This short but comprehensive tour takes in plenty of Kerala’s major highlights, making it a good overview of this part of India, widely known as God’s Own Country.With stunning hill stations, exotic beaches, the backwaters and unique regional cuisine, Kerala is as close to paradise as you might have seen.
Arrival at Cochin
You’ll be met on arrival and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Settle in and relax, with any free time left unstructured for wandering in nearby markets and bazaars. Overnight stay in Fort Cochin
Fort Cochin
Historic Fort Cochin has a half-millennia of cultural gems waiting to be revealed. Places you’ll visit today on your guided tour of Fort Cochin include the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana), the synagogue at the heart of what is locally called Jew Town, (one of the oldest outside the Holy Land) and St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and the Chinese fishing nets which are an iconic sight along the edge of the harbour. Time later in the day for a cultural show if you are interested. Overnight in Fort Cochin.
Cochin - Munnar
Depart after breakfast and drive 4 hours to Munnar, heart of South India’s tea-growing industry with a lovely climate and expansive views when the weather is clear. En route visit waterfalls at Valera and Cheeyappara. In the afternoon, take a walk around a tea estate and enjoy the clear mountain air; overnight in Munnar
Munnar
A full day around Munnar can include a visit to the Tea Museum (much more interesting than it sounds!) plus a number of scenic viewpoints around the town. Further afield are Eravikulam National Park, home of endangered Nilgiri Thar, a very rare mountain goat endemic to this region, Rajamala - the highest peak in Munnar and Devikulam - a small hill station with exotic flora and fauna. Overnight in Munnar
Munnar - Periyar
A very scenic drive today to Periyar, which is less suited to tea-growing but perfect for spice cultivation. A must-do while you’re here is a tour of a spice garden to learn about the exotic spices we take for granted in our kitchens but whose origins are unknown to most people. Overnight in Periyar
Periyar - Alleppey
Descend from the Western Ghats to an entirely different environment on the plains below- the Alleppey backwaters. Head to a backwater resort or boutique accommodation and begin your exploration of the backwaters with an afternoon canoe ride. Overnight on the Alleppey backwaters.
Alleppey - Mararikulam
A short transfer across to the coast will see you reach your final destination, the beautiful Marari beach. While less well known than some of the famous beaches further south, Mararikulam (to give it its full name) retains a low-key charm with local fishermen a more common sight on the beach than tourists. Overnight at Mararikulam
Mararikulam
A full day on the beach- you might like to enjoy an Ayurveda massage at your accommodation, walk in the village or finish your trip with a day of complete relaxation. Overnight at Mararikulam
Mararikulam - Cochin Depart
Transfer 2 hours north to Cochin airport and connect with your flight home from there.
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