Exceptionally beautiful and tranquil, the south Indian state of Kerala is characterised by meandering rivers, rice fields, spice plantations, verdant hills and palm-fringed beaches. This gently paced tour takes in the most captivating areas, including the charming port city of Kochi (Cochin) and the backwaters, which can be explored by boat for a wonderful glimpse into rural village life.

 

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Kochi
Arrive in Kochi, the historic centre of India’s spice trade. Transfer to the Taj Malabar (or similar) for 1 night. Afternoon cruise around Kochi harbour with a visit to Jew Town, the Chinese fishing nets and St Francis Church, which dates back to 1503. Continue to Mattancherry Palace, a gift from the Portuguese to the raja of Kochi in 1515.

Day 2 - To Thekkady
Morning drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady, a beautiful area of tea gardens, rubber estates and coffee and pepper plantations, located high in the Cardamom Hills. Stay overnight at Cardamom County (or similar). [B]

Day 3 - To Kumarakom
After breakfast, visit a spice garden where you will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of the spices are grown. Continue to Kumarakom along the backwaters and stay 2 nights at Kumarakom Lake Resort / Coconut Lagoon. In the evening , take a sunset boat trip on the waters of Lake Vembanad. [B]

Day 4 - Backwater cruise
Drive to Alleppey for a motorboat cruise through the narrow canals and inland waterways, seeing rural life that has changed very little over the centuries. [B]

Day 5 - To Kovalam
Drive to the coastal resort of Kovalam and stay 3 nights at the Taj Green Cove Resort (or similar). [B]

Day 6 - Kovalam
At leisure. [B]

Day 7 - Kovalam
At leisure. [B]

Day 8 - Depart Kovalam
Transfer from your hotel to the airport, to depart Kovalam. [B]


INCLUSIONS
•    Accommodation
•    Daily breakfast [B], lunches [L], & dinners [D] as specified in itinerary
•    Comfortable, air-conditioned transport, including flights (if mentioned in itinerary)
•    Arrival and departure transfer, regardless of day of requirement
•    Entrance fees for sights included in itinerary
•    Services of English-speaking tour manager/ local guides

EXCLUSIONS
•    Tipping, porterage, insurance, items of a personal nature
•    Optional touring, if any is available

Terms and Conditions

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