An Introduction to Kerala

Travel in Style though God's Own Country

Strewn with rivers, lagoons and meandering backwaters, covered in coconut groves and flanked by sunny, palm fringed beaches, Kerala truly is a small slice of paradise.

Exploring fishing villages where colourful boats stand in the harbour against a backdrop of Chinese fishing nets, unwind aboard your private traditional kettuvallam houseboat (a converted rice barge) as you sail through the uniquely quiet backwaters, and discover a world of exotic spices.

"Kerala is a very beautiful place, and we really feel that we saw it at its best by staying at such stylish and atmospheric hotels."

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An Introduction to Kerala

Day 1: KOCHI

Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Kochi (or Cochin) is set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas and has one of the best natural harbours in the world. It is one of the most unique and fascinating towns in India. Stay at The Old Harbour Hotel for two nights.

Day 2: KOCHI

Morning tour of Fort Cochin and a cruise through the harbour. In the evening you can watch a performance of Kathakali Dancing.

Day 3: THEKKADY

Transfer to Thekkady in the scenic foothills of the Western Ghats. Coffee and tea plantations spread across the hills and there are acres of rubber plantations. Thekkady is the ideal place to stay for a visit to Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Stay at Shalimar Spice Garden for two nights.

Day 4: THEKKADY

The Periyar Wildlife Reserve is one of the largest in India with elephant, sambhar, wild pig, flying squirrel and over 260 species of bird life. Today you will take a guided walk into the park in search of the wildlife.

Day 5: HOUSEBOAT

A short transfer takes you to the starting point of your houseboat cruise through Kerala's waterways and lagoons. This is the most romantic way of seeing one of the most beautiful areas of Kerala and you can relax and watch the world go by, sipping from a tender coconut and enjoying the sheer peace of the palm-fringed waterways. You spend the night on board the houseboat.

Day 6: KERALA BACKWATERS

Your next stop is a picturesque small village adjacent to Vembanad Lake. Stay at the Philip Kutty's Farm, An unpretentious Keralan homestay on a small island farm in the Kerala backwaters. The antique-filled open-plan cottages have lakeside views and breakfast is served on the verandas.

Days 7-8: MARARI BEACH

Transfer to Mararikulam, a village just south of Kochi with a beautiful white stretch of beach. The beach is still quiet and it is still possible to watch the fishermen bringing in the night's catch if you visit the beach in the early morning. Marari is an excellent place to soak up the sun and enjoy the sea. Stay at A Beach Symphony for two nights.

Day 9: KOCHI

Tour ends. Transfer to Kochi airport for your onward flight.

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Tour Route

Fact Finder for this Tour

Highlights
  • Meander the peaceful tropical waterways of Kerala by houseboat
  • Explore the tranquil palm-lined backwaters and traditional villages of Kerala
  • Chance to take a boat or walking safari into Periyar Wildlife Reserve
  • Visit the grand buildings, harbour and islands of colonial Kochi
  • End on the beach at Kovalam, the finest beach in South India
Duration

Departure

Daily from Kochi
Not advisable in May and June (due to uncomfortable heat)

Price

From 1615 USD per person - based on 2 people sharing

Inclusions
  • Accommodation on twin share basis at selected hotels
  • Stay on bed & breakfast basis; full board at Kumarakom and on the houseboat
  • English-speaking local guide for tour of Kochi
  • Kathakali dance performance
  • Jungle walk in Peryar National Park
  • Park entrance fees in Periyar National Park
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with private chauffeur
  • All transfers as per the itinerary
Tour price excludes
  • International flights
  • Entrance fees to historical monuments