Exploration South Kerala Tour

Welcomed by Kerala Travel Centre representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. 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. Relax and unwind at the hotel, and in the evening, enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise. Overnight at the hotel 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 story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Overnight at the hotel with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Munnar, a hill station located 1,600 metres above sea level. Once the summer resort of the British administration in South India, it still retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea plantations, most of which are privately owned. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar is an ideal getaway destination. Check into your hotel and unwind. Have the day to relax and enjoy the ambience of Munnar. Overnight at the resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

You have the option of visiting the tea museum or the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar mountain goat amongst others, or simply walk through the local enchanting tea estates and enjoy the serenity it provides. Overnight at the resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

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. Either relax the rest of the day or go on a spice plantation tour. On the spice plantations, you will be enticed by the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg and will learn how the spices are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride, where you will have the opportunity to sight elephants and other animals along the bank. Overnight at the resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

Today you have the option to go for a three-hour escorted jungle trek or engage in a full-day jungle trail involving bamboo rafting and treks. Enjoy a full-body, rejuvenating massage. Overnight at the hotel with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Kumarakom, and embark on your private houseboat. Cruise on 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, its the life along the backwaters that makes this a fascinating 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 enroute. Overnight on board full board with a vehicle at your disposal.

Disembark in the morning, and drive to the picturesque fishermen's village of Mararikulam. Check into your resort. Tucked away inside quiet and lush coconut groves, the resort is set in the pristine white sand beaches of the Marari and offers you unparalleled quiet in astoundingly beautiful settings. Marari has been inhabited by fishermen for millennia, and here you will find the authenticity and the breathtaking natural surroundings have been preserved carefully. Enjoy a day in the beach resort. Overnight at the resort.

Day at leisure on the beach. Bicycles can be organised for you, so you can go biking along the beautiful coastal backroads of Marari. The area offers breathtaking views and one can bike through the beautiful fishermen's villages right up to the Arthumkal Church, which is built by the sea. You can also visit the nearby Alleppey town and its bazaars and historical buildings. A visit to the coir factories around the village is also very interesting. Overnight at the resort.

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