From Kovalam...

Cape Kumari £40
Journey through the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu to witness the meeting point of the southern most tip of the Indian Sub-Continent with the three seas - the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. Stop en-route at the Padmanbhapuram Palace, the largest wooden Palace in Asia, previous home of the Maharajas. Intricate, excuisite displays of craftmanship leave all visitors in awe. Proceed to Kanyakumari (cape Comorin), the tip of India. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar state, Kanyakumari Temple and the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial where some of his ashes were kept before scattering them in the 3 seas.

Elephants & Backwaters £75
Drive to Paripally to visit the Elephant Camp where you can bathe and ride elephants. Afterwards proceed to Quilon for a traditional Keralan lunch served on a banana leaf and also view a Kathakali demonstration. Later in the afternoon board the houseboat for a cruise along the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake with its stunning scenery and tranquillity.

Trekking Tactics £94
After an early breakfast drive to the Neyyar Dam, at the foothills of a hilly range in the suburbs of Trivandrum. Start with a safari boat ride before trekking on foot for about 2 hours in the thick rain forest, to Meenmuti Waterfalls where you can swim in the cool waters of the large pool below the waterfalls. In this area wild elephants, buffaloes, deer and bears have all been sighted. A hot vegetarian lunch is prepared after the swim. This trek is definitely for the adventurous and you must be medically fit and have proper walking shoes.

Camp Neyyar £116
An overnight tour starting at the Agastyar Jungle Resort where there is a lion safari and a visit to the crocodile park. Dinner is al fresco around the campfire accompanied by local dance and music. The next day an early departure to Neyyar Dam starting with a safari boat ride before trekking on foot for about 2 hours in the thick rain forest, to Meenmuti Waterfalls where you can swim in the cool waters of the large pool below the waterfalls. In this area wild elephants, buffaloes, deer and bears have all been sighted. A hot vegetarian lunch is prepared after the swim. This trek is definitely for the adventurous and you must be medically fit and have proper walking shoes.

Wild Vithura £100
An overnight tour starting with a drive to the Duke's Forest Lodge where there is opportunity to bathe and feed the friendly elephant, Jayanti. After lunch at the Lodge proceed for a short trek in the forest to visit a tribal village. Dinner is al fresco around the campfire back at the Lodge. The next day there is a very early start to the edge of the forest to board the safari jeeps for a foray into the jungle to view wildlife such as elephants, deer and bison. Lunch is served back at the Lodge before returning to your beach resort.

TWIN CENTRES:
For those who like to get the most out of their holiday, we suggest a twin centre holiday with the first week in Kovalam at the Uday Samudra or The Leela Kovalam Beach with the second week at Marari Beach Resort in Marari.

From Marari...

Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary £92
Journey through the Western Ghats to Periyar with and abundance of spice plantations including coffee, cocoa, cinnamon, pepper, cashew and clove. Heavenly aromas and vibrant colour, buying from the supermarket will never be the same again! Cruise on Lake Periyar, the watering hole within the Wildlife Sanctuary to spot the wildlife in their natural environment. Elephants are a common sighting as well as wild boar, Sambar, monkeys, wildcats and occasionally tigers. With 314 species of birds check listed it is also an ornithologist's dream.

Dream Night £50
Driven to the Backwaters you will board your very own Houseboat, accompanied by two oarsmen and a chef who will provide superb examples of local cuisine on a full board basis and perfect hospitality. Exhibiting excellent craftsmanship in natural materials, you have the entire living space to yourselves, a private deck area with comfortable seating and panoramic views, bedroom and bathroom with shower & WC! The oarsmen coordinate with each other with remarkable proficiency, using their bamboo punting poles to take you silently, gliding through the calm waterways, so vast you can guarantee complete peace and relaxation as you travel between the waterside village settlements, rice fields and coconut-fringed banks. As sunset approaches, the anchor is dropped and traditional lanterns are lit. Breakfast will be served as you set sail again the following morning. Transport will meet you at your destination to transfer you back to your hotel.

Queen of the Arabian Sea £20
A half-day sightseeing tour of Cochin, the commercial centre of the 'spice coast', including lunch at Fort Cochin. A visit to St Francis Church, the Dutch Palace, the Jewish synagogue as well as watching the Chinese fishing nets in action. Time for shopping before heading back to Marari.

Country Boat Cruise £20
Since time immemorial, the fascinating backwaters of Kerala have been a traveller's paradise. The Country boat is the perfect mode of transport from which to enjoy the stunning scenery about to unfold: a traditional open boat, which resembles a large dugout canoe that is manoeuvred by using punting poles. Silently gliding along the palmfringed backwaters passing picturesque village settlements. After the cruise a traditional Kerala lunch is served before driving back to Marari.