9 Days Classic Tour of Kerala

On arrival at Cochin International Airport receive a warm welcome by our representative who will help you with transfer to the hotel.

Complete the check-in formalities and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (Standard check-in time is 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability).

Situated on the south-west coast of India, Kochi or Cochin is a bustling commercial port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. It is the perfect synthesis of the past and the present, the wars won and lost, the cultures gained and cherished, and the heart and soul of Kerala that stays resolute regardless of whoever inhabits these shores. The commercial capital of Kerala, this emerging cosmopolitan city is widely regarded as a great indicator of the rising fortunes of God's Own Country.

Overnight at Cochin

Early Morning visit Fisherman’s Beach.

After breakfast, go for sightseeing tour of the city with your guide. (Cochin Monuments are closed on Friday).

Visit Jewish Synagogue: (Closed on Fri and Sat)- Also known as Cochin Jewish Synagogue or Mattancherry Synagogue, Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue, not just in Kochi but in the Commonwealth of Nations. Located in the Jew Town area of Kochi, the synagogue was constructed in 1567 and is one of the seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila.

Explore the Fort Kochi area: Fort Kochi is a seaside town in the south-western part of Main Kochi which is known for its old-world colonial charm. The place still holds on to every single cultural change it has gone through over the centuries.

Visit the St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Palace & Dutch cemetery.

St. Francis Church in Kochi, which finely exhibits Portuguese architecture, is believed to be one of a kind amongst all the European churches which were constructed in India. It was constructed in the 15th century by the Portuguese traders. Vasco-da-Gama, the famous explorer, was buried in this church when he died in 1524, on his third visit to India.

Chinese Fishing Nets - Most Photographed Sight in Kochi.

Popularly known as Cheenavala, The Chinese fishing nets that line the waterfront are one of Fort Cochin’s most iconic sights.

Visit Dutch Palace: The Mattancherry Palace (also known as Dutch Palace) is located about 12 km from Ernakulam. One of the finest examples of the Kerala style of architecture mixed with colonial influences, the Portuguese built it as a gift to King Veera Kerala Verma.

Visit The Dutch Cemetery in Fort Kochi – an important legacy of the historical vicissitudes of the colonial past. Then take a brief walk past the seaside beach.

Visit the Bishop's House Road, Union Club building and Santa Cruz Basilica. Also visit the spice and vegetable market.

Visit Ernakulam Shiva Temple: The Shiva Temple, popularly known as the Ernakulathappan Temple, is an important place of worship in the mainland of Ernakulam. he temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity who is in the form of Gourisankara and is considered a rare one as the deity faces the Arabian sea towards west. These idols are said to be Swayambhoo (means self-existing or created by its own accord).

Enjoy special lunch at local restaurant in Kochi.

Also enjoy the folk dance form of Kathakali. Famous around the world, Kathakali's magnificence has won great admiration for the state of Kerala. It combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make up into a divine experience for all who get to view it. It retells the great stories of the past, mostly from Indian epics, and leaves one spellbound at the various intricacies involved in the performance. Every single quiver of the lips, flicker of the eyes or a movement involving the fingers twirling, has great significance.

Experience the ancient art form of Kalarippayattu. Kalarippayattu is among the oldest and most famous combat styles in the world. This ancient art form originates from Kerala and its teachings have been passed down for centuries from generation to generation. The rules of Kalarippayattu educate a person on the importance of living a lifestyle that is beneficial to one’s mind and body.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Cochin

After a hearty breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Munnar – Tea Gardens, Lakes and Pretty little hill-station.

Set at an altitude of 6000 ft. in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations, ¬ pristine valleys and mountains¬, exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests, ¬ aroma of spice and scented cool air It's the place you would love to visit ¬and never leave.On arrival, meet our representative and check in to the hotel. Spend the day at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Munnar

Early morning, paddle through the plantation and beautiful mountains. Also interact with the locals starting their daily activities. (Duration 01 Hour)

After the cycle tour, come back to the hotel for breakfast.

Later go for sightseeing tour of the city with your guide.

See the Mattupetty Dam: Mattupetty Dam is a strong gravity dam which was constructed for power generation and water conservation. Located in the Munar hills near the Anamudi peak, the dam is situated 1700 meters high. The dam was built in the late 1940s as a part of the Pallivasal Hydro-electric project and is now an important source of energy in Munnar in addition to being an important water source for birds and animals.

Tea Factory & Museum Visit: The Tea factory visit in Munnar will give you all the information on various stages of tea processing included in making of black tea. During the tea factory visit, see for yourself and enjoy every step during which the tea leaves are processed and at the end of the tour, enjoy a cup of delicious freshly prepared tea!(Tea Factory & Museum Closed on Monday).

Visit Kundale Lake: The Lake is situated at around 20 kilometers from the Queen of Hills Munnar. The lake presents the visitors the exquisite natural beauty as the sun swiftly moves up and the water reflects the light in million different directions.

