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Essence of Kerala: Backwaters & Hill Stations

0/5
Duration

6 Nights / 7 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

“Essence of Kerala: Backwaters & Hill Stations” offers an immersive journey through Kerala’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Begin in historic Fort Kochi, where colonial architecture and bustling spice markets captivate the senses. Journey to Munnar, a hill station adorned with tea plantations and cascading waterfalls, before exploring the wildlife sanctuary of Thekkady and its spice-scented plantations. Cruise the serene backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey aboard traditional houseboats, discovering a world of tranquility amidst coconut groves and picturesque villages. This itinerary blends natural beauty with cultural experiences, promising a memorable exploration of Kerala’s scenic delights and rich heritage.

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 45.4%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 43.6%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 53.4%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 53.0%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 57.5%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 56.6%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 60.9%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Cochin

Arrive at Cochin International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi, a historic area influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers, welcomes you with its blend of cultures reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle. Explore Fort Kochi's narrow streets lined with colonial-era buildings, art galleries, and cafes. Highlights include the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, revered for its serene ambiance and historical significance. Wander through the bustling spice markets and local bazaars, where the air is filled with the aroma of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cloves. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of Kerala's commercial hub. Visit the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), an architectural gem showcasing Kerala murals illustrating Hindu mythological stories and the Ramayana epic. Explore the Jewish Synagogue, featuring exquisite Belgian chandeliers, hand-painted Chinese tiles, and ancient scrolls that narrate the legacy of Cochin's Jewish community.

Day 2: Cochin - Munnar (140kms)

After breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive to Munnar, a hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. The journey offers panoramic views of tea plantations, waterfalls, and mist-covered hills. En route, stop at the Valara and Cheeyappara Waterfalls, where cascading waters amidst dense forests create a mesmerizing sight and a perfect spot for photography. Check-in at your hotel in Munnar, surrounded by expansive tea estates and serene landscapes, offering a tranquil retreat amidst nature's beauty.

Day 3: Munnar

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, preparing for a day of exploration. Visit the Eravikulam National Park, known for its endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat) population. Enjoy a guided safari through the park's rolling hills and lush valleys, encountering wildlife in their natural habitat. Explore the Tea Museum, housed in a colonial-era building, to learn about Munnar's tea plantation history. Witness the tea-making process, from plucking to processing, and savor a cup of freshly brewed tea. Visit the Rose Garden, a haven for nature lovers, showcasing a spectrum of colorful blooms amidst meticulously manicured lawns and pathways. Explore Echo Point, where the mist-covered hills reverberate with your voice, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea estates.

Day 4: Munnar - Thekkady (110kms)

After a delicious breakfast, depart for Thekkady, renowned for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations, nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats. Embark on a thrilling boat safari on Periyar Lake within Periyar National Park, surrounded by dense forests and hills. Keep an eye out for elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species along the lake shores. Visit a spice plantation to explore the aromatic world of spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Engage in a guided tour to understand their cultivation, harvesting, and processing techniques. In the evening, attend a Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, showcasing the ancient martial traditions of Kerala with impressive feats of agility, strength, and weaponry.

Day 5: Periyar - Kumarakom (140kms)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing for Kumarakom, a tranquil backwater destination on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird watchers with its diverse avian species, including migratory birds like Siberian cranes and herons. Optionally, pamper yourself with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage at a reputed spa in Kumarakom, known for its therapeutic treatments and serene ambiance.

Day 6: Kumarakom - Alleppey

After breakfast, proceed to Alleppey, fondly called the Venice of the East, renowned for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. Board a traditional houseboat for an overnight cruise through the scenic backwaters of Alleppey. Relax as you glide past coconut palms, paddy fields, and quaint villages. Experience traditional Kerala hospitality on board, with delicious cuisine prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Witness a stunning sunset over the palm-fringed backwaters, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Day 7: Alleppey - Cochin (60kms)

Enjoy breakfast on the houseboat before disembarking at Alleppey and driving back to Cochin. Conclude your Kerala tour with a leisurely stroll through Fort Kochi, soaking in its historic charm and vibrant street art scene. Optionally, visit the Kerala Folklore Museum to delve deeper into the cultural heritage of Kerala, showcasing traditional artifacts, costumes, and performing arts.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 6 Nights' accommodation in 3-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.
  • 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 included in this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 6 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
Thekkady x 1 night: Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
Kumarakom x 1 night: Eastend Lake Song/ Abad Whispering Palm
Alleppey x 1 night: Deluxe Houseboat (AC During Night Only)

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