Overview
Kerala is one of the most beautiful destinations of south India. Tranquil backwaters, lavish coastline, rolling hills, tea plantations, forests and breathtaking landscapes are synonymous with the region.
This tour however, is one of our favorites. Rather than focusing just on the better-known destinations of the region it starts in the beautiful hills of Wayanad, famous for its trekking, lakes, coffee plantations and spectacular views. Venture onwards to its main city, Cochin which has a mix of old-world and modern-age charm and is famous for its harbour,Chinese fishing nets and architectural influences of the British, Dutch and Portuguese. No tour of Kerala would be complete without a visit to the famous backwaters dotted with numerous traditional rice boats,canoes and coconut trees as well as a Bird Sanctuary home to many species Take a cruise on a houseboat on the backwaters, the best way to experience Kerala’s amazing beauty and get a glimpse of rural life along the shores. You will be able to witness life in the villages, travel down the small canals dotted with houses, paddy fields,coconuttrees, market places, and temples. End with a day or two relaxing at the beach in Kovalam.
Highlights of Tour:
- Explore the traditional capital of Northern Kerala (Calicut).
- Explore the lush green landscapes, rainforests, wildlife, lakes and waterfalls in Wayanad.
- Visit the Chinese fishing nets and enjoy a Kathakali dance performance in Cochin.
- Enjoy a mesmerizing backwater cruise in Alleppey.
- Laze on the timeless beaches of Kovalam.
- Visit the iconic spots in the old Travancore Kingdom (Trivandrum).
Tour Details
01
Day 1 - Arrive Calicut
Arrive at the Calicut airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, you can spend some time at Kappad Beach or relax at the hotel. Overnight will be at Calicut.
02
Day 2 - In Calicut
The best way to capture the essence of Calicut is to be present at the Dolphin’s point, early in the morning! Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later visit the Manchirra Square-the marine life aquarium and explore the local cotton industry. Afterwards, witness Kalarippayattu’ martial arts performance at the Hindustan Kalari Sangam. Evening at leisure. Overnight will be at Calicut.
03
Day 3 - Calicut to Wayanad By road 86kms / 3hrs
After breakfast, proceed to Wayanad. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Travel to Vythiri / Wayanad to feast your eyes on some gorgeous, natural vistas. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight will be at Wayanad.
04
Day 4 - In Wayanad
Early morning, head out on a 3-hour trek into the wildlife sanctuary. In the afternoon, visit Sentinal Rock Waterfalls and the Wayanad Heritage Museum. Overnight will be at Wayanad.
05
Day 5 - Wayanad to Cochin By road 260kms / 5hrs
After breakfast, drive towards Cochin enroute visiting the Eddakal Caves. After a long drive, you will reach Cochin by afternoon and will be transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day is free or you can explore the nearby market on your own. Overnight will be at Cochin.
06
Day 6 - In Cochin
Breakfast will be at the hotel. Afterwards, begin the sightseeing tour of Cochin which includes The Santa Cruz Cathedral, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry or “Dutch Palace” and 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. 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.
07
Day 7 - Cochin to Kumarakom By road 50kms / 1hrs
After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to Kumarakom, where you will check into 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 on board. Enjoy the tranquility of region and spend night on the houseboat.
08
Day 8 - Alleppey to Kovalam By road 158kms / 5hrs
Breakfast will be on board. Cruise through the backwaters watching the 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 Kovalam. Reach Kovalam by evening and check in to the hotel Rest of the evening is at leisure to rest. Overnight will be at Kovalam.
09
Day 9 - In Kovalam
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This day is at leisure to explore Kovalamand enjoy the crescent-shaped, sandy beach. Overnight will be at Kovalam.
010
Day 10 - Kovalam to Trivandrum By road 16kms / 1hrs
Enjoybreakfast at the hotel. Depending upon your flight timing, explore the Trivandrum city and later you will be transferred to the Trivandrum airport to take aflight back home with sweet memories of the tour.
TOUR ENDS !