One of 50 "must see places in a lifetime" as per National Geographic Traveller, Kerala is rich in natural beauty. The range of hills on the East and a long coastline on the West shelter a narrow piece of tropical land that is rich and green, with flowing rivers and canals and the unique eco-system of the backwaters. Paddy in the fields, richly laden plantations of pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, rubber, arecanut and coconut on the hillside; animals in the wild; a rich bird life; the mesmerising temple music of pancha vadyam, and mouth watering sea-food … God's Own Country is an apt name.
Day 01 - Flight
Fly to Kochi (all flights are indirect with a change of plane en route)
Days 2 & 3 - Kochi (Cochin)
Arrive Cochin in the morning and transfer to the Tower House (or stay at Xandari Harbour/Brunton Boatyard) in the Dutch quarters of Fort Cochin; visit the sights including the Dutch Palace, with its murals from the Ramayana, the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry and St Francis' Church; enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through the spice markets; enjoy a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance form.
Day 4 - Kumarakom/Riceboat
A short drive to Alleppey where you board your private riceboat for the night. Cruise along Vembanad Lake in the afternoon taking in the village life along the banks and a variety of birds on the backwaters.
Day 5 - Munnar
Disembark after breakfast for four-hour drive up the hills to the tea country of Munnar, stay at Ambady Estate (or stay at Windermere); visit the Eravikulam Sanctuary, home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr; see the Tata Tea Museum.
Day 6 - Periyar
Drive on the hill road to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and stay overnight at the Tree House or Cardamom County (or stay at Shalimar Spice Garden/Spice Village); enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Periyar, ideal for spotting herds of elephants and other wild animals.
Days 7 & 8 - Marari
Option of a nature walk in the morning; descend the Western Ghats through rubber, banana and coconut plantations to the inviting beach at Marari. The next two days are at leisure to soak in the sunshine at the Marari Sands Beach Resort (or upgrade to Beach Symphony/Marari Beach Resort).
Day 9 - Return
Transfer to the Kochi airport for the return flight.
Kochi (Cochin)
Ambady Estate
Munnar Tea Plantation
The India Travel Company London Ltd
138, The Bramblings, Little Chalfont,
Amersham, HP6 6FP (LONDON- U.K.)
Tel: +44 20 7096 1211
Email: info@titclondon.co.uk
Registered in England Number - 08949864
VAT Registration Number - 222 1225 68
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For Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice, refer to www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
Kerala & South India