A relaxed and luxurious tour of Kerala, covering its major attractions; the vibrant port city of Cochin with its Dutch and Portuguese influences and the…
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Group Tour 8 days from £995 per person
Places Visited: Cochin, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kovalam
At the southern tip of India lies the oblong state of Kerala, aptly referred to as “God’s Own Country” for its miles of golden sandy beaches dotted with coastal villages, verdant landscapes of the Western Ghats, fragrant spice, tea and coffee plantations and its own vibrant culture.
Our Essence of Kerala tour commences with sightseeing in the historic Fort Cochin and Jew Town to see influences left by the Chinese, English, Dutch and Portuguese settlers. Enjoy sweeping views whilst journeying through the beautiful countryside towards Periyar National Park. Enjoy a nature walk and visit a spice plantation. Travel onward to the myriad of complex waterways that make up the backwaters of Kerala for an overnight stay on a traditional rice boat. A couple of days on the beach at Kovalam beckon, where the golden sands invite you to relax and swim before returning home.
Holiday Types
Cultural Holidays Wildlife Holidays River Cruising Holidays Luxury Train Holidays Family Holidays Honeymoons Beach Holidays Adventure Holidays
Travel Arrangements
- Group Size 6 -12 people
- Internal Travel Arrival & departure transfers. Internal travel by road and rail
- Accompanying Guide English-speaking guides. Accompanying tour escort when minimum group size achieved
- Accommodation 7 nights
- Meal Plan Breakfast daily. Lunch on days 2, 3, 5. Dinner on day 5
Itinerary for Essence of Kerala
Day 1
Cochin
Greeted on arrival in Cochin and escorted to the Killians Boutique Hotel or similar for two nights. Should you arrive in time, after a short rest at your hotel, you will enjoy a trip to a local toddy shop to learn about how drink's history and how it is brewed, sampling some of the shop's favourites.
Day 2
Cochin
Spend the morning taking in the sights of historic Fort Cochin. Explore the colonial streets and St Francis, the oldest church in India. Visit the Dutch Palace, with its murals of the Ramayana. In the evening take a sunset cruise on the harbour, a signature Kerala experience, for views of the landmark Chinese fishing nets, which provide a spectacular photo opportunity at dusk.
Accommodation Options
Day 3
Cochin, Periyar National Park
Drive along meandering roads through lush, green countryside ascending into the ‘Western Ghats’ at Periyar (5 hours). Enjoy lunch at a rubber plantation. Stay at the Cardamom County Resort or similar for two nights. In the evening attend a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance drama in which the dancers wear elaborate costumes and make-up to enact the story of the Mahabarat epic.
Day 4
Periyar National Park
This morning take a walk in Periyar Nature Reserve with tribal trackers, in search of wildlife. In the afternoon visit a spice plantation which offers an interesting insight into how various spices such as cardamom, cloves and cinnamon are grown, cultivated and processed.
Accommodation Options
Day 5
Periyar National Park, Alleppey
Drive down through the hills and plantations towards the backwaters to board a rice boat for an overnight cruise through Lake Vembanad and the backwaters. This is a region that not only shelters unique animal and bird life, but also lush paddy fields. This is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Accommodation Options
Day 6
Alleppey, Kovalam
Drive to the southern coastal town and the inviting beaches at Kovalam. Stay at the local styled Travancore Heritage or similar for two nights.
Day 7
Kovalam
Day at leisure.
Accommodation Options
Day 8
Kovalam, Trivandrum
Travel to Trivandrum airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation Options
Group Tour 8 days from £995 per person
What's included
✓ 7 nights accommodation
✓ Arrival & departure transfers. Internal travel by road and rail
✓ English-speaking guides. Accompanying tour escort when minimum group size achieved
✓ Breakfast daily. Lunch on days 2, 3, 5. Dinner on day 5
✓ Entrance fees at monuments. Escorted walks in Periyar
Holiday Extensions for this tour
Essence of Kerala - Kovalam
4 days, 3 nights from £235 per person
Single supplement £ 150 per person
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Day 8, 9, 10
Kovalam
Stay for an additional three nights at the Travancore Heritage Hotel. Remain at leisure.
Accommodation
Day 11
Kovalam, Trivandrum
Travel to Trivandrum airport for your onward flight.
2024 tour prices for Essence of Kerala
| DEPARTURE DATE | PRICE PER PERSON | SINGLE ROOM supplement | AVAILABILITY | |
| Sat 13 Jan 2024 | £1035 | £475 | Please call us | |
| Sat 03 Feb 2024 | £1035 | £475 | Please call us | |
| Sat 17 Feb 2024 | £1035 | £475 | Good | |
| Sat 16 Mar 2024 | £1035 | £475 | Good | |
| Sat 06 Apr 2024 | £1035 | £475 | Good |
Places and Experiences in this tour
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