10 Nights Keralan Odyssey

Welcome to Kochi, the most fascinating city of Kerala. On arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Kochi is the magnificent entry to Kerala and has been featured in National Geographic Travellers “50 greatest places of a lifetime.” Spread over several islands and historically rich in culture with booming industries, the city is a fantastic beginning to exploring the vivacious diversity of Kerala.

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Unlock Kochi’s history by embarking on a morning sightseeing tour that will take you into the heart of this magnificent and beautiful city. The Dutch, British, French and Portuguese have all left their outstanding imprint with beautiful architecture. You will visit Fort Cochin, which has been a cherished sea port for centuries, Vasco Da Gama Square and Santa Cruz Basilica. Continue to St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest European church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars. Vasco da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon. Proceed to the VOC Gate, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and marvel at Mattancherry Palace’s murals depicting the Ramayana and Puranic legends.

Intriguingly, the only traces of China’s influence are the gigantic nets, ‘cheenavalas’ from 1350. According to Diplomat Ma Haun, “The fishermen are tourist-friendly and will happily let you join them.” And his observation still rings true today. You will learn about their very unusual fishing method, operated from the shore. In the afternoon, experience your very own pièce de résistance with a cooking class from a renowned local TV personality. At lunch, enjoy the flavours of Keralite cooking.

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Check out after a hearty breakfast and drive to Munnar over rugged hills, rolling oceans of tubby green tea bushes, through luscious grasslands, before passing the Pallivasal tea estates. This will be your first glimpse of Munnar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

At a height of 1,500 metres, set amidst mountains once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar is a bustling hub of tea plantations. Prepare to be captivated by its dense carpet of tea, sprinkled with Acacias and Red Gum trees, and delighted by its freshly brewed cuppas.

Enrote to Munnar take a break for Spice Plantation tour - Munnar is the heaven of spices and this spice tour will leave your senses tingling with joy. Wander in the captivating farms and witness the plantation of spices like black pepper, cardamom, ginger, curcuma, cinnamon, etc.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

Continue with a full day sightseeing of Munnar, watching the mountain goats in the Rajamalai wildlife Sanctuary. Then head to the the Kannan Devan Hills, the perfect getaway with panoramic views of the Munnar Tea Estates and the lake. After lunch you will proceed to Mattupetty, with the rare chance of seeing a herd of wild elephants on the way to Mattupetty Dam.

Next up is the Tea Museum’s photographs and machinery during the revolution of the industry, which includes the original tea roller, the ‘Rotovane,’ and the ‘Pelton Wheel’. Today you will also experience the Kathakali & Martial Arts show.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the spice capital and check into your next hotel. Along the way you will also explore Thekkady. The afternoon is at your leisure. Feel free to walk through the spice market in the Kumily Village. Make sure you leave room in your suitcase for the finest cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace!

First up is the Kathakali, a mixture of art, music, dance and drama, with majestic costumes, elaborate makeup, and mythological stories. Kalaripayattu is the oldest form of martial arts, with elaborate movements and the sounds of slashing swords. Return to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY

Post breakfast at the hotel, step out for a blissful day in the natural heaven for wildlife.

Tourists rush from all over the country to experience the exotic wildlife at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is amidst dense forests and make way for thrilling mountain walks. Experience boating in the lake where you can spot many more interesting species of animals as you admire the beauty called Thekkady.

After spending quality time with nature, head to the Tribal Heritage Museum which features different types of artifacts displaying the culture, dressing, rituals, etc. of the Mannan settlement. You can also check out the spice market in the Kumily Village and pick fresh aromatic cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace from the market.

OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY

Post breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart to Alleppey via Kuttikanam which is a hill station in Idukki district and is best known for trekking and adventure sports.

You can explore the cardamom and tea plantations which surround the entire place. Later head to Alleppey and experience the memorable cruise through the iconic backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey is the most popular backwater cruising destination in Kerala and is termed as “Venice of the East”. Kerala claims its title as ‘God’s Own Country’ due to its captivating charm and wonder.

Your comfortable and luxurious house boat will take you through paddy fields and lined up coconut trees. Indulge in some traditional Kerala cuisines served on board made with various tasty spices and flavours.

Marvel the Chinese fishing nets, ancient temples, rustic buildings, paddy fields and swaying coconut trees along the coastline. Having experienced an overnight stay in a houseboat, you have lived a perfect vacation in Kerala.

OVERNIGHT ON THE HOUSEBOAT

After a mesmerising stay in the houseboat, it’s time to check out and proceed to the hotel in Poovar (Enroute to Poovar visit Hawa Beach in Kovalam).

