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12 Days

CLASSIC KERALA HOLIDAY

Classic Kerala Holiday

hourglass

DURATION

12 Days

architecture and city 2

START CITY

Kochi

location

END CITY

Kochi

travel agency

TOUR TYPE

Private, Group, Theme tours

language 2

LANGUAGE

English, Italian, German ...

coach

FITNESS LEVEL

Moderate

calendar 3

IDEAL SEASON

All year round

success 3

IDEAL SIZE

02, 04, 06, 08 ...

diet

MEAL PLAN

Based on personal choices

accomodation 3

ACCOMODATION

3 to 5 Star hotels, Boutique

freight

TRANSPORTATION

Private vehicle on disposal

service

SUPPORT

24 x 7

COCHIN • DEWALOKAM ESTATE • MUNNAR • KERALA BACKWATERS • MARARI BEACH

The Classic Kerala Holiday is a thoughtfully paced private tour that takes you through this stunning tropical paradise, offering breathtaking mountain views, cascading waterfalls, serene backwaters, lush tea estates, aromatic spice gardens, and miles of nearly untouched sandy beaches.

Your journey begins in the charming port city of Cochin (Kochi), where you'll explore the vibrant spice markets and uncover remnants of British and Portuguese colonial heritage. From there, the tour heads inland to the foothills of the Western Ghats, with a stay at a working spice farm that has been transformed into a cozy homestay. Here, you’ll enjoy experiences like harvesting black pepper with estate workers and honing your culinary skills in a cookery workshop. The adventure then continues to the hill station of Munnar, where you can admire the breathtaking emerald green hills and immerse yourself in the life of a tea planter.

After scenic walks through the hills and relaxing tea breaks on the lawn, you'll unwind in Kumarakom, nestled by the picturesque palm-lined shores of Lake Vembanad. The journey culminates with a private cruise aboard a traditional houseboat (kettuvallam), gliding peacefully through the enchanting backwaters of Kerala. The Classic Kerala Holiday ends on a high note with time spent on the golden beaches bordering the Indian Ocean.

HIGHLIGHTS

diamond Explore the historic charm of Fort Cochin

diamond Witness an authentic Kalaripayattu martial arts performance

diamond Master the art of Kerala cuisine

diamond Harvest pepper and other exotic spices with estate workers at Dewalokam

diamond Tour a functioning tea estate and hike to the picturesque Lakkam Falls

diamond Stroll through charming villages

diamond Sail through Kerala’s mesmerizing backwaters and enjoy an overnight stay on a traditional houseboat.

diamond Unwind at a chic beach-front resort

Classic Kerala Holiday 1

HIGHLIGHTS

💎 Sightseeing tours in Cochin and Madurai
💎 Boat ride on Periyar Lake
💎 ‘Going to Bed Ceremony’ at Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
💎 Discover the tea-making process in Munnar
💎 Explore the Kerala backwaters on board a kettuvallam houseboat
💎 A relaxing sunset cruise on Lake Vembanad
💎 Rejuvenate with an Ayurveda body massage

Itinerary

Arrive at Cochin International Airport at your convenience (feel free to ask us for a quote on international flights if needed). Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to your selected hotel. Later in the afternoon, embark on a sunset cruise along Cochin's scenic waterways, where you'll enjoy stunning views of Marine Drive, Bolgatty Island, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets.

Spend the morning exploring Fort Cochin, a historic district shaped by the spice trade, where you'll encounter the lasting influences of Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arab, and Chinese cultures. Highlights include a visit to the Dutch Palace, adorned with murals depicting the Ramayana, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Church of St. Francis, India's oldest church (built in 1503), as well as a leisurely stroll through Cochin's lively spice market. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Alternatively, in the evening, immerse yourself in the traditional Kerala martial art of Kalaripayattu with a live demonstration performance (supplement applies).

Depart from Cochin and journey through the scenic Cardamom Hills to a working spice plantation nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided village walk, where you'll get a firsthand look at the local way of life and experience the traditional customs practiced by the community.

Start your day with a leisurely walk through Dewalokam’s spice gardens, where you'll learn about the diverse uses of spices. Next, join fellow guests for a hands-on cooking demonstration with the resident chef, delving into the significance of spices in Kerala’s cuisine. The afternoon is free for you to relax. Alternatively, you can take a refreshing swim in the Kannadipuzha River or embark on a trek to the stunning Thommankuthu waterfalls nearby.

Enjoy a picturesque morning drive through lush lowland forests, passing by beautiful waterfalls, as you make your way to Munnar in the Western Ghats. Surrounded by sprawling tea estates, this former colonial Hill Station offers stunning views and serves as a perfect base for scenic walks and gentle treks. After checking into your hotel in the late afternoon, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore the countryside at your own pace.

Spend the morning discovering the beautiful countryside surrounding Talayar Valley Bungalow. Your guided walk will take you along the winding Briar Tea estate road, flanked by lush tea-covered hills, leading to the charming Gundumalai village, where the estate workers reside. Beyond the village, the trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the verdant valleys and leads to the picturesque Lakkam Falls, nestled amidst dense woods. Afterward, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure upon returning to your hotel.

Embark on a scenic drive winding through the hills, leading you to the captivating green landscapes of Kerala's backwaters. Upon arrival, check in at your beautifully situated hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and soak in the tranquil, tropical surroundings at your leisure.

Spend the morning exploring a typical Kerala backwater village, experiencing the slow and peaceful rhythm of rural life. During a guided walk through the village, you'll have the opportunity to watch artisans weaving beautiful handicrafts, including traditional Kerala mats made from pandan leaves (screw pine leaves). Then, enjoy a peaceful catamaran ride along a serene canal, where you can observe the traditional fishing techniques that are still faithfully practiced by locals.

This morning, board a converted traditional houseboat (air-conditioned) for a private cruise on Lake Vembanad, before gliding into the captivating backwaters near Alleppey. With its intricate network of rivers and canals, both natural and man-made, a cruise through Kerala's backwaters offers a scenic delight and a unique glimpse into rural life and traditions at a leisurely pace. After a delicious lunch, explore the narrow, picturesque sections of the waterways by canoe. Return to your houseboat before sunset, where you can enjoy a relaxing dinner on board.

After disembarking from your houseboat, drive through the lush, tropical landscapes of Kerala to the peaceful village of Mararikulam, located along the serene shores of the Indian Ocean. Upon checking into your hotel, spend the rest of the day unwinding on the nearly deserted beach. Alternatively, you may choose to explore the village of Mararikulam on your own, offering a fascinating glimpse into local village life.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with a lie-in, or unwind on the beach or by the pool. Alternatively, you can join a rejuvenating yoga session or indulge in a soothing Ayurvedic massage for ultimate relaxation.

Transfer to Cochin International Airport and check in for your onward flight, marking the end of your Kerala journey.

Cost

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The Cost Excludes

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