Kerala In Monsoon
Summary
Blessed with jaw-dropping natural beauty and richly steeped in history, Kerala or rather, ‘God’s Own Country’ assails the senses in a myriad of delightful ways. This 11-day tour has been specially crafted to treat you to some of the most memorable experiences that Kerala has on offer. The tour starts from the port city of Kochi, affectionately called the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Kochi boasts a number of all-time favourite spectacular sightseeing attractions and you will also witness a legendary Kathakali performance here. Next, you will visit the indefinably beautiful village of Kurmarakom, well known for its unforgettable houseboat cruise experiences on the globally celebrated backwaters here. The tour will also take you to the gorgeous beach village of Mararikulam and finally come to an idyllic end with a stay at a riverside resort in the historic town of Perumbavoor. Finally, you will head back to Kochi for your return flight.
Duration |
11 days
Tour Includes |
- Flights
- Bed & breakfast accommodation at all hotels except at Quiet by the River in Perumbavoor
- Meeting and assistance on arrival
- Airport transfers
- English speaking local guide at Cochin sightseeing in the programme
- Entrance at all places to visit
- Kathakali Dance in Cochin
- Day Houseboat trip on backwater followed by lunch
Price
From $2,155.00 per person based on two adults sharing*Best time to go
May through to September are the best months to travel to Kerela for this itinerary.
Tour Highlights
- Witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
- Explore the beautiful paradise of mangrove forest with the emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves.
- Experience the intricate mazes of the backwaters of Kumarkom on a houseboat day cruise.
- Visit the amazing Thattekad Bird sanctuary that is home to some of the most exotic birds in the country.
Day 1: UK Departure
Overnight indirect flight from the UK.
Day 2: Arrive in Cochin
Arrive at Cochin airport. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at the airport followed by transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard {Breakfast}
Day 3: Cochin
This morning after a breakfast sightseeing tour of Kochi. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. While driving along the coastline, at the Harbour’ s mouth, one can also view the unique and still-in-use "Chinese Fishing Nets" which were introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved.
In the evening witness a Kathakali dance performance India's most spectacular Dance Drama based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The dancers are elaborately made up of paint and masks, accompanied with drummers and musicians.
Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard {Breakfast}
Day 4: Drive from Cochin To Kumarakom (01 hour)
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a small village 14 km. west of Kottayam. It is a part of Kuttanad, which is a ' wonderland ', lying below sea level, comprising of a number of islands, in the backwaters. Kumarakomis an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, this small water world has plenty of traditional country boats, crafts and canoes, which will take you into the heart of scenic Kerala.
Upon arrival check in at the hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon {Breakfast}
Day 5: Kumarkom
After breakfast, we proceed for the houseboat day cruise followed by lunch which takes you through the intricate maze of backwaters, mesmerizing and surprising you at every turn with its serene beauty & simple charm. Enjoy the countryside of Kerala at its best. Soak your eyes & soul with an array of coconut trees & endless paddy fields. You will also get a chance to take a small stroll through the villages & interact with the locals.
Post cruise return to your hotel, rest of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon {Breakfast}
Day 6: Drive From Kumarakom To Mararikulam (45 mins)
After a leisurely breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Mararikulam. Upon arrival check in at the hotel, rest of the day is at leisure for individual activities.
Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort {Breakfast}
Day 7: Mararikulam
The day is at leisure for individual activities.
Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort {Breakfast}
Day 8: Drive from Mararikulam To Perumbavoor (02 hours)
After breakfast drive to Perumbavoor and check in at resort Quiet by the River. Situated in the Malayattoorforest range, ‘Quiet by the river’ is a scenic island resort, surrounded by the waters of the River Periyar. The approach to the resort involves a 30-minute ride aboard a 4x4 vehicle down a rugged forest trail to an embankment point, followed by a short ride across the river in a country canoe. For accommodation, there are four lodges, right on the banks of the river. The resort commands spectacular views of the gushing streams and the lush forest. The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is close by and the area is frequented by lots of colourful birds. The location of the resort is ideal for spotting wildlife and one may even see elephant herds. The food is terrific –mostly, traditional homemade native dishes are served.
Accommodation: Quiet by the River
Day 9: Perumbavoor
Day at leisure to experience various activities offered at the resort like a forest trek with a naturalist.
Accommodation: Quiet by the River
Day 10: Departure
Today you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your overnight indirect flight to the UK.
Day 11: UK Arrival
Early morning arrival into London Heathrow.
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Tour Excludes
Visas, other meals where not mentioned in the programme, drinks, overweight luggage, personal expenses, travel insurance, tips & gratuities
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These itineraries are samples itineraries for previous clients. Speak to one of our travel experts at 020 7843 3531 or email at info@clevelandcollection.co.uk to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.
* This is a guide price, based on travel in low season