Romance of Kerala
11 days - Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kovalam, Trivandrum
11 days - Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kovalam, Trivandrum
One of India’s great destinations, Kerala is a land of backwaters, fragrant spices, coconut groves, lush mangroves, and golden sandy beaches. We begin in Kochi (formerly Cochin); known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” due to its natural harbor being one of the finest. The fabric of this eclectic town is reflected in the colorful history of international traders who have left their impression over the centuries. Munnar, once a sleepy little hamlet, has developed into one of southern India's most important centers for the cultivation of tea, coffee, and spices. Encircled by lush wooded hills, it has crystal clear streams, waterfalls, and great wildlife viewing. The aroma of spice fills the air as you wind your way through carpets of tea bushes, tall rubber trees, coffee gardens, cardamom and pepper to Periyar. The game reserve here features unique wildlife and can be explored by motor launch. The backwaters of Kumarakom are a paradise of mangrove forests, paddy fields, and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. A highlight of any visit to Kerala is a cruise and overnight stay on a premium houseboat. Cruise to Alleppey as you navigate the backwaters, see local life unfold along the banks, and enjoy delicious meals served onboard. We finish the program in Kovalam, the tropical beach destination that is a favorite year-round spot for swimming, and has white sandy beaches, coconut trees, and coral reefs.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Kochi. Arrive at Kochi's Cochin International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Kochi. This morning discover the sights and sounds of Kochi city. Visits include the Dutch Palace Mattancherry Kottaram to see the astonishing murals that depict the entire Ramayana and Mahabharat, and Jewish Synagogue; the commonwealth's oldest, it was constructed in 1568 after allowing Jewish refugees from Jerusalem to settle here during the Crusades. In the evening enjoy a performance of Kathakali dances. (breakfast).
Day 3: Munnar. Depart by road for Munnar, sometimes referred to as the “Switzerland of India” because of its cooler climate and mesmerizing mountain scenery. (breakfast).
Day 4: Munnar. This morning visit Mattupetty Lake and dam. Here you can enjoy boating, or a trek in the Shola forests, dotted with pretty waterfalls and home to a variety of birds. Later drive around Munnar to explore the coffee and tea plantations. (breakfast).
Day 5: Periyar. Depart on an overland journey to Periyar, or Thekkady, located on the Tamil Nadu and Kerala border. The region is known as the "Spice Village of India" for its vast spice and tea gardens. This afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the lake of the famous Periyar Game Preserve to see wildlife such as elephants, Asiatic Deer, and Black Buck. (breakfast).
Day 6: Kumarakom. Drive to Kumarakom this morning. Situated on the bank of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is the most beautiful and picturesque backwater destination in Kerala. (breakfast).
Day 7: Alleppey. Experience the backwaters of Kerala aboard a premium houseboat. The backwaters are a network of 900 miles of canals both manmade and natural, 38 rivers, and 5 big lakes extending from one end of Kerala to the other. The houseboats (kettuvallom), used in early days for the transport of goods from isolated interior villages, are today converted and designed for comfortable cruising and overnight stays. Once aboard the boat cruise along the backwaters, winding your way past magnificent landscapes, coconut trees, lush green paddy fields, and small villages. Spend overnight aboard your boat. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 8: Kovalam. After breakfast on board, disembark and proceed by road to Kovalam. Kovalam is one of the finest beach destinations of South India, and famous for its clean and beautiful golden beaches and enchanting surroundings of swaying coconut palms. (breakfast).
Day 9: Trivandrum/Kovalam. Embark on an excursion to nearby Trivandrum. Capital of Kerala, it is an ancient city dating back to 1,000 BC. Explore this fascinating city, afterwards returning to Kovalam to enjoy the beach. (breakfast).
Day 10: Kovalam. Today is free to enjoy the beach and azure waters that are ideal for swimming. There are many restaurants serving both western and Indian cuisine, and the grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns, and calamari are fresh from the sea. Also available are Ayurvedic massage centers, and water sport facilities. (breakfast).
Day 11: Kovalam. Transfer to the airport in Trivandrum for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (10), one lunch, and one dinner.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,050.
Day 1: Kochi. Arrive at Kochi's Cochin International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Kochi. This morning discover the sights and sounds of Kochi city. Visits include the Dutch Palace Mattancherry Kottaram to see the astonishing murals that depict the entire Ramayana and Mahabharat, and Jewish Synagogue; the commonwealth's oldest, it was constructed in 1568 after allowing Jewish refugees from Jerusalem to settle here during the Crusades. In the evening enjoy a performance of Kathakali dances. (breakfast).
Day 3: Munnar. Depart by road for Munnar, sometimes referred to as the “Switzerland of India” because of its cooler climate and mesmerizing mountain scenery. (breakfast).
Day 4: Munnar. This morning visit Mattupetty Lake and dam. Here you can enjoy boating, or a trek in the Shola forests, dotted with pretty waterfalls and home to a variety of birds. Later drive around Munnar to explore the coffee and tea plantations. (breakfast).
Day 5: Periyar. Depart on an overland journey to Periyar, or Thekkady, located on the Tamil Nadu and Kerala border. The region is known as the "Spice Village of India" for its vast spice and tea gardens. This afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the lake of the famous Periyar Game Preserve to see wildlife such as elephants, Asiatic Deer, and Black Buck. (breakfast).
Day 6: Kumarakom. Drive to Kumarakom this morning. Situated on the bank of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is the most beautiful and picturesque backwater destination in Kerala. (breakfast).
Day 7: Alleppey. Experience the backwaters of Kerala aboard a premium houseboat. The backwaters are a network of 900 miles of canals both manmade and natural, 38 rivers, and 5 big lakes extending from one end of Kerala to the other. The houseboats (kettuvallom), used in early days for the transport of goods from isolated interior villages, are today converted and designed for comfortable cruising and overnight stays. Once aboard the boat cruise along the backwaters, winding your way past magnificent landscapes, coconut trees, lush green paddy fields, and small villages. Spend overnight aboard your boat. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 8: Kovalam. After breakfast on board, disembark and proceed by road to Kovalam. Kovalam is one of the finest beach destinations of South India, and famous for its clean and beautiful golden beaches and enchanting surroundings of swaying coconut palms. (breakfast).
Day 9: Trivandrum/Kovalam. Embark on an excursion to nearby Trivandrum. Capital of Kerala, it is an ancient city dating back to 1,000 BC. Explore this fascinating city, afterwards returning to Kovalam to enjoy the beach. (breakfast).
Day 10: Kovalam. Today is free to enjoy the beach and azure waters that are ideal for swimming. There are many restaurants serving both western and Indian cuisine, and the grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns, and calamari are fresh from the sea. Also available are Ayurvedic massage centers, and water sport facilities. (breakfast).
Day 11: Kovalam. Transfer to the airport in Trivandrum for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (10), one lunch, and one dinner.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,050.
Our deluxe India tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
