Road and the spice market. And why not enjoy the afternoon to take a kerala cooking class? In the evening, representation of Kathakali, traditional dance of Kerala, in one of the city's cultural centres.

Early departure in the morning for Alleppey: discovery of the city, its canals and the beach. After lunch, departure for a cruise on board a houseboat along the backwaters. These beautiful stretches of stagnant water, formerly used as trade routes, are the main tourist attraction of Kerala. Dinner and overnight on the boat, which will take you to Alleppey the next morning.

Departure to Periyar, located in the shade of the Cardamom hills. This beautiful green region in the heart of the Western Ghats is composed of quiet winding roads, tea and spice plantations as far as the eye can see. In the late afternoon, photo-safari in the reserve, on a boat, on the artificial lake of Periyar, where wild animals come to quench their thirst.

Early in the morning, when the chances of seeing animals are greatest, hiking with a guide in the sanctuary. In the afternoon, various tours are possible, including a playful excursion in a spice plantation, which will give you all the secrets about the spices of Kerala. Enrich the visit of the park with an elephant ride.

Return to Alleppey for a relaxing day in one of the luxurious establishments around Vembanad lake or the long beach of Marari. On the program: relaxation and discovery by bike of the surrounding villages. Head to {1}Kochi{/1} the next morning.

Discovery of the island of Vypeen: swimming and lunch on the beautiful beach of Cherai, walking on the trails along the backwaters. And, if time permits, you can enjoy shopping in one of the many commercial galleries of Ernakulam. Kochi is the starting point for your next destination.