Overview
Discover some of Kerala’s stunning hill stations, backwaters & beach hideaways. Explore the backwaters and learn about local life along Kerala’s narrow canals and waterways. In this tour look for a rolling tea hills, looking for wildlife in Periyar and relax on the beaches of Kovalam.
Pit Stops
- UK – Cochin (3N)
- Munnar (2N)
- Periyar (2N)
- House Boat (1N)
- Kovalam (4N) – UK
Tour Includes
- International flights (and domestic flights if applicable).
- UK departure and overseas airport taxes.
- 12 nights in hotel and 1 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar).
- 25 meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 12 Dinners.
- Local Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Guided Excursions as described.
- Entrance fees unless otherwise stated.
Tour Highlights
- Admire the architecture of Santa Cruz Basilica.
- Walk through the tea plantations.
- Take a cruise on a traditional rice barge.
- Boat safari in Periyar National Park.
- Go behind the scenes and watch Kathakali actors prepare for their show.
Day By Day Itinerary
DAY 1 UK – COCHIN
Fly to Cochin.
DAY 2 COCHIN (D)
On arrival Cochin you will be welcomed and transferred to hotel Le Meridien Kochi. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
DAY 3 COCHIN (B/D)
After breakfast, we take city tour of colonial Cochin visit St Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. Wander through the Fort Kochi neighborhood with your guide, who will explain the city’s role in the spice trade. Then we head to Mattancherry Palace to check out the beautifully detailed murals that tell stories of ancient Hindu legends. Stroll along the waterfront to see fishermen working the Chinese fishing nets. Evening witness the Kathakali dance troupe and witness the dramatic costumes, bright makeup and lively music of this 17th-century classical dance form that originated in Kerala. Enjoy the extravagant performance that is unique to Kerala before travelling back to your hotel.
DAY 4 COCHIN – ATHIRAPALLY – COCHIN (B/D)
After early breakfast, enjoy a day at the stunning Athirapally Waterfalls. Boasting 80 ft (25 m) waterfalls, the Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River just 3 miles (5 km) from Valparai Hill Station. With an excellent tea estate, Valparai is one of India’s highest-density elephant habitats. Located between Parambikulam and Malayattur, the Athirapally Falls area includes the beautiful Chapra Falls and Vazhachal Falls as well. Those looking for adventure can trek to the base of the waterfalls by hiking along the mountain slopes. With slippery rocks and strong undercurrents nearby, the strenuous trail offers amazing views of the landscape and close-up views of the waterfalls. After spending the whole day at Athirapally, return back to Cochin.
DAY 5 COCHIN – MUNNAR (B/D)
Morning we leave for Munnar. On the way visit Kodanadu elephant care centre, Cheyyara waterfalls, Valara waterfalls, Attukadu waterfalls, Spice plantations etc. On arrival Munnar check in at Parakkat Nature Resorts.
DAY 6 MUNNAR (B/D)
Morning visit the Eravikulam national park (Raja Malai), mattupetty dam, eco point, spice plantation, kundale dam and top station. Then in the afternoon walk through the tea plantations is very flexible and can be tailor-made to suit your fitness level. Taste some tea this afternoon at a local factory where you can learn about the tea picking process.
DAY 7 MUNNAR – PERIYAR SANCTUARY (B/D)
Continue south to Periyar National Park today. Drive through panoramic western ghat hills covered with spice plantations and occasional view of waterfalls and streams. Throughout this journey you can enjoy different type of spice plantations like cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, clove etc. On arrival at Periyar check in at hotel Shalimar Spice Garden.
DAY 8 PERIYAR SANCTUARY (B/D)
Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake. The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature’s splendour and human innovation – an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and Savannah grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. This morning, before an afternoon walk through a local spice plantation.
DAY 9 PERIYAR – ALLEPPEY (B/L/D)
After breakfast we drive to Alleppey to take a boat cruise. On arrival Alleppey board your traditional private rice barge and spend your afternoon and evening relaxing as you float around the waterway. The scenery flashes up vivid contrasts of breath-taking greens and deep blues. A journey through the curving and winding backwaters of Kerala is an experience of returning to nature.
DAY 10 ALLEPPEY – KOVALAM (B/D)
After breakfast disembark Houseboat and drive to Kovalam. On arrival Kovalam check in at hotel Vivanta by Taj – Green Cove. Relax on the Palm lined beaches of Kovalam.
DAY 11 KOVALAM – TRIVANDRUM – KOVALAM (B/D)
After breakfast, we leave for city tour of Trivandrum. We visit the famous Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, a blend of Kerala and Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is noted for its mural paintings and stone carvings. Then we visit the Napier Museum building which combines the Mughal, Kerala, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. The building has a natural air-conditioning system. The museum offer glimpses of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and showcases an excellent collection of bronzes historic ornaments, ivory carvings and chariots, and life-size figurines of the Kathakali dancers in full costume.
DAY 12 KOVALAM (B/D)
After breakfast the day is free for your own leisure to relax on the beach.
DAY 13 KOVALAM (B/D)
After breakfast the day is free for your own leisure to relax on the beach.
DAY 14 KOVALAM – TRIVANDRUM – UK(B)
After breakfast transfer to Trivandrum airport to board your flight to UK. Arrive home today.
Group Departure Dates & Prices
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