Overview

Kerala Backwaters

Kerala contains tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, exotic wildlife, sprawling plantations, paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments and exotic cuisines. All of which offer you a unique experience and what’s more each of these charming destinations is only a two-three hour drive from each other - a singular advantage no other destination offers. 

This tour features backwaters, dense forest, cultural activities and covering three of the most popular destinations in Kerala.

In this tour you are visiting:

Cochin: Cochin also known as Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as ’God’s Own Country’. Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that links it to many major cities worldwide.

Thekkady: During 1899 under British rule, the core area of today’s Periyar Sanctuary was declared as a reserved forest in order to protect the catchment area of the Periyar River. The total area of the present Sanctuary is 777 square kilometres and it is located in the southernmost part of Western Ghats. 70% of it includes tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.

Alleppey: Entire district is endowed with immense natural beauty. The sandy strip of land with the Arabian Sea to its west is woven by lagoons and an array of rivers, canals and lakes ideal for boat cruises.

Inclusions

• Return Flight from London to Cochin
• Accommodation in hotel as per chosen category
• Meals as mentioned
• All transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
• Guide at Monuments
• Entrance at Monuments
• Kathakali Dance show at Cochin
• Spice plantation tour at Thekkady
• Elephant ride at Thekkady
• Boat Cruise at Thekkady

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Cochin.

Day 2

Arrival Cochin

On arrival at the airport, meet your representative who will take you to hotel. Afternoon explore Jewish Synagogue – which is one of the oldest synagogue amongst all the commonwealth nations. St Francis church, Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace - a 16th century palace. Just opposite to the Mattancherry Palace, visit the spice market, one of the biggest centres of spices in Cochin. In the evening we will take you to Kerala’s local dance performance show called Kathakali, which represents rituals and is based on its historical story. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: No Meal

Day 3

Cochin–Thekkady

After breakfast, we drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady, a beautiful area of tea gardens, rubber estates, rich with coffee and pepper plantations, located high in the Cardamom hills. On our way we will visit the Tea Museum opened by the Tata Tea group. In the afternoon, we visit a spice garden where you will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of the spices are grown. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 4

Thekkady

We wake up early to experience a boat cruise on the Lake Periyar, which show cases a kaleidoscope of activities that incur around the lake, jungle evergreen moist forests and savannah grass lands that characterise Periyar. We later proceed to view the rare species of plantations, animals and visit a spice plantation growing cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea estate. Walk amidst the palette displaying variant shades of green, neatly arranged into terrace farms, the symmetry broken only by the sudden appearance of a gurgling stream. It is believed that the spice trade dates back three thousand years in Kerala and many spices find their home here. We’ll arrange an Elephant ride for you through the forest to enjoy nature closely. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 5

Thekkady–Alleppey

After breakfast proceed to Alleppey set in the backdrop of Vembanad lake which is largest lake of Kerala. Alleppey is a land constructed by the deposition of mud and other materials through natural and man-made methods. Board the Houseboat; while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields, several small village situated on small Island. You can have stop over on some scattered island, canals, panoramic sights one can never forget. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remain an enduring picture reflecting the charm of this beautiful land. Enjoy fishing and sunset when heading towards Alleppey. Overnight on House boat.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Alleppey–Cochin Departure

After a leisurely breakfast check out and transfer to Cochin airport to board the flight for your onward journey.

Meal: Breakfast

** £ 90 extra during Peak season including Xmas and New Year Gala dinner supplement.

* £ 45 extra during Peak season without Xmas and New Year Gala dinner supplement.

*Peak Season is from 20th Dec to 10th Jan.

*Rate are Per person with minimum 2 pax travelling together. 

Cost of Package does not include

• Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips. Liquor, boating & joy rides.(which is not mentioned in inclusion list)
• Any other item not specified in “Cost Includes”.
• Additional sightseeing or usages of vehicle not mentioned in the itinerary.

Extra Meal Supplement (Optional)

Half Board meal supplement with 4* hotels £ 55 Per Person

Full Board meal supplement with 4* hotels £ 97 Per Person