Day 1
Day 1: Arrive in Cochin
Kerala Tour
Discover Kerala Tour
6 Days
Discover Kerala Tour - 6 Days
This exotic itinerary is the ultimate introduction to South India’s state of Kerala—an up-and-coming destination for savvy travelers. Kick off with an Arabian Sea sunset in Cochin before a private guide drives you through lush, hilly interiors peppered with tea and spice plantations. Continue the journey with an overnight cruise through infamous waterways, followed by a tour of Fort Kochi (by tuk-tuk) to finish the adventure.
Highlights
- Spend a night in Munnar, a former summer resort for the British administration
- Get up close to plantations known for cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, and vanilla
- Take a peaceful jungle walk at sunrise to admire butterflies and rare birdlife
- Cruise Kerala's backwater canals and stay overnight on a houseboat
- Join a fun cooking demonstration at an Indian home to celebrate your last night
Project Results
To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cochin
Welcome to Cochin, a port city located on India’s southwest coast in the state of Kerala! Upon arrival (and completion of the immigration and customs formalities), you will be met by a tour representative for a traditional welcome followed by a transfer to your hotel. Your representative will assist with check-in and go over the details of your adventure. From here, you can relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings. Cochin’s history stretches back to the time of King Solomon when it was known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” This is where Arab, Chinese and European merchant traders stopped in search of spices, silks, and sandalwood. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. And, of course, the adjoining canals make Cochin a popular destination for travelers in Kerala.
Day 2: Transfer to Munnar, Tea Museum Tour
Welcome to Cochin, a port city located on India’s southwest coast in the state of Kerala! Upon arrival (and completion of the immigration and customs formalities), you will be met by a tour representative for a traditional welcome followed by a transfer to your hotel. Your representative will assist with check-in and go over the details of your adventure. From here, you can relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings. Cochin’s history stretches back to the time of King Solomon when it was known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” This is where Arab, Chinese and European merchant traders stopped in search of spices, silks, and sandalwood. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. And, of course, the adjoining canals make Cochin a popular destination for travelers in Kerala.
Day 3: Transfer to Thekkady, Spice Plantation Tour
This morning, keep your camera close as you drive across the lush green hillsides toward Thekkady (65 mi / 104 km)—a small town close to Periyar National Park, boasting one of India’s most fascinating wildlife sanctuaries. Periyar has one of the richest habitats for large mammals, as it provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses. Here it is possible to see up to 30 species of mammals, including elephants, tigers, gaur (Indian bison), sloths, and monkeys, not to mention rich birdlife. Wildlife can be viewed on boat tours (optional).
Upon arrival at your hotel in Thekkady, it’s time to set off on a guided Spice Plantation Tour. Spice gardens and plantations are abundant in this part of Kerala. This customizable tour explains the history, growth, and development of wonderful spices like cardamom and pepper, as well as other important crops like tea, coffee, and vanilla. This is an exciting endeavor for many participants since most of the world has only viewed these products on supermarket shelves. Following the tour, you’ll be returned to your hotel for the rest of the evening.
Day 4: Jungle Walk, Transfer to Alappuzha, Boat Cruise
Rise and shine! Today is an exciting day that begins with a sunrise jungle walk in Periyar National Park, where you can admire butterflies and birdlife like kingfishers, storks, and hornbills. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. You’ll be able to feel, hear, and smell an abundance of nature all around you. Following the walk, you’ll have breakfast at your hotel and then begin the drive to Alappuzha (90 mi / 145 km), also known as Alleppey. Whichever way you call it, this is a principal center for backwater cruises in Kerala. Here you’ll board a houseboat for a ride along the canals of Kerala—truly one of the highlights of the trip. Learn how these waterways are the lifeblood of the area; local commerce revolves around it, with boats laden with everything from fish to the daily newspapers! For an added experience, you’ll stay overnight on one of the boats in the middle of the famous Vembanad Lake for the ultimate Kerala experience.
Day 5: Transfer to Cochin, Fort Kochi Tour & Cooking Demonstration
After returning to Alappuzha, you’ll transfer back to Cochin for a half-day sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi. Explore landmarks like the Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Immanuel, and St. Francis CSI Church. Experience the city’s vibrant culture with an open-air tuk-tuk ride, visiting sites like Dhobi Khana and Mattancherry Palace. End your day with a Cooking Demonstration with a local Keralan family, offering a hands-on experience of Indian cuisine and culture.
Day 6: Depart Cochin
It’s time to say goodbye to Kerala! At the designated time, you’ll be transferred from the hotel to Cochin International Airport for your departure flight and onward journey. Safe travels!
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