Ever imagined ending your holiday on an island paradise of your own? Here in Poovar that is exactly what you will find. This nirvana is tipped as one of the ‘50 must visit’ places in India by ‘National Geographic Traveler’, with its coconut trees and endless golden sands. Shrouded in pristine Kerala backwaters, flanked by the Arabian Sea on the East and the enchanting towering Ghats to the West, along with a heavenly beach, Poovar Island is your very own Indian Idyll. How about reclining on the gorgeous nearby beach, swimming in translucent waters or simply unwinding with a relaxing body massage? Your perfect end to India!.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

Spend a full day at leisure sunbathing on the golden sands of Poovar Beach. The estuary shimmers in spades of wow factor where the river, sea and lake meet the land.

A complimentary hour long boat can be organised at Poovar Lake, where you can find golden sandy beaches meeting the estuaries and mangroves.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

Breakfast is at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. End your holiday on this wonderful paradise by treating yourself to an Ayurvedic Massage, where the body is revived and the soul replenished. Included is a full body session at the hotel or a nearby spa. Please book your slot.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. A beautiful souvenir is the perfect way to end such a magical holiday. Take home a silk sari or handmade version, its motif conveying Kerala’s everlasting memories.

BOARD YOUR RETURN FLIGHT HOME

"Every journey is in itself a pilgrimage. Because wherever you go, you see what God created."

– An ancient Chinese proverb.

When you find yourself in the backwaters of Kerala, in southern India, you'll be astounded at how appropriate that saying is with the scenery before you. It’s not without reason that Kerala is known as‘God’s own country’. A paradise, nestled between the Western Ghats and the overwhelmingly beautiful Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, Kerala has a little bit of everything that India has to offer.

"Right from the pristine beaches full of colourful and rich culture to delectable cuisines for you to savour, this is one holiday you must make to not just experience but rejuvenate yourself." – Lonely Planet, India 2011.

This incredible journey begins with return international flights from the UK, taking the hassle out of your travel planning. You'll enjoy a two-night stay in the vibrant city of Kochi, giving you ample time to explore the rich culture and attractions of Kerala's dynamic city. From there, you'll head to the serene tea fields of Munnar for a two-night stay in a Superior Tea View Room. In Munnar, you'll take a tour of the Tea and Spice Plantation, complete with tea tasting, and visit a tea museum. Then, it's on to Thekkady, where you'll stay for two nights, enjoying access to the lush Periyar Sanctuary. Don't miss the chance to experience wildlife up-close on a bamboo raft or motor boat!

The trip continues with a unique night aboard an air-conditioned houseboat, where you'll be treated to all three meals, including a complimentary bottle of wine. You will experience the local culture by attending performances of Kathakali dances and Kalaripayattu martial arts in Munnar. Afterwards, you'll head to the picturesque town of Poovar for a rejuvenating three-night stay. While there, pamper yourself with a full-body massage and keep yourself fit with an hour of trekking.

Throughout the journey, your sightseeing and transfers will be handled by a private air-conditioned sedan car, driven by an English-speaking chauffeur. An English-speaking local guide will be available for certain excursions to ensure you don't miss any details. Entrance fees for monuments and sightseeing places are covered as part of the package. During your hotel stays, breakfast and dinner are included, and you'll receive one mineral water bottle per person each day to keep you refreshed. Attractions such as Fort Kochi Beach, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, and the Jewish Synagogue are also included in this immersive itinerary.

And when you can do all of this for as little as only £1299 per person, that's almost half what it usually costs, you surely need no reason to pack your bags and find yourself on the ultimate holiday.

• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Gratuities
• Optional Activities / Highlights
• Meals and drinks not specifically stated as included

• You will need to arrange a visa, the easiest is to apply for a tourist e-visa - our link is to the official Government site: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
• We recommend that you buy a travel Insurance as any costs incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc. are not included and will be passenger’s responsibility.
• The package is non-refundable for any inclusion items not used/taken
• Bamboo Rafting inside Periyar wildlife sanctuary is subject to availability.
• Jewish Synagogue & Dutch Palace will be closed on Fridays and Saturdays (Day 2).
• Rajamalai National Park is closed from 15th January till 1st April every year, so in that period on the way to Munnar we will give a complimentary visit to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary which is also know as Salim Ali bird sanctuary or travellers can visit Top Station in Munnar on Day 4.
• Travellers are requested to carry documents at the time of checking out from each hotel.
• Exclusions & Terms
• Any additional meals not mentioned in the package
• Room service charges, Telephone calls, laundry charges, tips of personal nature
• And anything not specifically mentioned in the package inclusions section
• Meals will generally be buffet meals unless otherwise stated to you on the confirmation.
• Accommodation will be on double sharing Basis unless otherwise stated
• Free Room Upgrades depending on availability
• Travel advice
• Kerala is generally considered a safe destination for tourists and with our tour you are escorted throughout.
• Dress moderately if visiting religious places.
• There are no compulsory vaccinations required, we do advise you to be up to date with regular vaccinations especially Hepatitus A and Typhoid.
• Local Sim cards can be purchased in the arrivals hall for reasonable data costs whilst in India.
• Stay hydrated
• India uses the same standard voltage as the UK, 230v although you will need a two round pin adaptor for the local sockets.