Family tour - North Kerala

You will be welcomed by a Globe Travel Centre representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Cochin. The city, fondly referred to as the Queen of Arabian Sea, has a long history behind it - it was Little Lisbon to the Portuguese, Homely Holand to the Dutch and Mini England to the British. Relax and unwind in the comfort of your hotel room. In the evening, go on a sunset cruise to catch a glimpse of the city's skyline at dusk. 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 Athirapally. The charm of Athirapally and the Vazhachal waterfalls cannot be described in words. Perched high above the Sholayar forest, theAthirapally Falls overlook the fringes of Kerala's famed rainforests. TheAthirapally waterfalls provide a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. Enjoy a quiet family picnic at Vazhachal, a picnic spot which is a short drive fromAthirapally. Have the rest of the day to relax. Overnight at the Rainforest Resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

Take a day excursion to Guruvayoor, the temple town near Thrissur. One of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres in Kerala, the main attraction in Guruvayoor is the Sree Krishna Temple. Though non-Hindus are not permitted inside the temple, exploring the streets leading to the main temple entrances is a quite fascinating experience. Get close to elephants at the Punnathoor Kotta Elephant Stable which houses more than 60 temple elephants. Overnight at the Rainforest Resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Sultan Bathey, set in the picturesque Western Ghats and mountains at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level. Littered with tropical rain forests, dense hills, rolling paddy fields, spice plantations and valleys, Wayanad is a hitherto undiscovered location offering breathtaking views. Spend the rest of the day discovering the enchanting rainforests. Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway with full board and a vehicle at your disposal.

This morning visit the Edakkal Caves. The Edakkal Caves are not true caves but are a pre-historic rock shelter formed from one boulder resting atop two others to form a roof. Later visit the Wayanad sanctuary where you will see sloth bears, sambhar (wild deer), elephants, monkeys, tigers, reptiles, panthers, and many species of rare birds. Later, enjoy a rejuvenating full-body Ayurveda massage. Please note, children under 11 years of age are not permitted to have Ayurveda massages for medical reasons. Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway with full board and a vehicle at your disposal.

Visit the Kuruva Island, an uninhabited cluster of islands in the middle of the expansive Kabini river. The island’s preservation and eco-tourism are managed by the local population and the forest department. You will have a guide who navigates your way around the island and teaches you about its environment and ecology. He can even take you to the less trodden paths you would have otherwise missed. Though you can tour Kuruva Island alone, the company of an experienced guide ensures you experience the whole island and learn about the islands natural state. Relax at the hotel afterwards. 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 the times of the Raj), a vibrant fishing town in the north of Calicut which is famous for the 3 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. Check into the majestic Ayesha Manzil. In the evening take part in a cooking demonstration by Faiza, your hostess, who is renowned for her Mopilla cuisine. Overnight at the Ayesha Manzil with full board and a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Neeleshwar Hermitage in Neeleshwaram which is reminiscent of the typical villages in Kerala. Closely resembling the huts found in the rural areas, Neeleshwar Hermitage is refreshingly different from the more formal places of stay. The resort faces a beautiful stretch of beach where you can spend the day relaxing. Enjoy a family bicycle ride through the traditional coastal villages and see how boats and nets are made and repaired. Overnight at the Neeleshwar Hermitage with a vehicle provided for your transfer.

Enjoy a day of leisure. Overnight at the Neeleshwar Hermitage hotel.

You can spend the day at leisure. Overnight at the Neeleshwar Hermitage hotel.

Enjoy a day of leisure. Overnight at the Neeleshwar Hermitage hotel.

Drive to Calicut (Kozhikode). Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins, Hindu Eradi rulers of the area from the 12th to the 18th century, it is a historical town. Calicut was a significant port for trade and commerce in the early centuries, and Calico cotton is believed to have originated here. Enjoy a relaxing, full-body Ayurveda massage at the resort. In the evening, visit Hindustan Kalari Sangam, a facility that trains people in Kalaripayattu - the martial arts of Kerala. Spend the evening relaxing and exploring the resort. Overnight at the Kadavu Resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

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