• Here’s something a bit special; 10 days touring the best of south west India at Cochin, Coorg and Bekal staying at some of Taj’s finest and newest hotels…

• Making the most of its beachfront location, the Vivanta by Taj – Malabar in Cochin has a wealth of things to do. See the world float past on a backwaters cruise or even sip high tea at sea (complete with sandwiches and muffins). The fishing at Dolphin’s Point is an experience to be savoured, or why not simply take a romantic walk through the coconut groves of Gubdu Island?

 

• Blending ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary therapies, the Jiva Spa offers the best in Indian rejuvenation therapies ranging from aromatherapy massages, body scrubs and wraps. The signature Jiva Spa experiences bring guests the essence of traditional wellness and therapeutic experiences, and are sure to leave you more relaxed than you thought possible.

• Included in your holiday is a half day sightseeing tour of Cochin (also known as Kochi), beginning at the Dutch Palace. The interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins. The Jewish Synagogue (built in 1568) features the Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles.

• In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. One of the most complicated, highly stylized Indian art forms, Kathakali is a dance drama noted for its larger than life make up, elaborate costumes, detailed body movements, and thematic presentation of stories with rhythmic steps.  Kathakali’s popularity was traditionally confined to the Palace Dance Halls, courtyards of Nair Noble households, Temple festivals and so on until the mid-20th century when Kochi based See India Foundation started India’s first regular professionally run Kathakali theatre in 1964.

• From Cochin, travel north to Coorg. Set in the middle of a rainforest, the Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri in Coorg is sure to take your breath away. Lose yourself in the pleasure of the courtyard spaces, the private plunge pools and the Jiva Grande Spa with a host of rejuvenation options: a climate controlled indoor swimming pool and another which is open air, in the woods and under the stars. The 30,000 sq ft spa & wellness space sports eight private treatment rooms with their own steam & showers, a relaxation deck, a wellness café and the signature Coorg experience – a Gudda bath (a wood-fired bath in an outdoor pavilion).

 

• Of course, after all of that hard work, you’ll want to sample some of the local delicacies, and some of Coorg's most celebrated food offerings are just around the corner. The Fern Tree restaurant offers a wide range of dishes and styles, while the Nellaki has an accent is on regional Coorg cuisine. There is also the Dew – the wellness cuisine restaurant and the Poolside Grill. Last (but certainly not least) is the Hive Bar, where Coorg's most imaginative cocktails come alive.

 

• Next up, head to the coast to one of our best-kept secrets to date – the Hotel Vivanta by Taj-Bekal. A tasteful mixture of rooms and villas built around a spa, you may be the only people on the beach, apart from the occasional fisherman. He’s probably catching your lunch; you can choose it yourself at the fishing village and have it cooked by the hotel’s expert chef.

 

• Enjoy some of Bekal’s most celebrated food. At Latitude, the multi cuisine restaurant, you’ll find a focus on regional Kerala cuisine. At BBQ by the pool the grill adds to the outdoor vibe. And then there’s the Ivory Bar, where Bekal’s most imaginative cocktails come alive.

• The spacious Jiva Spa is at the core of the resort with eight suites offering traditional Ayurvedic treatments and a dedicated Ayurvedic dining room and juice bar; there is also a separate yoga pavilion.

• Treat yourself to a holiday you’ll never forget. Bid now!

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