This 8-day Kerala Tour Package is perfect for anyone who is looking for a wonderful Kerala getaway but is limited on time. It is a great introduction to this exotic and tropical land and is packed with visits to the famous Kerala sights. The tour includes the cosmopolitan city of Cochin, Periyar National Park and the spice growing region, the wonderful tranquil backwaters and an overnight stay on a private houseboat. There’s also time to relax in a laid-back superior hotel at Marari Beach.
Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this tour is just an example to help inspire you. If you would like we can also arrange your flights for a fully ATOL protected holiday. Contact the team for more information on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com
You will be met on arrival at Cochin International Airport and transferred by a private chauffeur driven car to your hotel, which will take about 90 minutes.
The afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of the Fragrant Nature hotel which offers a swimming pool and areas to unwind, or take a stroll in the nearby heritage area of Fort Kochi. In the evening you have an opportunity to enjoy an included motor boat sunset cruise around the harbour where you can take in the views of the city and see the famous Chinese fishing nets.
This morning your tour includes a visit to the Kumbalanghi Fishing Village where you will experience traditional village activities such as catching fish, crab farming and coir making. This is followed by a home-cooked lunch by the side of the beautiful backwaters.
In the afternoon, your sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry includes visiting the Chinese fishing nets, the local fish market, St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. Please be aware that the Jewish Synagogue is closed on Fridays, Saturdays and other Jewish Holidays, and the Dutch Palace is closed on Fridays.
In the evening, a Kathakali Dance Show has been arranged. This is a traditional dance drama of Kerala, performed in vibrant costumes. We suggest arriving early to watch the dancers apply their bold makeup.
After breakfast, your journey takes you inland on a scenic route to Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, a well-preserved area and home to a wide range of animals and birdlife. Halfway to Periyar, there will be a stop at a beautiful plantation bungalow, nestled among the rolling plantations of Kanjirappally. This is the perfect place to sample the best of authentic Keralan cooking, as made in traditional Syrian Christian homes.
After lunch, your journey continues to Periyar. You will arrive in time for an early evening spice plantation tour with a plantation expert. He will introduce you to the different spices grown in the area such as pepper, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and coffee.
This morning, your holiday includes an early morning nature trek in Periyar National Park with the tribal trackers, to try and spot a variety of wildlife. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the hotel swimming pool or spa, take part in activities such as saree dressing, visit the elephants or indulge in some retail therapy in the nearby town.
In the evening, a boat ride on Lake Periyar has been arranged with another opportunity to try and see wild elephants, sambar deers, Indian bison, Nilgiri langurs and various species of bird.
Your drive to Alleppey is a lovely scenic route through the rolling hills, visiting tea and rubber plantations en route. The journey to the backwaters takes about 4 hours. 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.
Your relaxing cruise will take you through the tranquil Kerala backwaters, gliding across Lake Vembanad, through canals and passing low lying rice fields, churches, temples, schools and village life. Lunch, evening tea and dinner 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.
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 Xandari Pearl Resort.
Today is a free day to do as you please and to enjoy your last full day in Kerala.
The Xandari Pearl offers a host of activities such as village tours or cooking and craft demonstrations. Alternatively, you can enjoy the spa and swimming pool facilities, take a walk along the beach, relax in a hammock or visit the nearby sites or towns for some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Cochin International Airport in plenty of time for your return flight.
This is a tailor-made tour so if you wish to extend your stay at the Xandari Pearl or if you would like to visit another destination please speak to your Authentic India Tours travel specialist.
The price guide for this 8-day Highlights of Kerala Tour is
Peak season surcharge will be applicable for travel dates between 20th Dec 2024 – 10th Jan 2025
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.
The prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a double 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 Kerala tour is just an example to help inspire you.
For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.