Visit Echo Point: Located at a distance of about 15 kilometers from Munnar, Echo Point is situated right in the lap of a quaint lake and misty hills covered with lush green trees.

Visit Eravikulam National Park - The Eravikulam National Park houses a rich and diverse variety of flora and fauna and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Also known as Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The Eravikulam National park is famous for housing the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr.

Enjoy a traditional lunch on a banana leaf at a local restaurant in Munnar and enjoy a delicious assortment of South Indian dishes like Dosas, Idlis, Appams and Sambar.

If you wish you may go for below optional tour at additional cost:

Kollukumalai Tea Estate (Closed on Monday): The sprawling plantations and an old tea factory lend an old-world charm to this place. The two-storied building, built in the 1930s, with its wooden interiors and aroma would present you with some time-tested methods of tea processing. Here tea is processed in the traditional method, which is different from the more popular CTC (crush-tear-curl method) Kolukkumalai is about 7,900 ft above sea level and you can have some excellent views of the far off plains in the bordering State of Tamil Nadu. The distant hills slipping in and out of the mist is a captivating sight . Enjoy a Jeep ride through Tea Plantation.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Munnar

After hearty breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Thekkady –(Periyar) -India's Largest Tiger Reserve

The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady are one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spreads across the entire district are the picturesque plantations and hill towns that nestle beautiful trails for treks and mountain walks. It is one of the oldest tiger reserves in the country and the forests of Periyar are embellished by the presence of endangered species including White Tigers.On arrival, check in to hotel.

In the afternoon take a guided tour of the spice plantations in Thekkady – Enter the plantations and the intoxicating aroma of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon or cardamom takes over.This will be followed by a walking tour of the interesting Kumily market. The town is always teeming with activity. It is famous for its spice and tea plantations and is among the most important commercial centers in Kerala.Meet and interact with the locals and know about their lifestyle.

Meals Included:Breakfast

Overnight at Thekkady

After breakfast, go on a boat ride inside the Periyar National Park.

Explore the Periyar National Park through its waterways. Set off on a boat ride over the serene artificial lake located right in the middle of the forest. Witness various wildlife of the sanctuary like gaur, sambar deer, wild boar, leopard and more. You may also capture herds of elephants skirting the banks, mud bathing or playing in the wetlands. Listen to the birds chirping and the sound of water cascading below.

After the boat ride, spend some time with elephants in the elephant program which includes elephant feeding & bathing. (No Elephant Riding)

Meals Included:Breakfast

Overnight at Thekkady

After a hearty breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Alappuzha by Air Conditioned vehicle. Set out on an enchanting overnight backwater cruise in traditionally decorated houseboats. Check-in time is 01:00 PM and cruise starts with lunch. While cruising in these floating luxury-villas, let your eyes settle for the rare and the unusual - skim past Chinese fishing nets, bowed-down paddy fields, and local inhabitants engaged in making coir products, rustic homes, and ancient temples and swaying coconut groves. Food will be served onboard.

A rare treat while you sojourn in the God's Own Country, a backwater holiday on Kerala style houseboats or "Kettuvalloms". These palm-covered country boats are designed to navigate the narrowest of canals. Almost 50 feet long, the "Kettuvallam" has comfortable bedrooms (2 or 3 in one boat) with small en-suite facilities. There is also a large open side sitting area where meals using local fish and vegetables (prepared on board) are served.

(Please note that the Houseboat is stationary during the night. The cruising stops before dusk and starts again in the morning. THIS IS A PRIVATE CRUISE).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Houseboat

After hearty breakfast check out from houseboat and travel to Kumarakom by Air Conditioned vehicle.On arrival, meet our representative and check in to hotel

Visit to Philipkutty’s Farm with Lunch.

Philipkutty’s Farm is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the real Keralan experience in a fascinating location. The farm is located on a small farm island (approx-750 acres) in the backwaters / Vembanad Lake next to Kumarakom within the Vechoor village limits. The farm is about 50 acres (owned by the family and some relatives) and is the largest farm on the island. The island is a reclaimed property which was made in the early 1950s Being a reclaimed property typical of the Kuttanad or backwater region, the farm is approx 2 mts. below the lake level.

The farm is made up of ridges and canals, with all the planting done on the ridges. The canals are used for natural fish culture. Karimeen (Pearl spot) and freshwater jumbo prawns (scampi) are grown naturally in some of the canals. The major crops on the farm are coconut, toddy tapping, nutmeg, cocoa, banana, pepper and many other fruits, vegetables, and spices. The farm also has a few cows, geese, ducks and hens. Go on a tour of this wonderful farm that can be reached by boat and experience the unique nature and culture of Kerala.

Later visit, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is among the most popular bird-watching spots in the country. Spread out over 14 hectares, one comes across numerous rare avian species in these parts. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in Kottayam, one gets to see a variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, ranging from places like the Himalayas to Siberia.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch(at farm)

Overnight at Kumarakom

After a hearty breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Cochin International Airport by Air Conditioned vehicle to board your flight back home. (Reach 3 hours prior for international flights).

Meals Included: Breakfast