Colours of Kerala

Walk the tea plantations of Munnar
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Boat cruise of Periyar lake
Houseboat stay
Cruise the backwaters
Relaxing on the coast at Kovalam

A beautiful insight to the Indian state of Kerala

Kerala is fast becoming one of the most sought after destinations inAsia. With miles of tranquil shoreline, emerald backwaters, paddy fields, waterfalls, exotic cuisine and friendly people, this tour will offer you many unique experiences and memories to last a lifetime.

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Day 1

Arrive Cochin

Arrive in Cochin, a representative, holding a sign with your name will meet you in arrivals area upon exiting baggage claim and transfer you to your hotel. Kochi is believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world and is the oldest European settlement in India. The settlements have left their own distinctive imprint here. A great city to explore on foot, the quaint alleys and by-lanes of Kochi will transport you back in time. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India recording a history of visitors who came, saw and stayed for hundreds of years. The Queen of the Arabian Sea is believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world with ferry rides commanding its breath taking view. Cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge. Influences of Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese settlers can be seen in the area. Remaining day at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 2

Cochin

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Included morning half day tour of the satellite towns of Kochi (Cochin) and Ernakulam which include visits to the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. See the Chinese fishing nets, which dot the harbor as you drive along the coastline. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved. Also visit Jew Street which is famous for its antiques. Included afternoon harbour cruise along the coastline of Kochi. Included evening visit to a traditional Kathakali school to enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is a traditional dance from Kerala and is performed only by men. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 3

Cochin-Munnar

After breakfast, drive to Munnar (4 hours). On arrival in Munnar, you will be met and checked in at your hotel. Remaining day at leisure. Munnar is a breathtakingly beautiful haven of peace and tranquility - an idyllic tourist destination. Set at an altitude of 6000ft in the Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. It contains an unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains - exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air. Overnight at the Hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 4

Munnar

Included morning walk through some of the tea plantations of Munnar. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 5

Munnar - Periyar

After breakfast, drive to Periyar (3 ½ hours). On arrival in Periyar, check in at the hotel. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Periyar, is best known for its wildlife, it is a must-see for all visitors to Kerala. The Periyar Lake, lying at the heart of the sanctuary provides one with a unique opportunity to view wild animals in their natural surroundings. The Asiatic wild elephant, majestic gaur, deer, wild boar, tortoise, flying squirrels and the distinctive nilgiri langur are often spotted along the lake and water birds. Sprawled over an area of 777 sq km. Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. Zealously guarded and an efficiently managed reserve, it is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna and forms the major watershed of two important rivers of Kerala, the Periyar. Situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Post-1975 Periyar finds itself in the enviable position of being a national park as well as a protected tiger reserve. Included afternoon boat journey on Periyar Lake. Return to hotel for evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 6

Periyar

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, then off to the included visit to explore more of Periyar Lake by boat and witness the jungle activities on the shore and islands. After exploring Periyar Lake the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 7

Periyar - Alleppey

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey (3 ½ hours). You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your houseboat which will be home for the night. These houseboats or Kettuvallam as they are traditionally called were at one time the mode of transportation for man and goods. Today, these are made to cater to the discerning guests who can lay back and enjoy a gentle cruise. Cruise the backwaters from the main Vembanad Lake through the small estuaries that link small villages to the mainland. Today, these are refurbished and all modern conveniences have been added for tourists who visit this beautiful water locked region of the country. An overnight cruise in the backwaters takes off through a network of canals with a backdrop of villages and coconut trees on the shores. Enjoy all meals on-board prepared by skilled staff. The house-boat docks at a jetty for the night. Overnight on A/C Houseboat.

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Alleppey - Kumarakom

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom (2.5 hours). On arrival in Kumarakom, check in at hotel. Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters and the surface of Vembanad Lake reflect the azure sky. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise. Water lilies and lotuses bloom in the water and birds from the bird sanctuary on Vembanad Lake call as they fly across the clear tropical sky. Kumarakom in Kerala is a beautiful backwater destination. Located on the picturesque Vembanad Lake Kumarakom has to be seen to be believed. Kumarakom consists of a cluster of islands which have been converted into a number of tourist resorts. Remaining day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 9

Kumarakom

Full day at leisure to enjoy the serenity of the area or take a walk in the nearby villages or simply relax at the hotel and make use of its many facilities. Optional morning visit to the bird Sanctuary. Please ask your representative if you would like to add this option when in India and they will be only too pleased to add this for you. Entrance and guide fees to be paid locally should you wish to enjoy this option. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 10

Kumarakom - Kovalam

After breakfast, drive to Kovalam (5 hrs). On arrival in Kovalam, check in at the hotel. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name, the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. The crescent-shaped beach has three parts: the southern most beaches, and the most popular, is light house beach. It offers an amazing sight of the Vizhinjam mosque. The northern Samudra is a laidback one and time seems to stand still here. The middle, hawah, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum. Today Kovalam beach is known as the 'Paradise of the South'. Remaining day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 11

Kovalam

Full day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 12

Kovalam

Full day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 13

Kovalam - Trivandrum - Home or onwards

Today you will be transferred to the airport in Trivandrum for your flight back home or onwards to your next destination.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Pricing

All prices shown represent a from price per person based on low season travel unless otherwise stated.
Availability of tour components and flights seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price given is therefore for guidance only.
To obtain a tailored quote for you and your party, please call one of our travel experts today.

Deluxe From 1st April 2024 - 30th September 2024

from £1,879pp

Luxury From 1st April 2024 - 30th September 2024

from £2,329pp

Important Info

Important info

Check In & Check Out Times - Normal check in time is 14:00, normal check out time is 12:00; this may vary in high season.

Trip Terms & Conditions - The price shown is per person based on two sharing per tour.
Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff between quote date and full and final payment date are payable by the client.
We will always try our best to book hotels as per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and during local festivals, as well for late bookings, it may be necessary to offer substitutes.
Prices are subject to availability and as such are for guidance only. Demands for Indian internal domestic flights are high, with the best prices filling quickly. To help secure these prices, it is best to book as far in advance as possible.

Documentation - It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents before departure. We regret that we cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. If failure to have all necessary travel and other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly.

Visa - British Passport holders usually require a Visa to enter India. Visa requirements though do change and as such you must check the latest requirements with the appropriate embassy or consulate and ensure that you have the correct documentation to travel to India.

Vaccination - Please check with your doctor or health professional on the type of vaccinations you may require to travel to India and ensure that you give enough time before departure to undergo any course of vaccination / medication required.

Inclusions

Trip includes - International return flights and taxes, accommodation on a twin sharing basis as per the itinerary, meal plan as per the itinerary, arrival and departure transfers, sightseeing, excursions and surface transfers using air conditioned vehicles, meet and greet service at the airport, Services of an English speaking guide in Cochin and Munnar, entrance fees, Kathakali dance show, harbour cruise in Cochin, boat ride in Periyar, Visit to bird sanctuary and all current applicable taxes.

Exclusions

Any services not mentioned in inclusions, visa charges, table drinks, telephone calls, tips, camera fees, laundry or any other items of a personal nature, any other expenses/changes due to unforeseen circumstances whilst in India or anything not mentioned in the programme.

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