Classic North Kerala tour

You will be welcomed by a Globe Travel Centre representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Cochin. Often referred to as the spice capital of the world, Cochin's spice trade can be traced back to the time of the pharaohs and the pyramids. As you walk the streets of Cochin, you can feel the aroma of these spices wafting in the breeze. Check into your hotel, relax for a while, and as the dusk falls, go on an enchanting sunset cruise to glimpse the city silhoutted against a starlit sky. Overnight at the Koder house with a vehicle at your disposal.

This morning, you can 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 Koder House with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Athirapally and enroute visit 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 entrance is a fascinating experience. The charm of Athirampally and Vazhachal waterfalls cannot be described in words. Perched high above the sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's fames rain forests, the Athirampally waterfalls provide a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. Relax amidst the scenic attractions of Vazhachal. Overnight at the Rainforest Resort with a vehicle at your disposal.

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

Visit the Wayanad sanctuary to see 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 the eco tourism is managed by the local population living and the forest department. Your guide will navigate you around the island while explaining the general environment and ecology of the island. He can even take you to the less trodden paths you would have otherwise missed. Though you can tour Kuruva Island without alone, the company of an experienced guide ensures you see the full island and makes it an educational trek. Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway with full board and a vehicle at your disposal.

In the morning, go for a guided trek in the Wayanad sanctuary. Later, explore the 3,000-year-old Thirunelly temple located near the Papanashini stream. This temple is devoted to Vishnu, one of the primary dieties of Hinduism. Spend the rest of the day relaxing. 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 time of their rule of India, a vibrant fishing town in the north of Calicut.Tellicherry 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. The city is famous all over today for its bakeries and cakes. It is also rich in the culture and traditions of North Kerala. Today, you will also visit the bustling fish markets in Tellicherry. You'll stay in the majestic Ayesha Manzil hotel. Built in 1862 by an English gentleman called Murdoch Brown, this mansion by the sea still retains its colonial charm. Overnight at the Ayesha Manzil with full board and a vehicle at your disposal.

Experience the bustling fish markets of Tellicherry or visit the ancient fort built by the British. You could also 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 cookery 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 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 temple of martial arts, where traditional training in Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala, takes place. Spend the evening relaxing. 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.