Captivating Kerala - 8 days
Captivating Kerala - 8 days
Captivating Kerala - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Kochi
Visiting: Kochi, Munnar, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumarakom, Alleppey
Tour operator:
Tour code:
693/CKE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
16 + if accompanied by an adult.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Uncover the delights of tropical Kerala in India's deep south on this 8-day group tour. From Kochi visit the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations as well as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend a night aboard a houseboat, gliding along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kochi
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casino Hotel
Saturday. Welcome to India! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 2: Munnar
Location: Munnar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Clouds Valley Leisure Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kochi - Munnar. Today we travel to the picturesque former hill station of Munnar, surrounded by sprawling tea plantations. We take a guided stroll through a local tea plantation and visit a local market, before the rest of the day is free to relax as you please. You may wish to visit nearby Blossom Park and enjoy cycling or boating in your stunning surroundings. This evening we meet others joining our group who have been travelling on our longer South India Explorer itinerary.
Day 3-4: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kumily
Meals Included: Breakfast
Munnar – Periyar. A drive south to Periyar, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary and home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, birds and even the odd tiger! Kumily, close to the sanctuary and where we'll stay, is a pretty little town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops. There is plenty to do in and around Periyar, so we leave the choice to you for the remainder of the day.
On day 4 we will enjoy an included boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot herds of wild elephants, spending the remainder of the day at leisure to explore on own. You can opt for an optional visit to explore the spice plantation or enjoy a kalaripayattu dance performance Periyar.
Day 5: Kumarakom
Location: Kumarakom
Accommodation Name: Deluxe rice boat
Meals Included: Breakfast
Periyar - Kumarakom. Today, we leave Periyar and take a drive to Kumarakom - a village spread over a cluster of islands on Lake Vembanad. The day is free to relax or explore Kumarakom at your leisure. Perhaps take a boat ride on the lake or visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to many rare bird species and is an important stopover for migratory birds in the winter (Nov-May).
Day 6: Alleppey
Location: Alleppey
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Deluxe rice boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kumarakom - Alleppey - Keralan Backwaters. On day 6, we will take a scenic drive to Alleppey. Here we board our private rice boat for a voyage through the famous Kerala backwaters. Our rice-boat takes us sedately along the enchanting palm-fringed backwaters, covering a distance of some 20 kms, during which time the boat glides past local villages and fascinating scenes of everyday rural life. Watch a beautiful sunset over the backwaters and enjoy tasty meals (starting with lunch) prepared by the on-board chef using fresh local produce.
Day 7: Kochi
Location: Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Keralan Backwaters – Kochi. This morning, we disembark our rice boat and head for Kochi. Formerly a princely state, Kochi is also fondly referred to as “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”. The rest of the day is at leisure exploring Kochi on its own. This evening you can opt for an optional tour to watch an entertaining and traditional Kathakali dance show. Kathakali performers are known for their elaborate costumes and makeup, and they always put on a fantastic show.
Day 8: Kochi
Location: Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saturday. Our South Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer is included today for departures in 2024. If you are travelling in 2025 this can be booked for an additional supplement if required.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 - 4 star and heritage properties -
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
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6 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels and 1 night deluxe houseboat
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Boat ride on Lake Periyar
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Houseboat cruise along the Keralan backwaters
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Escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide (for groups of 4 or more)
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Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1 (For departures in 2024 a departure airport transfer is provided on day 8)
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private A/C vehicles
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
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Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
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Entrance Fees: USD$15-25pp, paid in local currency
Age Policy
15 + if accompanied by an adult.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
24
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 7
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
3 - 4 star and heritage properties
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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