Classic Tour - All Kerala

You will be welcomed by a Globe Travel Centre representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Cochin. Cochin is place that never ceases to amaze. Whichever direction you look, there's always a little piece of history lurking around, reminding you of the various cultures and people who have influenced the city. Once you have settled into your room, go on a sunset crise and watch from the estuary as Marine Drive comes alive with a million lights. Overnight at the Malabar 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, enjoy a performance of 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 Malabar House with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Alleppey, embark on a private houseboat, and 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 mesmerising 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, enroute. Overnight on board with full board and a vehicle for your transfer.

Disembark from your houseboat at 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. Experience a rejuvenating, full-body Ayurvedia massage to aid your relaxation. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon with a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Periyar, an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations and elephant and tiger 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 they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. . Relax the day adn explore the area. Overnight at the Elephant Court with a vehicle at your disposal.

This morning, you can Go on a three hour, escorted jungle trek. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in your resort. Overnight at the Elephant Court with a vehicle at your disposal.

This morning after breakfast, drive to Munnar - a hill station located 1,600 meters above sea level. Once the summer resort of the British administration in South India, Munnar 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 holiday destination. Check into your hotel and unwind. Have the day to relax and enjoy the ambience of Munnar. Overnight at the Ambady Estate 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. Continue from Guruvayoor to Athirapally, which is located near the entrance to the sholayar forest range. A shimmering expanse of tranquil beauty, the highlight of the area is viewing a 80-feet high waterfall. Check into the Rainforest Resort, which offers stunning views of the waterfall, and spend the rest of the day relaxing. 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'll 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.

Explore the Wayand sanctuary where you can see many different species of birds and animals. In the afternoon, drive to Kuruva Island, an uninhabited cluster of islands in the middle of Kabani River. Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway with full board and a vehicle at your disposal.

Drive to Thalassery, 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. Check into the majestic Ayesha Manzil. In the afternoon or evening, see the colourful and entrancing Theyyam dance in Kannur. Overnight at the Ayesha Manzil with full board with a vehicle at your disposal.

Explore the bustling fish markets of Tellicherry or visit the ancient fort built by the British. You also have the opportunity to drive to the fascinating Muzhipillangad Beach - Kerala’s only drive–in beach. Drive along miles of virgin, white sands or laze on the beach and be mesmerised 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. Today you can 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.