Exploration Kerala

Welcomed by a Kerala Travel Centre representative at the Calicut International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Calicut, the traditional capital of North Kerala, is a leading trade centre for spices on the west coast. Check into your hotel, relax and unwind. In the evening, visit the Hindustan Kalari Sangam, a traditional martial arts centre, where you can witness Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala. Overnight at the Kadavu resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Sultan Bathery in Wayanad. Set in the picturesque Western Ghats and mountains at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level, Sultan Bathery is littered with tropical rainforests, dense hills, rolling paddy fields, spice plantations and valleys. Wayanad is a hitherto undiscovered location offering breathtaking views. You can also visit the Edakkal Caves, a pre-historic rock shelter formed naturally from one boulder resting atop others to form a roof. Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway with full board and a vehicle at your disposal.

Today you visit the Wayanad sanctuary where you can find animals like sloth bears, sambhar (wild deer), elephants, monkeys, tigers, reptiles, panthers and many species of rare birds. In the afternoon, drive to Kuruva Island, an uninhabited cluster of islands in the middle of the expansive Kabini river. The island’s preservation and ecotourism is managed by the local population and the forest department. Your guide will navigate your way around the island and teach you about the general environment and ecology of the island. The guide can even take you to the less trodden paths you would have otherwise missed. Though you can tour Kuruva Island without a guide, the guide ensures you see the whole island and learn about its natural state. Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway with full board and a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Thalassery, or Tellicherry as the British christened it during their rule of India, a vibrant fishing town in the north of Calicut which is famous for the three C's- circus, cricket and cakes. It is known for being the first British settlement in Kerala and, needless to say, cakes and cricket were both introduced by the British. You will check into the majestic Ayesha Manzil, and then enjoy the colourful Theyyam dance in the temple near the resort. Have an evening of leisure. Overnight at the Ayesha Manzil with full board and a vehicle at your disposal.

Today you can visit the bustling fish markets of Tellicherry or visit the ancient fort built by the British. You also have the opportunity to drive to Muzhipillangad Beach - Kerala’s only drive-in beach. Drive along miles of virgin, white sands or laze on the beach and be mesmerized by the beauty of the place. In the evening, take part in a cooking demonstration by Faiza, your hostess, who is renowned for her Mopilla cuisine. Overnight at the Ayisha Manzil with full board and a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to the railway station to board a train to Cochin and enjoy a short journey through a beautiful rail route. A port town since early centuries, Cochin, also known as the spice coast of India, attracted traders and invaders from the world over. Needless to say, Cochin offers you some fascinating snippets of history and culture. In the evening you could go for a relaxing sunset cruise. Overnight at the Koder House with a vehicle at your disposal.

Go for a sightseeing tour to explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin; including, the Jewish Synagogue; St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India; the Santa Cruz Basilica, which was built in 1557 by the Portuguese; the Dutch Palace; the Spice Market; and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders. In the evening, visit an auditorium to watch the famous, traditional dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterised by intricate storytelling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Overnight at the Koder House with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Alleppey. Embark on your private houseboat, and cruise the backwaters - a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats, or Kettuvalloms, are luxurious boats with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm-fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings, it's the life along the coast that adds a touch of exotica to this experience. The locals travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods door-to-door in small, wooden boats. As you cruise along the backwaters, you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places, en route. Overnight on board with full board and a vehicle for your transfer.

Disembark from your houseboat at Kumarakom, and drive to Periyar - an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel, and go on a spice plantation tour where you will be enticed by the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg and learn how the spices are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. Overnight at Elephant Court with a vehicle at your disposal.

Enjoy a three-hour escorted jungle trek and spend the evening relaxing. Overnight at Elephant Court with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Kumarakom, the enchanting backwater region of Kerala, and check into your hotel. The labyrinthine network of rivers, canals, streams and lagoons which form the famed backwaters offer stunning views and is an ideal place to relax. Have a day of leisure. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Kovalam, one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala, and check into your hotel. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky headlands. The azure waters and favourable climate make Kovalam a favourite year-round destination for beach lovers. Overnight at Travancore Heritage with a vehicle at your disposal.

Have a relaxing day enjoying a relaxing full-body Ayurvedic massage. Overnight at Travancore Heritage with a vehicle at your disposal.

Departure transfer to Trivandrum airport for your return flight with a vehicle for your transfer.