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The Essence of Kerala: A Journey from Hills to Coastal Elegance

0/5
Duration

9 Nights / 10 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on “The Essence of Kerala: A Journey from Hills to Coastal Elegance,” a captivating tour that reveals the multifaceted beauty of Kerala. Begin in the historic city of Cochin, where you’ll experience the vibrant Kathakali dance and explore colonial landmarks. Ascend to the verdant hills of Munnar, renowned for its tea estates, lush plantations, and panoramic views, including a visit to the Tea Museum and Mattupetty Dam. Continue to Thekkady for a thrilling wildlife boat safari in Periyar Sanctuary and a glimpse into spice cultivation. Drift through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional houseboat, soaking in the serene landscape. Finally, unwind on the golden beaches of Kovalam, where cultural heritage meets coastal relaxation. This journey encapsulates Kerala’s diverse landscapes and rich traditions, offering a truly immersive experience.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 45.6%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 43.2%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 53.2%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 52.7%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 57.4%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 56.4%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 60.7%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Cochin

Upon arrival at Cochin airport, you will be greeted by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance form of Kerala featuring lavish costumes, exotic makeup, and intricate masks. The performance showcases classical dance and dramatic storytelling based on ancient Indian epics. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Cochin - Munnar (140kms)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Fort Cochin, a charming seaside area with Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. Observe the elaborate bamboo fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach, an iconic symbol of the area’s maritime history. Explore St. Francis Church, the original burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama, noted for its historical significance and colonial-era architecture. Visit the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry, renowned for its antique copper plates and exquisite Belgian chandeliers. Continue to the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, also known as the Pardesi Palace, to view its murals depicting Hindu temple art. Drive to Munnar and check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit a tea estate to see the tea processing and sample some of the region’s finest teas. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Munnar

After breakfast, head to Pothamedu for panoramic views of the lush tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations in Munnar. Visit a local tea estate, where you can explore the tea processing facilities, learn about tea cultivation, and sample some of the region's finest teas. Proceed to the Mattupetty Dam and its reservoir, a concrete gravity dam surrounded by scenic hills, ideal for boat rides. Continue to Rajamala in Eravikulam National Park, where you might spot the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain goat. Visit Mattupedi Dairy Farm, renowned for its Indo-Swiss dairy farming techniques and high-quality milk products. Explore Echo Point, a natural wonder where sounds echo off the surrounding hills. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and process of tea production in South India, featuring antique machinery and exhibits. Stop at a designated photo point for capturing stunning views of the picturesque landscapes and tea gardens. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Munnar - Thekkady (110kms)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Thekkady via Ramakkalmedu, known for its strong winds and a wind farm generating renewable energy. Visit Frog Rock and Turtle Rock, natural rock formations with unique shapes resembling their namesakes. See the Kuravan & Kurathi statues, the highest twin statues in Kerala, symbolizing a local tribal legend. Arrive in Thekkady, check in at your hotel, and relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Periyar

After breakfast at the hotel, explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by boat, cruising on Periyar Lake amidst the sanctuary's rich biodiversity. Spot elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, and various bird species including grey jungle fowl and Malabar grey hornbill. Discover the sanctuary's diverse flora, including tropical evergreen and deciduous forests. Visit a spice plantation to see and learn about crops like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and coffee. Stop at the local market to purchase aromatic spices and souvenirs. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Thekaddy - Alleppey (135kms)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Alleppey boat jetty and board a traditional houseboat for a scenic cruise through the backwaters. Sail through narrow canals and vast paddy fields, witnessing the daily life of local villagers and the unique backwater ecosystem. Observe the lush greenery and tranquil waters of Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East" for its extensive network of canals and lagoons. Enjoy a delicious lunch, dinner, and evening sunset from the houseboat’s sun-deck. The houseboat is equipped with a kitchen, a chef, and a driver for your convenience. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 7: Alleppey - Kovalam (200kms)

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Kovalam, a renowned beach destination. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the sun and sand on Kovalam’s picturesque beaches. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Kovalam

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, famous for its gold-plated covering and architectural grandeur (sanctum is open only to Hindus). Explore Attukal Temple, known for its rich Tamil architectural style and cultural significance. Visit Napier Museum, which boasts a fine collection of sculptures, paintings, and traditional musical instruments. Explore Kuthira Malika Museum, built in 1840, housing artifacts like ethnic jewelry, wooden carvings, and armory. Visit Sri Chitra Art Gallery, featuring works by Raja Ravi Verma and art from the Mughal, Rajput, and Tanjore schools. In the evening, drive through famous beaches including Shankumugham Beach, Kovalam Beach, Vizhinjam Beach, and Light House Beach Road. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Kovalam

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free day for personal activities or further relaxation on the beach. Take advantage of the day to explore local markets, enjoy water sports, or simply unwind by the sea. Overnight at the hotel. (Transport not included this day)

Day 10: Kovalam - Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Board a flight for your onward destination, concluding your memorable journey through Kerala’s enchanting backwaters and beaches.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 9 Night's accommodation in 4-Star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Shared boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with naturalist.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 9 nights accommodation

3 Star Hotels
Cochin x 1 night: The Tower House/ The Killians
Munnar x 2 nights: Abad Copper Castle/ Elysium Garden Hill Resort
Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 nights: Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
Alleppey x 1 night: Deluxe Houseboat (AC During Night Only)
Kovalam x 3 nights: Abad Harmonia Beach Resort/ Uday Suites Shanghumugham Beach

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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