Overview

Splendid Kerala

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate, a long shoreline with serene beaches, Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, Waterfalls, Sprawling plantations and paddy fields, Ayurvedic health holidays, Enchanting art forms, Magical festivals, Historic and cultural monuments, An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what’s more, each of these charming destinations is only a two-three hour drive from the other - a singular advantage no other destination offers.

This tour features Backwater, Beaches, dense forest, cultural activity and covering 6 most popular destination of Kerala.

In this tour you are visiting:

Cochin: Cochin also known as Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as ’God’s Own Country’. Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.

Munnar: One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Surrounded by almost 30 tea gardens that give it a picturesque view, Munnar is near Anaimudi, the highest peak of the Kerala Western Ghats.

Thekkady: During 1899 under British rule, the core area of today’s Periyar Sanctuary was declared as a reserved forest in order to protect the catchment area of the Periyar River. The total area of the present Sanctuary is 777 square kilometres and it is located in the southernmost part of Western Ghats. 70% of it includes tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.

Alleppey: Entire district is endowed with immense natural beauty. The sandy strip of land with Arabian Sea to its west is woven by lagoons and an array of rivers, canals and lakes ideal for boat cruise.

Kollam: Kollam was an ancient port city on the Arabian coast. This town have a rich coastal history that even made the famous ancient travel writer Ibn Batuta to refer this port as one of the five important port in the  14th century.

Kovalam: It lay in humble obscurity along the picturesque coast of Kerala. Kovalam is reckoned the most trendy beach retreat in India.

Inclusions

• Return Flight from London to Cochin
• Accommodation in hotel as per chosen category
• Meals as mentioned
• All transfer and sightseeing as per itinerary
• Guide at Monuments
• Entrance at Monuments
• Kathakali Dance show at Cochin
• Spice plantation tour at Thekkady
• Elephant ride at Thekkady
• Boat Cruise at Thekkady

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Cochin.

Day 2

Arrival Cochin

On arrival at the airport, meet your representative who will take you to hotel. Afternoon explore Jewish Synagogue – which is one of the oldest synagogue amongst all the commonwealth nations, St Francis church, Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace - a 16th century palace. Just opposite to the Mattancherry Palace, visit the spice market, one of the biggest centres of spices in Cochin. In the evening we will take you to Kerala’s local dance performance show called Kathakali, which represent rituals and is based on its historical story. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: No Meal

Day 3

Cochin–Munnar

Morning breakfast and drive to Munnar from Cochin. Upon arrival, check in at hotel. Munnar: Hill station at a height of 1525 mtrs, Munnar offers a breathtaking view of the hills swathed in an impossibly green carpet of tea bushes, the right royal resort lazily nestled in the verdant slopes of tea country and is blessed with greenery, forest with rich in flora and fauna. Visit Mettupetty dam and Return to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 4

Munnar–Thekkady

After breakfast, we drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady, a beautiful area of tea gardens, rubber estates, rich with coffee and pepper plantations, located high in the Cardamom hills. On our way we enroute visit the Tea Museum opened by the Tata Tea group. Upon arrival, check in at hotel. In the afternoon, visit a spice garden where you will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of the spices are grown. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 5

Thekkady

We wake up early to experience a boat cruise on the Lake Periyar, which show cases a kaleidoscope of activities that incur around the lake and jungle. Evergreen moist forests and savannah grass lands characterise Periyar. Later proceed to view the rare species of plantations, animals and visit a spice plantation growing cardamom, pepper, coffee, and tea estate. Walk amidst the palette displaying variant shades of green, neatly arranged into terrace farms, the symmetry broken only by the sudden appearance of a gurgling stream. It is believed that the spice trade dates back three thousand years in Kerala and many spices find their home here. We’ll arrange an Elephant ride for you through forest to enjoy nature closely. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 6

Thekkady–Alleppey

After breakfast proceed to Alleppey, set in backdrop of the Vembanad lake which is largest lake of kerala. Alleppey is a land constructed by the deposition of mud and other materials through natural and man-made methods. Board the Houseboat; while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields, several small village situated on small Island. You can have stop over on some scattered island, canals, panoramic sights one can never forget. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remain an enduring picture reflecting the charm of this beautiful land. Enjoy fishing and sunset when heading towards Alleppey. Overnight on House boat.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Alleppey–Kollam–Kovalam

After breakfast travel to Kovalam, enroute visit Kollam also known as Quilon. Kollam has had a strong commercial reputation since the days of the Phoenicians and Romans. The Malayalam Era is based on the founding of Kollam in the 9th century and being one of the oldest ports of the Malabar Coast. It was an important centre of trade during the ancient times and was frequented by Phoenicians, Persians, Romans, Arabs with also famous travellers like Marco Polo. The historical importance of the place also stems from the fact that the township was designed and built by Syrians. Afternoon visit Thenmala-The first Eco Tourism setup in India rich with scenic beauty and adventure sports. Visit Thangasseri is a picturesque seaside village with a three kilometre long beach on which stands a 144 feet tall lighthouse—a silent sentinel warning seamen since 1902 of the treacherous reefs. Kollam is blessed with all unique features; sea, lake, mountains, plains, streams, rivers, backwaters, forest, vast green fields and tropical crop of every variety. At the many temples, mosques, churches of this town, one can meet people eager to share their stories and monuments. Upon arrival Kovalam, check in at hotel. Rest of the day is free to enjoy by own. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 8

Kovalam

Have a leisurely breakfast, enjoy Ayurveda massage and can opt other option by own and relax on the beach. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 9

Kovalam–Trivandrum–Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and transfer to Trivandrum Airport to board the flight for your onward journey.

Meal: Breakfast

** £ 110 extra during Peak season including Xmas and New Year Gala dinner supplement.

* £ 60 extra during Peak season without Xmas and New Year Gala dinner supplement.

*Peak Season is from 20th Dec to 10th Jan.

*Rate are Per person with minimum 2 pax travelling together.

Cost of Package does not include

• Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips. Liquor, boating & joy rides.(which is not mentioned in inclusion list)
• Any other item not specified in “Cost Includes”.
• Additional sightseeing or usages of vehicle not mentioned in the itinerary.

Extra Meal Supplement (Optional)

Half Board meal supplement with 3* hotels £ 58 Per Person

Full Board meal supplement with 3* hotels £ 100 Per Person