Kerala: God’s Own Country

Kochi - Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom - Kovalam

Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Private

Price From

£2,380 pp

Overview: Kerala: God’s Own Country Tour

Discover the tropical beauty, rich traditions and natural wonders of Kerala on this relaxing guided tour. From the historic streets of Kochi and the tea-covered hills of Munnar to the spice plantations of Periyar, tranquil backwaters and palm-fringed beaches of Kovalam, experience the diverse landscapes and culture of southern India.

Tour Highlights:

Explore historic Fort Kochi, including the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church and traditional Chinese fishing nets
Experience a spectacular Kathakali performance and discover the colourful traditions of Kerala’s classical theatre
Travel through the scenic Western Ghats to Munnar, surrounded by lush forests and rolling tea plantations
Visit a local tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the cultivation and production of Indian tea
Discover a unique community initiative supporting differently abled children from local tea-growing families
Experience a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance in Periyar
Explore Periyar Wildlife Reserve on a guided nature walk with a naturalist, looking out for birds and native wildlife
Visit a spice plantation and discover the history and cultivation of Kerala’s famous spices
Cruise through the tranquil backwaters aboard a traditional thatched-roof houseboat and experience local life along the waterways
Relax in the beach resort of Kovalam, renowned for its Ayurvedic traditions and wellness experiences
Explore Trivandrum, including the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple complex, Napier Museum, Sree Chithra Art Gallery and Palace Museum

From tropical beaches and misty tea plantations to ancient traditions, spice gardens and tranquil backwaters, this guided tour offers a relaxing and culturally enriching journey through Kerala, God’s Own Country.

Day 1 - UK departure

Day 1 - UK Departure

Depart the UK with international economy flight to Kochi. We can also arrange departures from your local airport at no extra cost.

Day 2 - Kochi Arrival

Arrive Kochi, the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Kochi, also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Starting from the Dutch, Portuguese and the British, Kochi was the site of the first European colonial settlements in India.

Day 3 - Kochi

After breakfast, take a guided walk through the historic Fort Kochi area. This morning we will visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and see the authentic Chinese fishing nets still in active use by the fishermen in Kerala.

This evening, watch a spectacular Kathakali performance. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in India. One of the most complex and highly stylized Indian art forms, this performance is a spectacular combination of drama, dance, music and ritual. Characters with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes re-enact stories from the Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Reach early for the unique opportunity to see the performers dressing up in their very elaborate and colorful costumes and painting their faces with make up to create the special persona for the performance. Also visit the onsite cultural museum to see sculptures of Kerala’s unique dance forms, a large replica of an authentic Keralan wooden canoe and see how Keralan handicrafts and saris are woven.

Day 4 - Kochi to Munnar

After breakfast embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, one of the most popular hill resorts of south India. Under the British Raj, Munnar was popularly called ‘Switzerland of India’ for its natural surroundings and cool climate. The entire area is occupied by thick forests and tea estates. The specialty of Munnar is its jungle honey, tea and a rare flower ‘Neela Kurunji’ which blooms once in 12 years. Upon arrival check-in at your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Day 5 - Munnar

After breakfast, visit a local tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the cultivation and processing of a variety of Indian teas. Then we visit a unique welfare initiative in Munnar, which focuses on enhancing the hidden talents of differently abled children, most of whom are from families of local tea pluckers of Munnar. Here we see three projects that aim to equip disabled children to secure a better future: a centre for special education; a natural dye fabric printing project; and a unit that manufactures handmade paper and paper products. The products made by these children are sold at a small outlet near the workshops and are exported to Japan and Europe. A visit to this unique initiative reiterates how enthusiasm is a sign of spiritual health and imperfections are what make you beautiful!

Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 6 - Munnar to Periyar

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Periyar, the spice plantation hub of Kerala. Upon arrival in Periyar, check in to your hotel and freshen up.

This evening watch a Kalaripayattu performance, one of the oldest form of martial arts and known as the mother of all martial arts. Kalarippayattu consists of punches, leg moves, stretches, twists, and jumps performed in a particular sequence. In Periyar, you get a unique opportunity to witness a performance of this ancient art along with the locals at the village arena.

Day 7 - Periyar

Early this morning, we take a guided walk with a naturalist in Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Observe some rare species of flora and fauna, along with a variety of birds and if you are lucky you may even spot a few elephants and wildlife across the lake.

This afternoon, take a spice plantation tour and learn about the mystery and history of Indian spices. The spice plantations in Periyar are captivating farms growing different spices in different sections of the plantations. You will be intrigued to see the vast variety of spices ranging from cloves, cardamom, ginger, pepper, chilli, turmeric etc.

Enjoy afternoon at leisure or free for optional activities offered by the resort.

Day 8 - Periyar to Alleppey

After a leisurely morning we drive to Alleppey, a coastal town in the backwaters of Kerala. Upon arrival, check-in at your houseboat for an overnight stay. Enjoy a relaxing day onboard houseboat, observing the local life around the backwaters and embracing the serenity of Kumarakom. Spend the night under the stars aboard a traditional thatched roof houseboat on the backwaters of Kumarakom.

Day 9 - Alleppey to Kovalam

After breakfast you alight your houseboat and drive to Kovalam, a serene south Indian beach destination that is renowned for offering authentic Indian Ayurveda therapies. Upon arrival in Kovalam, check in to your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Enjoy the evening at leisure. You may wish to explore the spa at your resort and experience an Indian Ayurveda massage (at extra charge).

Day 10 - Kovalam / Trivandrum

This morning, you will be driven to Trivandrum to enjoy a brief city tour.

Trivandrum is built on hills by the sea shore and sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. While you are in the city visit the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple complex (non Hindus are not allowed to visit inside the main temple), Napier Museum (a museum of art and natural history), Sree Chithra Art Gallery which features a unique collection of traditional and contemporary paintings and finally the Palace Museum.

Return back to your hotel in the afternoon with time free at leisure.

* If you are keen to experience a full Ayurveda retreat, you will need to extend your stay. Minimum 7 nights stay is recommended for rejuvenation therapy. For best results and focused treatments, 14 – 21 nights stay is advisable. Enquire for more details *

Day 11 - Kovalam departure