Captivating Kerala
Captivating Kerala
$1428
Captivating Kerala
6 Days Starting and ending in Kochi, India
Visiting: Kochi, Periyar National Park, Kumarakom, Alleppey
Tour operator:
Tour code:
INKEN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Captivating Kerala" tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of southern India. Begin your journey in Kochi, where you'll explore the historic St. Francis Church and the bustling Kumily Spice Garden. Experience the tranquility of Kerala's backwaters on a traditional houseboat cruise, and witness the unique Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi. Connect with the local culture through a martial arts performance in Periyar and a walking tour in Kumarakom. Enjoy the hospitality of a local family with a home-cooked dinner in Kochi. Travel in comfort with luxury accommodations and a Wi-Fi-equipped coach, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. With expert guides and carefully curated experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery in the heart of Kerala.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Kochi, Gateway To The Backwaters Of Kerala
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Le Meridien Kochi
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien Kochi
On arrival to Kochi Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The bountiful backwaters of Kerala, ‘God’s own country’, welcome you. This slice of southern India is a lush garden filled with spices, brilliant colors and the enchanting sounds of nature. Relax on the tranquil shores of the Arabian Sea and let the freshest seafood melt in your mouth as you sink into a more straightforward way of life – one where nature sets the pace for the day. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception with local appetizers.
Day 2: Nature And Relaxation In Periyar Dive Into Culture
Location: Periyar National Park
Accommodation: Elephant Court
Accommodation Name: Elephant Court
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your love affair with Kerala’s lush landscapes begins today. Head to Periyar, named after Kerala’s longest river which winds its way deep through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, your first stop. You may wish to spend the afternoon soaking up the sounds of nature during an immersive Nature Walk with a Local Specialist. Tread lightly along the dense forest trails as you learn about the endemic flora and fauna. Banyan, Teak and Bamboo trees provide a serene backdrop for a lesson in Kerala wildlife. You may be lucky enough to see herds of wild elephant and bison seeking to quench their thirst along the quiet shores of Periyar Lake. Keep a keen eye out for hornbills, flycatchers and kites – some of the many species of local and migratory birds that flock to this pristine sanctuary. With your soul soothed after connecting with nature, head to your hotel to freshen up before an exhilarating Dive Into Culture Kalarippayattu performance. Watch as trained Kalari warriors show off this most ancient of martial arts, jumping and somersaulting in the ultimate coordination between mind and body. After a day of adventure, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 3: Onwards To Kumarakom Dive Into Culture
Location: Kumarakom
Accommodation: The Zuri Kumarakom Resort and Spa
Accommodation Name: Rhythm Kumarakom
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The intoxicating scents of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves linger long after today’s encounter with Kerala’s famous spices. Your first stop today is a visit to Kumily Spice Garden. Here you’ll learn how the locals grow and share an astounding variety of flavourful spices, ranging from pepper and ginger to vanilla and cardamom, the 'Queen of Spices'. Gain in-depth insights into the process of spice cultivation and discover how Kerala’s international spice trade has shaped its culture and heritage. There’s more to experience as you head to Kumarakom, a tranquil village set on the peaceful banks of Lake Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala. Embark on a walking tour and Dive Into Culture as you admire the vibrant day-to-day of village life in the regional market and lively streets.
Day 4: Cruise The Calm Backwaters
Location: Alleppey
Accommodation: Resort, The Zuri Kumarakom Resort and Spa
Accommodation Name: Rhythm Kumarakom
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kerala’s intrinsic relationship with water takes center stage today. Enjoy a leisurely start, then board a traditional houseboat for a cruise surrounded by Kerala’s iconic backwaters. Take a deep breath and enjoy the slow, sultry pace of life fringing the narrow canals as you wind your way to Alleppey. Watch villagers wave to each other from their wooden Shikaras (traditional boats), and see how life unfolds along the palm-fringed shoreline. Even your ride for the day is rooted in history. These houseboats, known locally as Kettuvalloms, were formerly old barges used to ferry rice and spices. Upon arriving in Alleppey, disembark and return to Kumarakom for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 5: Explore Multi-Cultural Kochi Dive Into Culture Connect With Locals
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Le Meridien Kochi
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast
The remnants of Kerala's colorful, centuries-old trading history are best explored in the old port city of Kochi. It was here that Chinese, Arab and European merchants came to buy the fragrant spices that found their way to tables all over the world. In turn, they left their mark on Kochi's architecture, cuisine and traditions. Colonial bungalows, Catholic churches, mosques and a European fort season the cityscape that was once known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Enjoy time for lunch before embarking on a city tour to see first-hand this multicultural center, including views of the Mattancherry Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church, built by Portuguese traders. Visit the Fort Kochi area and see traditional cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala. See how these fixed land installations made on bamboo scaffolding are artfully lowered into the sea to catch the seafood for which Kochi is famous. This evening, Connect With Locals and enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local family followed by a delicious Be My Guest Farewell Dinner.
Day 6: Farewell Kochi
Location: Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your epic encounter with Kerala’s culture and natural wonders has come to an end, but your memories will last a lifetime. Say farewell to your travel companions and take an airport transfer for your onward flight.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to ensure a smooth and informative journey.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted for quality and comfort.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are covered during your tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included in the tour package.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Enjoy breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals included in the tour.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience must-see sightseeing and surprise extras as part of your tour.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing experiences.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi for a comfortable journey.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are available for you to explore at your own pace.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized to ensure quality accommodation.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the destination are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and arrangements are not included and should be handled independently.
Dining Summary
1 Welcome Reception (WR)5 Breakfast (B)3 Dinner (D)1 Lunch (L)1 Be My Guest (BMG)
Dive Into Culture
Periyar National Park: See an Indian martial arts performance.Kumarakom: Discover rural life on a walking tour with a local market visit.Kochi: See the unique Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey as you explore the scenic landscapes and cultural highlights of Kerala.
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What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in comfort at Le Meridien Kochi, Elephant Court, and Rhythm Kumarakom, which offer a blend of luxury and local charm, with amenities to ensure a relaxing experience throughout your journey in Kerala.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Additionally, there is a Welcome Reception, a Be My Guest dinner, and a lunch included.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of cultural experiences such as a Nature Walk in Periyar National Park, a Kalarippayattu martial arts performance, a visit to Kumily Spice Garden, and a walking tour in Kumarakom. In Kochi, you will see the unique Chinese fishing nets and enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local family.
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What activities are planned for the backwaters of Kerala?
You will board a traditional houseboat for a cruise through Kerala's iconic backwaters, enjoying the slow pace of life and observing village life along the palm-fringed shoreline.
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Will there be opportunities to interact with locals during the tour?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to Connect With Locals during a cooking demonstration and Be My Guest dinner with a local family in Kochi, providing insight into their lifestyle.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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