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Kerala’s Backwaters and Plantations

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Starting at $1,860 per Person

From gorgeous tea and spice plantations to palm-lined backwaters, a tour through Kerala offers a glimpse into God’s Own Country!

Duration: 10 Days - 9 Nights

Highlights: Houseboat Tour, Tea Plantations

Cities: Cochin (2) - Munnar (2) - Thekkady (2) - Alleppey Resort (2) - Houseboat (1) - Cochin (0)

 

Itinerary Detail

Cochin (2 nights)

Day 1 - 3

International arrival
Cochin
Cochin:

Queen of the Arabian Sea Cochin (Kochi), is a commercial town comprising mainland Ernakulam, Willingdon Island, Mattancherry, Fort Cochin, Vypeen and Bolghatty Island. Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish Synagogue, a Dutch Palace, Portuguese architecture and Bolghatty Palace enrich Kerala’s heritage.

Activities

Enjoy murals and antiquities at the Dutch Palace & Cemetery; appreciate the stunning views of the harbour at Fort Kochi; explore Matancherry, the Pardesi Synagogue, Jewish town, St. Francis Church with the grave of Vasco da Gama; stroll through the spice and antique markets and see the Chinese fishing nets. Enjoy a sunset cruise; visit the Hill Palace and Tripunithura ; enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performances or a kaleidoscope of martial arts and traditional dance forms.

Hotel Option 1
Old Harbour

Old Harbour
Superior room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2
Brunton Boatyard

Brunton Boatyard
Standard Sea Facing room

Included
Breakfast

Munnar (2 nights)

Day 3 - 5

Drive from Cochin to Munnar (160 km, 4.5 hrs)
Munnar
Munnar:

A haven of peace and tranquility! This picturesque scope of the lofty Western Ghats first came into prominence as a favorite summer resort of the British government. The town of stands at the confluence of three mountain streams. Enjoy trekking, boating, riding, angling or just laze about and fill your soul with peace.

Activities

Enjoy nature walk through the tea, coffee and cardamom estates in Pothamedu; go on long mountain walks or even trekking in the glorious natural expanse of the hills and mountains here.

Hotel Option 1
Tea County

Tea County
Deluxe room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2
The Windermere Estate

The Windermere Estate
Garden room

Included
Breakfast

Thekkady (2 nights)

Day 5 - 7

Drive from Munnar to Thekkady (110 km, 3 hrs)
Thekkady
Thekkady:

Magical land of spices and wildlife! Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, is one of finest and largest wildlife reserves in India. The Indian elephant comes in herds to frolic in the lake’s waters.The road winds through a picturesque countryside with plantations of tea, cardamom, pepper, cloves and cinnamon.

Activities

Call of the wild: Enjoy the amazing variety of birds, animals, flora and fauna in a jeep safari; go on a bullock cart ride; visit spice plantations and take in the amazing aromas that waft around.

Hotel Option 1
Shalimar Spice Garden

Shalimar Spice Garden
Elegant room

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2
Spice Village

Spice Village
Standard Villa

Included
Breakfast

Alleppey / Kumarakom (2 nights)

Day 7-9

Drive from Thekkady To Alleppey / Kumarakom (160 km, 4 hrs)
Alleppey / Kumarakom
Alleppey/Kumarakom:

Emerald backwater paradise Here you have the unique opportunity to view typical Kerala lifestyle. Alleppey, rightfully stakes claim to its nickname ‘Venice of the East’, with its network of inland canals and houseboat cruises along the tranquil backwaters. Kumarakom enchants with viewing Kerala at work and at play.

Hotel Option 1
Punnamada Backwater Resort

Punnamada Backwater Resort
Standard Villa

Included
Breakfast

Hotel Option 2
Coconut Lagoon

Coconut Lagoon
Heritage Bungalow

Included
Breakfast

Alleppey / Kumarakom (1 night)

Day 9 - 10

Transfer to Houseboat
Alleppey / Kumarakom
Alleppey/Kumarakom:

Emerald backwater paradise Here you have the unique opportunity to view typical Kerala lifestyle. Alleppey, rightfully stakes claim to its nickname ‘Venice of the East’, with its network of inland canals and houseboat cruises along the tranquil backwaters. Kumarakom enchants with viewing Kerala at work and at play.

Hotel Option 1
Punnamada Houseboat

Punnamada Houseboat
Houseboat

Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Option 2
Spice Coast Cruise

Spice Coast Cruise
Standard Room

Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cochin (0 night)

Day 10

Drive From: Alleppey / Kumarakom To Cochin airport (65 km, 1.5 hrs)
Cochin
Cochin:

Transfer to International Airport.

