Discover Kerala Holiday Package

Upon your arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be met by your Authentic India Tours representative for the transfer to your hotel.

You will be staying in the Brunton Boatyard, an elegant colonial-style hotel that is conveniently located in historic Fort Cochin and overlooks the harbour, guaranteeing stunning views.

In the evening, enjoy an included boat trip past Cochin’s island shores. As the sun sets, you will see the famous cantilevered fishing nets. It’s fascinating to watch the fishermen skilfully dip the hammock-like nets into the water, silhouetted against the orange and pink sky.

Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard, Cochin

Cochin has been one of the primary gateways to the region for distant merchants and travellers since 1413, reflected in the city’s rich and diverse architecture.

On today’s sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin & Mattancherry, you can explore remnants of Cochin’s multicultural past by visiting St Francis’ Church and the local fish market. Later, proceed to Mattancherry to see the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace which houses murals depicting the Ramayana. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy some local shopping or the delightful facilities at your hotel including the pool.

In the evening, you will witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance – we suggest arriving early if you want to experience the elaborate make-up preparation.

Accommodation: Brunton Boatyard, Cochin

Meals included: Breakfast

The second destination on your Kerala tour is Munnar, a hill station perched high in the Western Ghats mountain range. Its cool, refreshing climate made it a popular summer retreat for colonial settlers generations ago. On the drive to Munnar, you will be surrounded by a carpet of greenery with emerald-green tea plantations and sandalwood forests, while the aromatic spice plantations gently infuse the air with the scent of cinnamon and cardamom.

This evening, you can take a stroll around the 70-acre estate and learn about the history, cultivation and processing of the spices.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours, 125 kms

Accommodation: Lockhart Bungalow, a colonial British planters’ bungalow, Munnar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is an opportunity to learn more about tea and to enjoy the beautiful scenery that Munnar has to offer. There are a range of activities to enjoy and the day can be tailored to your requirements.

In the morning we suggest a Lockhart tea trail experience. Lockhart tea estate is situated 8 kms away from Munnar, and it is a chance to catch stunning views of the green, carpeted tea fields as you follow the tea trail through the Estate. We offer walks lasting from 30 min to 4 hours. You may also be able to interact with the ladies picking tea leaves.

You can also visit the Lockhart tea factory where you will see first hand how tea is produced and graded. If time permits you may also like to visit Munnar town and enjoy the lively market.

Accommodation: Lockhart Bungalow, a colonial British planters’ bungalow, Munnar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning your Kerala tour takes you to Periyar National Park, home to one of India’s best-kept wildlife sanctuaries. As you are driven down winding mountain roads, you will be greeted with the sight of undulating emerald tea plantations and misty forests.

This afternoon there’s time to explore the spice town of Periyar or relax by the pool at your beautiful hotel. Then, later in the afternoon learn more about the spices grown in this region with a fascinating visit to a local spice garden. Your guide will introduce you to different spices grown in that area such as pepper, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and coffee.

In the evening the hotel usually has cooking demonstrations and cultural shows to be enjoyed.

Approximate travel time and distance: 3 hours, 92 kms

Accommodation: Spice Village, Periyar

Meals included: Breakfast

It’s an early morning start for a transfer to the boat landing point in the national park.

Enjoy a half day bamboo rafting and trekking through some of the richest forest paths of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Try your hand at navigating a raft across the famous Periyar Lake, followed by a visit to the Reserve where you may spot wildlife including elephants, Sambar deers and Indian bisons. As always sighting wildlife is a matter of chance. If you don’t fancy rafting other activities can be arranged.

Later you can opt to enjoy some shopping in Periyar. It is known for selling spices and also offers shops selling textiles and crafts. Or simply make the most of the hotel’s entertainment, facilities and wonderful cuisine.

Accommodation: Spice Village, Periyar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will descend from the Western Ghats through the lovely countryside to the small village of Kumarakom, hidden in the backwaters off the South Eastern end of Vembanad Lake and Kerala’s backwater canals.

En-route there is a stop for a home-cooked lunch at one of the old estate bungalows set in a plantation.

You will be transferred to your heritage hotel, Coconut Lagoon, via a short boat trip. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the picturesque Vembanad Lake, upon which your accommodation is set.

