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Kerala Culture, Nature, Backwaters and Beach
Kerala Culture, Nature, Backwaters and Beach
EK
Deposit: £125 per person

 

Other Departures: Manchester - £2529pp, Birmingham - £2525pp, Edinburgh - £2555pp

 

Hotel featured or Similar
Kochi - The Eighth Bastion, Fort Kochi 4*
Thekkady - Spice Village 4*
Kumarakom - Coconut Lagoon 4*
Mararikulam - Marari Beach Resort 5*

Itinerary:
Tue 05 Mar 24 - Arrive Kochi
Arrive at Kochis International airport this Morning at 0820 hrs. Welcome to India !!!
Meeting and assistance upon arrival at the airport as soon as you come out from the main hall after you clear all formalities. Special welcome awaits at the airport with nice garlands of marigold flowers.
After meet at greet at the airport you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. Rest day is free for independent activities.
Check in time is 1400 hrs at the hotel. (we shall try to provide room as soon as possible subject to availability of room on that particular day) Later check into the Hotel with rest day free till evening.
Kochi - is one of the cosmopolitan cities of Kerala which is also known as God's Own Country and famous for its green pastures with beautiful landscapes. This city houses the very famous port which is known for its world class standards and facilities. With economic and social development this place has become one of the most happening places in Kerala.


Wed 06 Mar 24 - In Kochi
Breakfast at the Hotel. Post Breakfast proceed for a half day city tour of Kochi city with your guide visiting Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue, and Mattancherry Palace / Dutch Palace.
Jewish Synagogue - built in 1568, almost 1500 years after the beginning of the Jewish connection with Kerala. It was built on the land, adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace, given by the erstwhile king of Cochin. The synagogue, the oldest in the Commonwealth, was built by the Jewish community of Cochin.
Dutch Palace - also known as Mattancherry Palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese as a present to the king of Cochin around 1545. The palace was built to appease the king after they plundered a temple nearby. The landing of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer at Kappad in 1498 was welcomed by the Kochi rulers. They were given exclusive right to construct factories. The Portuguese repulsed the repeated attacks of the Zamorians and the Cochin Rajas practically became vassals of the Portuguese. The influence of the Portuguese were supplanted by the Dutch and they took over Mattancherry in 1663. Subsequently, the area was taken over by Hyder Ali and later by the British Est India Company. Later proceed to visit St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica.
St. Francis Church - Saint Francis Church, in Fort Kochi, originally built in 1503, is one of the oldest European churches in India and has great historical significance as a witness to the European colonial ambitions in the subcontinent.
Post visit return to the Hotel for some rest and relax.
This evening you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to a local theatre where you will witness Kerala's fascinating Dance show Kathakali Dance. It will take approx. an hour or little longer.
Later return to the Hotel for overnight stay.


Thu 07 Mar 24 - Kochi Thekkady (Drive: 153 kms / 4 hrs approx )
Breakfast at the Hotel. Later drive to Thekkady. The journey will take approx. 4 hrs to reach Thekkady.
Upon arrival check into the Hotel with a rest day is free.
Thekkady - also known as Periyar, the town is located in the southern-most state of Kerala is one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the country.
Periyar is one of the sixteen Project Tiger reserves in India. Also, a notable elephant reserve, the region is blessed with various species of the animal kingdom including rare and endangered flora and fauna. Located in the Cardamom Hills, the sanctuary covers rolling hills, grasslands, and the merge of the Periyar and Pamba Rivers. Wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world seek Periyar tours to enjoy an adventure expedition in the nature-blessed region.
Overnight at the Hotel.


Fri 08 Mar 24 - In Thekkady
This morning proceed with your guide for a soft walk in the forest to see wild animals. Return to the hotel later on for breakfast, Post breakfast, proceed for Game drive by boat in Periyar Lake to see wild animals by common boat on seat sharing basis. Return to the Hotel after that to relax or enjoy facilities available in the Hotel on own cost.
This afternoon after having lunch (on own cost) proceed for a Spice Plantation visit in & around Periyar.
Periyar Spice and Ayurvedic Garden is an ISO 9001-2015 Certified service and there are different spices cultivated in various sections of this spice every plantation which adds a beautiful aroma to the region. A wide range of spices like Cardamom, Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg etc. and Herbs like Aloe Vera, Red Sandal, Amla, Lemon, Grass, Eucalyptus, Vetrivert, etc. and a wide range of Orchids and flowers. An immense bird watching opportunity are always encountered with this spice plantation visit. As a tourist on a Kerala holiday, you are even allowed to taste these various spices, while breathing the fragrant air. The area is also covered by tea estates surrounded by dense forests, which are also a favourite tourist attraction. Tea of various types and qualities are found here. Post return to the Hotel for rest and relax.
Evening you will enjoy cooking demonstration by a special Chef at the Hotel itself at no extra cost. Overnight at the Hotel.