No hotels required

Price

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights:

$1,860 (For Option 1 hotels)

$2,095 (For Option 2 hotels)

The price quoted here is an approximate price per person on a twin-sharing basis in the high season (Oct to Mar). Prices may be higher during the Christmas – New Year period and lower in the low season (Apr – Sep). Travel Insurance is not included in the cost.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation for 9 nights including the below-mentioned meals
  • All airport and hotel transfers
  • An air-conditioned car with driver in Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey/Kumarakom
  • English-speaking local tour guides in Cochin
  • Sightseeing & activities incl. all entrance fees when accompanied by a guide
  • 24 hour point of contact.

Map

Map

Cities Visited:

Cochin (2) - Munnar (2) - Thekkady (2) - Alleppey Resort (2) - Houseboat (1) - Cochin (0)

What our Travel Consultant Says

Travel Consultant

Alongside exploring traditional South Indian culture in the bustling port city, this itinerary allows you to absorb yourself in the natural allure of Kerala with its magnificent tea plantations jungle safaris and the calming pleasures of the lush backwaters where fireflies only add to the magic.

Jennifer Marsden

Travel Consultant
jennifer@enchanting-india.com

What our Guests Say

“The places we stayed suited us to a tee – a good variety of homestays to a cardamon plantation to a hilltop palace to a houseboat on the lake to a boutique hotel – all very good. We felt like honoured guests wherever we went.”
Viv & Neil Reinhart, Canada 

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Interests

  • Heritage & Culture

    No other place in the world offers a greater selection of heritage and culture - both ancient and modern - in such abundance and diversity. From museums to temples, Bharatnatyam to Bollywood, India is a culture lover's dream come true.

  • Nature & Landscapes

    From moonlit deserts to lush semi-tropical forests, palm-lined beaches to Himalayan peaks, India is a dream come true for nature lovers and offers diverse landscapes, each unique and enchanting in its own way.

  • Wildlife

    India's wealth of breathtaking species extends far beyond the elusive tigers and wild elephants that lure so many. Its numerous National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries bustle with an amazing variety of flora and fauna, providing respite from the urban jungles.

  • Adventure

    Exhilarating hikes through the rugged terrain of the world's largest mountains, rafting down the holy Ganges or following wild elephants in dense tropical jungles are just the beginning ...Let us show you!

  • Relaxation

    Whether swimming with elephants in the azure waters of the Andamans or observing a school of neon painted fish while snorkeling in Lakshadweep, India's islands and beaches satisfy even the most demanding beachcombers with their beauty and serenity.

  • Spas & Wellness

    India's own "Science of Life", Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old medical system. Enjoy rejuvenating Ayurveda or other Asian treatments in one of numerous world class spas from Kerala to the Himalayas.

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Regions

  • North India

    Boasting the spectacular Taj Mahal and a mix between the cosmopolitan and bustling streets of old Delhi, much diversity awaits! Voyage onto the vibrant, regal heritage of Rajasthan and embrace spirituality with Amritsar's stunning Golden Temple.

  • East India

    A place where time has stood still! Breathe in the alluring aromas of Assam's tea gardens or trek in the wild grasslands of scenic Sikkim. Experience unique tribal villages or journey through the lush hilly estates of Darjeeling on a classic steam locomotive.

  • South India

    Soothe your soul with ayurveda! Savor the coffee estates, spice plantations and rice paddies and amble in lush jungles. Add spark to your evening witnessing fireflies on a houseboat in Kerala's backwaters. Witness historic living temples and colonial towns.

  • Central and West India

    History lives on. Venture deep into the ancient cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora and witness the Gateway of India, the glittering Queen's Necklace and the Bollywood glamour in Mumbai. Go wild in India's best safari parks, trailing tigers and unique birdlife.

  • Himalayas

    Enjoy refreshing rejuvenation within foothills and at heady heights. Chug through narrow gorges to charming Shimla on the toy train. Engage in spiritual ceremonies on the Ganges ghats in Rishikesh. Witness enchanting views and Buddhist culture in Ladakh.

  • Beaches & Islands

    Relax beneath swaying palms on Goa's beaches, romance yourself in the honeymoon spot of the Maldives or take a unique swim in the ocean with elephants in the Andaman Islands. Indulgent spas, watersports, unspoilt secret beaches and nightlife all beckon.

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All our itineraries are private tours and can be booked starting on any date. You can book an itinerary as is, customize it further or design your own completely personalized itinerary.

Speak to a Travel Consultant

1 888 263 2574

info@enchanting-india.com

*Required Information | Privacy Policy

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Contact Us

All our itineraries are private tours and can be booked starting on any date. You can book an itinerary as is, customize it further or design your own completely personalized itinerary.

Speak to a Travel Consultant

1 888 aa 263 2574

info@enchanting-india.com

*Required Information | Privacy Policy