Best
of Kerala
Kerala is known locally as “God’s own Country” and in just a few days here you will see why. Lush, cool hills covered in forests and tea plantations, the famous backwaters, golden sand beaches, a taste of the culture and Kerala’s exotic cuisine are all part of the unique experience awaiting you in India’s south west corner.
10 days ... Cochin Munnar Periyar Kumarakom Alleppey Cochin
Day 1 On arrival at Cochin airport you’ll be met and assisted with the transfer to your hotel in historic Fort Cochin. Overnight in Fort Cochin.
Day 2 Sightseeing of Cochin takes in the many disparate cultural elements of this notable trading port - over the past five centuries influences from Arabia, China, Portugal, the Netherlands and Britain have all be brought to bear on Cochin and the legacy of these is clear to see. Later in the day you can take a boat cruise on Cochin Harbour and in the evening attend a cultural performance of traditional dance and martial arts. Overnight in Fort Cochin.
Day 3 Morning drive to Munnar, the heart of Kerala’s tea growing region and in the afternoon stroll in a tea plantation or venture further afield to visit Eravikulam National Park, one of the last refuges of the rare Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat endemic to these hills. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 4 Depart Munnar and drive for 3 hours to reach Periyar for lunch. Options for the afternoon will include a spice plantation tour, an easy-grade guided forest walk or a boat cruise on famous Periyar Lake. Overnight in Periyar.
Day
5 A full day in Periyar to explore the Wildlife Sanctuary by jeep or on foot - for the adventurous there is the opportunity to camp overnight in the jungle. Periyar Sanctuary covers over 750 square kilometres and features a wide array of habitats, making it an ideal home for mammals, birds and reptiles in vast numbers. Elephants and tigers are the most famous residents and the lucky few will possibly see these, but the smaller fauna is equally interesting and even a short forest walk near the town will likely bring you into contact with the beautiful Malabar Giant Squirrel - bigger than a domestic cat- and the unique Nilgiri Black Langur - a very noisy monkey! Overnight in Periyar.
Day 6 After breakfast drive down to Kumarakom and board your private Houseboat at noon. The backwaters of Kerala are world famous and your two days in this unique area will probably be a highlight of your trip. While on the boat you need do nothing other than sit back and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the backwaters - your crew will prepare delicious meals on board and attend to your every need. Overnight on board the houseboat.
Day 7 Your houseboat will dock directly outside your next accommodation - a unique Homestay right on the edge of the backwaters. From here you will have ample scope to explore even more deeply into this wonderful region- the miles of pathways which line the banks of the rivers and canals are perfect for walking or cycling, and for another view again you can be rowed, paddled and punted in a country boat (dugout canoe) by a local fisherman. This allows you to explore the myriad small streams and creeks which are unreachable on board the bigger houseboats. Overnight near Alleppey.
Day 8 Depart the backwaters, drive to the shores of the Arabian Sea and check in at a beachside resort - you need do nothing from here on in except relax, swim in the tepid, azure waters of the sea or in the pool, enjoy an Ayurvedic massage and soak up the sun. Overnight at a beach resort near Alleppey.
Day 9 Another day at the beach to enjoy massage, sun and sea, overnight near Alleppey.
Day 10 Transfer to Cochin airport for departure on international or domestic flight.
All our independent itineraries are completely flexible and can be customised to your requirements.
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