Kerala Snake Boat Race

Day 1

Arrive into Mangalore airport. You will be greeted by your Travel The Unknown representative. Transfer to the stunning Neeleshwar Hermitage property, close to the secluded beach town of Bekal. Check into your cottage. Evening free to relax. Meal plan: N/A

Day 2

After breakfast, head into Bekal and visit the impressive Bekal Fort, Kerala's largest fort. Perched on the Arabian coastline, watch the waves lap against this ancient citadel. Later visit the nearby Hanuman temple and Bekal mosque. After lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the beach. Dinner and overnight in Neeleshwar. Meal plan: B

Day 3

Relaxing morning. After breakfast, wander around the Hermitage estate, spot local birdlife or walk along the stretch of secluded beach and look out for the endangered Olive Ridley turtle. After lunch set off for the colonial town of Tellicherry. Check in to the Ayesha Manzil homestay. Witness a local Theyyam dance performance, a unique colourful dance. Enjoy superb cuisine at your homestay. Meal plan: B

Day 4

After breakfast, leave for your half-day of sightseeing. Visit the striking St Angelo's Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1505, situated on the Keralan coast. Later visit Arakkal Palace, the only Muslim royal residence in Kerala, which changed hands with the British. Enjoy the evening at Muzhappilangad beach. Overnight in Tellicherry. Meal plan: B

Day 5

After breakfast, head across to the unseen tropical mountains of the Wayanad district. Check-in at the Banasura Resort, Asia's largest Earth resort. After lunch, drive to the Edakkal Caves and see the 4th century BC petroglyphs and visit the local tribal settlement. Evening free. Overnight in Wayanad. Meal plan: B

Day 6

Free day in Wayanad. Use of driver the whole day. Optional activities include: morning walk to nearby waterfall, local treks, tea plantation walk, visit to Banasura Dam and more. Overnight in Wayanad. Meal plan: B

Day 7

Set off after early breakfast for Calicut. Early lunch at Kayadu resort. Catch train (13:35) for train to Alleppey. Arrive just after 6pm. Transfer to Vembanad House (homestay). Lobster fishing at night on the lake. Meal plan: B

Day 8

After breakfast board your houseboat for a relaxing cruise along the backwaters of Lake Vembanad (4 hours). Lunch served onboard. Return to homestay. Rest of day at leisure. Evening watch a Kathakali performance under moonlight by the lake. Overnight in Alleppey. Meal plan: B

Day 9

Day of the Snake Boat Race! You will be escorted to a good vantage point along the backwaters for the race. The main event consists of stiff competition between the Chundanvallams (snake boats), with each boat stretching up to 100 feet in length, with a raised prow, resembling the raised hood of a snake. They are manned by some 100 rowers who row vigorously to the accompaniment of the vanchipattu (traditional folksong) who lend vocal support to their physical efforts. The event commences with a ceremonial water procession comprising of floats and a variety of craft. Usually a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 - 125 oarsmen who row in unison to the fast rhythm of the vanchipattu. Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish.

After an exhilarating day out, return to the homestay and overnight. Meal plan: B

Day 10

After breakfast set off for the port city of Cochin. Check-in to hotel. Refresh and then set off on walking tour of Cochin (2 hours) wandering its narrow lanes encountering echoes of its colonial past. Dutch, Portuguese, Arabs and the British have all left their mark. Also visit one of India's few synagogues in Jew Street. Afternoon free. Sunset cruise on the harbour. Evening free. Overnight in Cochin. Meal plan: B

Day 11

Breakfast. Transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai and then onwards to final destination. Meal plan: B