Tropical Kerala
14 Days
This relaxing journey explores laid-back southern state of Kerala, blessed with enchanting green landscapes of paddy fields, palm trees, golden beaches and forested hills. We experience old trading ports and idyllic backwaters along the coast to wild elephants and hill stations as also a spectacular Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu.
Tour Profile
We start our tour in Kochi, the centre of the Indian spice for many centuries, before heading inland to visit the hill station of Munnar - a cool and serene town full of tea and rubber plantations and surrounded by grasslands and verdant forests. Christianity and even Judaism have left their mark on these coastal regions but it is Hinduism that dominates and hence a huge and elaborately decorated temple at Madurai – a treat for the eyes and the soul. High in the Western Ghats, Periyar National Park is home to a huge variety of wildlife where even colourful birds of various species are in abundance. We finish by relaxing on the tropical beaches of Kovalam but not before cruising along the picturesque Kerala backwaters with an overnight stay on a houseboat.
Tour Highlights
- Fort Kochi - an amalgam of Old Portuguese, British and Dutch architectural treasure.
- Munnar - a cool and picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats.
- Meenakshi Temple - one of the largest temple-complexes in India.
- Thekkady - famous for its spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.
- Periyar – for its Wildlife Sanctuary with vast wildlife; particularly elephants.
- Alleppey – for a memorable houseboat cruise through its backwaters.
Tour Itinerary
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Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Kochi
Arrival in Kochi. Arrive at Kochi international airport. After a traditional welcome transfer to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free to explore the place. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 02 - Kochi
Sightseeing in Kochi. In the sightseeing programme of Fort Kochi today visit Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St Francis church. In the evening there is a possibility of an optional visit to watch Kathakali dance. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Munnar
Kochi – Munnar (130 km/3-4 hrs.). In the morning drive to Munnar, a beautiful hill station located approximately 1,600 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats. Rest of the day free after check in. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Munnar
Munnar Hiking Day. After an early breakfast drive to the tiny village of Nagarmudi where, accompanied by a local guide, start trekking into the Seven Malai hills. In the evening return to the hotel. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 05 - Madurai
Munnar – Madurai (160 km/6-7 hrs.). After breakfast leave Kerala behind and drive across the plains of Tamil Nadu to reach the colourful city of Madurai, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in India. Enjoy the free evening. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 06 - Madurai
Sightseeing in Madurai. The most famous sight in Madurai is the Meenakshi Temple, an outstanding example of Vijaynagar temple architecture. Visit this temple and Thirumalai Nayaka Palace in the sightseeing programme today. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 07 - Thekkady
Madurai – Thekkady (140 km/4-5 hrs.). This morning, leave Tamil Nadu to re-enter Kerala to reach a small town called Thekkady. After lunch there is short walk around a spice garden scheduled in the sightseeing programme. Evening is free to wander through the market. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 08 - Thekkady
Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary). In the early morning take guided a jungle-walk in Periyar National Park to look for elephants in their natural habitat. In the afternoon there is a possibility of an optional boat-ride on Periyar Lake. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 09 - Alleppey
Periyar – Alleppey (160 km/4-5 hrs.). After breakfast drive to Alleppey. Also known as Alappuzha, the town is a principal centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. Board houseboats and begin cruise until evening. Overnight Houseboat
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DAY 10 - Alleppey
Alleppey – Backwaters (Gaaby World). After a relaxing breakfast on the houseboats disembark and drive along the scenic Malabar coast to Gaaby World, a community homestay based at West Chennamkary in Kuttanad. Enjoy several options to spend the rest of the day. Overnight Home-stay
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DAY 11 - Kovalam
Backwaters – Kovalam (160 km/4-5 hrs.). Today drive to Kovalam, a resort extremely popular for its golden beaches. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm water ideal for sea bathing. Afternoon is free. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 12 - Kovalam
A free day to enjoy the idyllic soft sandy beaches and warm clear waters of Kovalam. There is also the opportunity to enjoy an optional day’s sightseeing tour by taxi from Kovalam to Kanyakumari, the extreme southern tip of India. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 13 - Kovalam
Kovalam A free day at the beautiful Kovalam beach or time for enthusiasts to do some last-minute shopping or enjoy fresh seafood available in many small beach restaurants. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 14 - Kovalam
Tour Concludes. Today check out from the hotel and transfer to the international airport of Trivandrum for onward flights to respective destinations.
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
