Different from North India, which is full of monuments, Kerala in South India will impress you with its charming colonial style, natural beauty, relaxing countryside life, and beautiful beaches. Be intoxicated with a Kathakali dance performance, smell the spices in a plantation, catch a rainbow after hugging the rain on your houseboat, and enjoy a sunset on Kovalam Beach. This 8-day South India tour will let you fully explore the most famous state in South India.
Highlights
- Explore the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', Cochin and Enjoy the colorful traditional dance of Kerala
- Discover the local lifestyle in tea and spice plantations and taste the special local cuisine
- Find the trails of wild animals in Periyar National Park.
- Enjoy the idyllic backwater and have a romantic night on a houseboat.
- Relax on Kovalam Beach and watch the sun falling into the Arabian Sea.
Journey Route
Itinerary in Detail
This sample itinerary provides inspiration, yet your preferences design the real journey. Following our Tailor-made Guidelines to create a wonderful India holiday in your own way.
Your guide will meet you as you exit the arrivals building after which you will be transferred to your hotel to check in. The rest of this day is free for you to spend at your leisure.
After having breakfast in your hotel, visit the St. Francis Church and the Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese for the Raja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. You will also see the Chinese fishing nets. These nets symbolize the friendship between old Chinese and Cochin kings. Besides China, it-s said that these nets are only found in Cochin.
Afterward, walk through the narrow cobbled streets in Jew Town, which are lined with antique and handicraft shops, to the Paradesi Synagogue. It is the oldest synagogue in the world.
Enjoy an evening show of Kathakali dance, which is the traditional dance of Kerala. It will depict epic Indian stories. You will be impressed by the colorful makeup, the elaborate costumes, and the hand gestures, which are quite typical in this classical Indian dance.
In the morning, you will be driven to Munnar. Upon arrival, your guide will help you to check in at your hotel.
After lunch, You will have a walk in the tea plantaion. Enjoy the idyllic scenery and the fresh air. Say hello to the India ladies who are working on the slope of the mountain. Find a pretty church which appeared in the movie directed by Ang Lee- Life of Pi.
After breakfast, visit Mattupetty Lake and Dam, which is a very beautiful picnic spot. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and fill your soul with peace. Visit Eravikulam National Park, a natural habitat for a rare mountain goat - the Nilgiri tahr - and home to Anamudi, which has the highest peak (2,695 meters) in South India. Then visit a tea museum, discover the different stages of tea processing, and learn about the production of the local black tea.
After having breakfast in your hotel, you will be driven to Thekkady. On arrival, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Periyar National Park. The sanctuary is centered on a large artificial lake, formed by the dam across the Periyar River. It is the best elephant sanctuary in India. It also has tigers as well as monkeys, wild boars, and sambar deer. Have a cruise on Periyar Lake. We will book the tickets in advance so that you don-t need to wait for a long time. You can see wild animals on the banks taking their baths or drinking.
Visit a local spice garden and discover crops, such as cardamom, nutmeg, pepper, coffee, and tamarind, in their native environment and learn about their varied uses. Enjoy a walking tour of a spice plantation. Get to know how the local people make their living by cultivating, growing, and processing the spices.
You will be driven from Thekkady to Alleppey. Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat. Start your cruise to explore Kerala's backwaters. Get lost in a narrow maze of canals and backwaters surrounded by coconut plantations. Don't be surprised if you are caught in a shower. A rainbow behind the coconut trees is a gift it gives in return.
Disembark from your houseboat at 09:30. Upon arrival, you will be driven to Kovalam. After you have checked in at your hotel, relax on the tropical beach. Enjoy sunbathing and swimming or arrange an optional activity, such as Ayurvedic rejuvenation, yoga, meditation, an herbal body toning massage, or a catamaran cruise. The fishing village provides fresh fish, fruit, and toddy (coconut beer).
Enjoy your free day on the beautiful beach.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
We recommend to experience palace hotels, heritage hotels, or nice resorts in order to get the high-quality service and to your experience.
Our Service Includes:
- Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
- All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
- Governmental taxes
Tour code: ah-in-77
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- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
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