Overview
The lush green state of Kerala, also known as ‘Gods Own Country’, is an ideal place for tourist from all over the world. From centuries, Kerala has been a major trading hub due to its famous and high quality spices. This Kerala tour will take you to the spice heritage trail offering a journey through the history of the spice trade, visiting a variety of spice plantations amidst natural surrounding and a lot more.
The tour starts with metropolis city Cochin famous for its harbor, Chinese fishing nets, and architecture influence of Anglo, Dutch and Portuguese. Thereafter, visit the colonial hill station – Munnar. This beautiful hill station was once a summer resort of the British Government in South India due to the fresh mountain air. Munnar has climatic peculiarities of the lower mountain that makes it ideal for spice cultivation. The fragrance of spices and tea plantations all around makes it a perfect place for holidaying.
Afterwards, tour takes you to a small bustling village called Thekkady(Periyar), which is the center of spice plantation and trading. You can enjoy a short walk around the numerous spice plantations and do spice shopping. You will also do a boat ride at beautiful Lake Periyar in the Periyar National Park.
Last but not the least, board the enchanting houseboat and begin cruise along the serene backwaters. As you cruise along, you will witness life in the backwater villages of Alleppey. You will travel down the small canals dotted with houses, paddy fields, coconut trees, marketplaces, and temples. Watch local people engaging in a variety of daily activities from fishing to boat-making.
Before you return back home, you will have an opportunity to learn to cook some local Kerala food in Cochin.
Highlights
- Marvel at Chinese fishing net
- Enjoy Kathakali dance performance in Cochin
- Walk amidst the tea gardens in Munnar
- Explore spice plantations in Periyar
- Take a cruise on a traditional rice barge houseboat in Alleppey
- Enjoy Cooking class in Cochin
Tour Details
01
Day 1 - Arrive Cochin
Our representative will receive you on arrival at the airport in Cochin and will take you to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy traditional Kathakali dance performances or a kaleidoscope of martial arts and traditional dance forms of Kerala. Overnight will be at Cochin.
02
Day 2 - In Cochin
After breakfast, begin the sightseeing tour of Cochin which includes The Santa Cruz Cathedral, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry or ‘Dutch Palace’ and also the famous St.Francis Church- the first European Church that was built in India. Later, head to the harbor where local fishermen use the old Chinese fishing nets introduced centuries ago. Overnight will be at Cochin.
03
Day 3 - Cochin to Munnar By road 140kms / 4hrs
After breakfast, drive to Munnar and check in to the resort. After some relaxation, you can explore the beauty of the tea gardens and shop for black tea, green tea, coffee, cashew-nuts, homemade chocolates and various local spices. Overnight will be in Munnar.
04
Day 4 - In Munnar
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Munnar. Start with a visit to Christ Church, Mattupetty Dam, the scattered villages, Eco-Point, Kundala Dam, Nyayamkad&Attukal Waterfalls. Later in the day, visit the Tea Factory, old Munnar and shop in the local market. Rest of the evening will be at leisure, you may choose to head out for a stroll to find small buildings of historical importance around the hill station. Overnight will be in Munnar.
05
Day 5 - Munnar to Periyar By road 150kms / 4hrs
After breakfast drive towards Periyar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening you will enjoy a boat ride at Lake Periyar. This is the most enjoyable part - seeing the wildlife around the lake from the boat, if you are lucky, you may witness herds of wild elephants coming down to the water’s edge. Overnight will be in Periyar.
06
Day 6 - In Periyar
Early morning, proceed for a jungle walk in Periyar National Park where you will see the rare species of plants and animals. The ‘experience’ will be customized as per your preference depending on how many hours you want to spend in the park. Return to resort for the breakfast. In the afternoon, visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea estates. On your way back to the hotel, you can stop at the local Kumily market to buy a selection of fragrant spices. Overnight will be in Periyar.
07
Day 7 - Periyar to Kumarakom By road 140kms / 4hrs
After breakfast, proceed to Kumarakom where you will board a traditional Kerala style houseboat and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake. The houseboat, with all modern comforts, lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. All meals will be served on the boat freshly prepared by the crew. In the evening the boat will anchor by the lush paddy fields. Dinner will be served on board. Enjoy the tranquility surroundings and spend the night on the houseboat.
08
Day 8 - Alleppey to Cochin By road 50kms / 1hrs
Breakfast will be on board. Cruise through the backwaters watching children going to school and the village markets opening. Disembark the boat at the finishing point where your driver will be waiting for you to drive to Cochin. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Later in the evening, enjoy cooking classes in Cochin followed by dinner. Overnight in Cochin.
09
Day 9 – Cochin Departure
After breakfast, as per the flight timings, you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight back home with sweet memories of the tour. TOUR ENDS!