Approximate travel time and distance: 3 hours 30 mins, 125 kms

Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Today’s Village Life Experience Tour will give you an authentic taste of village life, as well as showcasing community-based tourism products and services. You will be taken through the narrow canals on a country boat operated by the local villagers. The slow ride helps you to get a good look at the everyday village life on the banks, including people working in the paddy fields, children swimming in the lake, people fishing and women weaving coconut palm fronds. Try your hand at fishing using the traditional bow and arrow method or fishing by casting the net. Later, take a stroll through the narrow village paths to visit an ‘Anganwadi’, a government-run school and see villagers engaged in traditional jobs like screw pine weaving, broomstick making and ‘toddy tapping’ (collecting coconut sap). You can also visit the handicraft unit run by the villagers who specialise in Snake Boat models.

Accommodation: Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom

Meals included: Breakfast

Morning at leisure.

Around lunchtime, you will board your private houseboat for an overnight cruise through the famous Kerala Backwaters. For many people, this is the highlight of their holiday.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the tranquil Kerala backwaters, gliding across Lake Vembanad, through narrow canals heading south and passing low lying rice fields, churches, temples, schools and village life. Lunch, dinner and breakfast will be served onboard the houseboat by your own exclusive crew. The houseboat anchors at sunset to prevent getting tangled in the fishing nets. Experience a truly magical moment of being rocked gently whilst counting stars before finally going to bed in the middle of nowhere.

Approximate travel time and distance: 1 hour, 38 kms

Accommodation: Private Houseboat, Alleppey

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, you will disembark your houseboat at Alleppey boat jetty. You will be met by your driver and taken to Mararikulam Beach which is about 60 minutes away.

The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the tropical setting of the Marari Beach Resort.

Approximate travel time and distance: 26 mins, 14 kms

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam

Meals included: Breakfast

The next couple of days are at leisure for you to enjoy laid back beach life and facilities at the lovely Marari Beach Resort.

If you’re not one for relaxing you have the option to visit the nearby local fishing harbour and take a walking tour visiting the temples and markets in and around Mararikulam and Alleppey.

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a full day dedicated to leisure. Relax and soak up the serenity and tranquillity of this quiet, undeveloped resort. Try unwinding in a hammock under a palm tree, enjoy a swim in the hotel swimming pool or indulge in a rejuvenating ayurvedic massage at the Ayurvedic spa.

The hotel also offers local cultural experiences or you may choose to enjoy a little last-minute shopping.

Accommodation: Marari Beach Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Like all good things, your tour in Kerala must come to an end, but you can carry the memories of this unique and unforgettable holiday experience home with you. In plenty of time, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport for your homeward flight.

Alternatively, if you have a little more time please talk to the team about a beach extension or visiting another area in India.

Approximate travel time and distance: 2 hours and 30 mins, 100 kms

Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing & Inclusions

The price guide for this 13 day Discover Kerala Holiday Package i

• £2195 in low season (May – September)
• £2795 in high season (October – April)

Please be aware these prices are not available during some peak dates between December, January and February.

The prices do not include flights.

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.

This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid-December to mid-January.

Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.

Included within this Kerala tour are the following:

• Authentic India Tours meet & greet assistance on arrival
• All internal transfers and sightseeing tours using an air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation for 12 nights on twin sharing basis
• Standard category rooms at all hotels unless otherwise mentioned
• Meal plan: Houseboat on full board; Lunch on day 7 and Bed & Breakfast elsewhere
• Sunset cruise by private motorboat along the Cochin harbour
• Tickets for Kathakali dance show in Cochin
• English speaking guide for sightseeing tour of Cochin
• Spice plantation tour in Periyar
• Tickets for boating on Lake Periyar
• Entrances at all national parks, museums and monuments as per the itinerary
• Mineral water on all days of travel

Price does not include:

• International flight tickets
• Travel insurance and visa
• Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages etc
• Meals other than those mentioned in the above meal plan
• Camera & video fees at national parks, museums & monuments

The prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.

For a quote based on your dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or changes to this itinerary, please call us on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this Discover Kerala Holiday Package is just an example to help inspire you.

For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

ABTA and ATOL Protected Tour Package

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.