Sat 09 Mar 24 - ThekkadyKumarakom (Drive:145 kms / 4 hrs approx.)
Breakfast at the Hotel. Post breakfast drive to Kumarakom. The journey will take around 4 hours to reach Kumarakom. On the way to Kumarakom you can have a look of various spice plants on both sides of the road including big rubber trees.
Upon arrival check into your hotel. Evening is free to relax in the or enjoy Ayurveda treatment at the Hotel on own cost. Overnight.
Kumarakom - Nestled along the beautiful Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is among the must-visit places in Gods Own Country, Kerala. Named as one of the top 15 beautiful spots in the world by National Geographic magazine, the backwater town is a slice of paradise on earth. Kumarakom Tours is ideal for nature lovers. The stretch of the backwater here is home to many species of birds that inhabit the popular bird sanctuary. Furthermore, the houseboat ride here is a blissful experience. In addition, Ayurveda is a way of life here and indulging in the magic of the ancient science rejuvenates the body, mind and soul.
Kumarakom is basically a cluster of islands on the Vembanad Lake. The beauty is beyond words and the main attraction that brings visitors to this haven. Kumarakoms beautiful paradise is dotted with a network of enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies, coconut groves swaying in the breeze, mangrove forests, and lush paddy fields. The beauty of the land is the reason of its immense popularity.


Sun 10 Mar 24 - Board Houseboat ( Casinos Houseboat)
Optional - Morning after early tea/coffee at the Hotel you can proceed to visit Bird sanctuary where you can have a glance to many species of birds that inhabit the in this popular bird sanctuary.
Bird Sanctuary -Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary spread across 14 acres is one of the best places in India and the world to indulge in bird watching. A favourite haunt of migratory birds the thrill of spotting a number of species of avians in their natural habitats is simply amazing. Egrets, herons, teal, waterfowl, darters, cuckoo, wild duck and many more, make the sanctuary their home. Among the migratory birds, the popular ones visiting are the Siberian stork that live in Central Asia and fly to the reserve in the winter months. There huge number of the visiting flocks are a fascination for visitors. A boat trip is the best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary.
Breakfast at the Hotel. Later transfer to Kumarakom Jetty to Board the Houseboat.
Cruise through narrow lakes and canals towards Alleppey. Enjoy backwater onboard the houseboat. Enjoy lunch, Tea/coffee & Snack on board.
Dinner and Overnight on Board the houseboat.


Mon 11 Mar 24 - Alleppey - Mararikulam (Drive: 60kms/ 1 hour approx.)
Breakfast on board. Later cruise towards Alleppey Jetty and deboard the houseboat. Rejoin the car and transfer to Mararikulam and upon arrival check into your hotel with rest day is free to relax on the beach / Hotel to use facilities available on own cost.


Tue 12 Mar 24 - Wed 13 Mar 24 - In Mararikulam
Breakfast at the Hotel. Rest days are free to relax on the beach., Overnight at the Hotel.
Thu 14 Mar 24 - Mararikulam-Kochi (Drive:approx. 1 hour)- Dubai (EK 531 @ 0940-1210 hrs)
After an early tea/coffee at the Hotel transfer to Kochi airport ( approx. an hour drive) to connect with your onwards flight to Dubai by Emirates Airlines
departs at 0940 hrs.


The above cost does not include:
• Any expenses of personal nature like table drink( soft & hard), laundry, telephone calls, Visa fee, camera fee etc.
• Any tip to Driver and Guide
• Any travel insurance
• Visa Fees
• Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the above Tour Itinerary.



Offer Includes

  • Return flights from London Heathrow
  • Airport taxes
  • 8 nights accommodation in the hotels as per itinerary with breakfast basis
  • 1 night on houseboat on full board basis
  • All transfers, sightseeing and excursions using A/c Innova Car
  • Services of a local English speaking guide during the visit mentioned in the Tour Itinerary
  • Mineral water bottle during the tour (One bottle per person per day basis)
  • Park visit in Thekkady by boat with naturalist
  • Morning soft walk in the Periyar Jungle with the guide
  • One time Monument entry fee at all the places of visit
  • Spice plantation visit in Periyar with the naturalist
  • Witness Kathakali dance show in Cochin
  • Kerala Cooking demonstration at the Spice Village Resort
  • All currently applicable taxes
  • If any tax / surcharge levied extra in future, shall be charged separately ( We shall update you for the same well in time before the arrival.
  • Basic porterage at the airport & Hotels ( not tips)
  • Any other meals or services not mentioned in the above Itinerary

Meal Plans

  • As per Itinerary