Explore Culture & Tours (I) Pvt Ltd
Explore Culture & Tours (I) Pvt Ltd
 
 
 
 
 
SET TOURS
 
 
 
 
Kerala Backwaters
TRIP NAME: SOUTH INDIA, KERALA SPECIAL

TRIP CODE: S - KTR


This sample itinerary can be adapted to your own specific needs, interests and requirements – just ask.

    
 
DAY 1: KOCHI
The ancient seaport of Kochi stretches across several islands and peninsulas and is certainly one of Kerala’s most delightful cities. Here you will check into the Old Harbour/ Malabar House, a heritage hotel right in the midst of Fort Kochi, the beautiful old part of town. In the afternoon you may either relax or stroll through the old town’s maze of small streets and experience Fort Kochi’s trade-city ambience, a product of its many still functioning spice warehouses.
 
In the evening we would recommend you to go for a little walk along the coastal path where you can enjoy an amazing sunset at the famous Chinese fishing nets. Overnight Hotel
 
DAY 2: KOCHI
Today you will discover the historic city of Kochi on a sightseeing tour. You will visit St. Francis’ Church (India’s oldest European church), the impressive Santa Cruz Basilica as well as Mattancherry Palace and the synagogue. In the evening you will attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a dramatic mixture of dance and theatre. Overnight hotel.
 
DAY 3: MUNNAR
In a half-day drive you will be taken to the comfortably cool hill-station of Munnar. Here you will check in at Casa Del Fauno set in the midst of cardamon gardens, or the Windermere which is situated amidst wide stretching lush tea plantations. You may choose to relax and enjoy the fantastic view from the bungalow’s winter garden while having a cup of aromatic tea from the surrounding area.
 
Afterwards you will get the chance to explore the tea plantations next to the bungalow. On an easy walk of an hour or two you will walk through the lush tea plantations on narrow, winding paths while watching the local tea pickers doing their work. From up here you can enjoy stunning views on the craggy mountain peaks of the Western Ghats and the enchanting valleys below.
 
The area offers good chances of watching wildlife. Spotting different kinds of rare birds and animals, some of them being endemic to the region, will certainly be a very rewarding experience.Overnight hotel.
 
DAY 4: MUNNAR
Today you will visit a local tea factory. On our guided tour through the factory you will see how lush green tea leaves are turned into the dark aromatic tea we are used to.
 
Afterwards you will go to the outskirts of Marayoor from where you will start a short hike of approximately 1 to 2 hours. Having climbed up the rocky hill you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding plains and mountains. On the high plateau you will also have the opportunity to look at some ancient dolmens similar to the ones you find in Western Europe. In the evening you may just relax as this is certainly the perfect place to get away from it all! Overnight hotel.
 
DAY 5: MUNNAR
Today you will visit a tribal village where you will have the unique opportunity to learn about the lifestyle and culture of Kerala’s indigenous people. You will be shown round the village, see the traditional style of houses and learn about ancient tribal traditions. You will get the chance to talk to some of the residents who will be happy to share details of their fascinating culture with interested visitors. Being taken to the heart of south Indian culture and experiencing vivid cultural heritage will certainly be one of the highlights of this programme.
 
In the afternoon you may choose to relax in the bungalow. Alternatively there are plenty of options in the surrounding area for easy hikes through the tea plantations or even a visit to the nearby wildlife sanctuary at Chinnar. Overnight hotel.
 
DAY 6: PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE
After the breakfast you will leave the highlands of Munnar behind you. After a three-hour drive you will reach dense forest once more close to Thekkady, gateway to Periyar Tiger Reserve. You will spend the following three days in this wildlife reserve which is famous across the world for its huge variety of animals, reptiles, birds as well as butterflies. Some of the species inhabiting the reserve are endemic to this region.
 
Reaching Thekkady around noon you will check in at the cozy Wildernest or Green Woods . In the evening you may stroll through the village of Thekkady. As this place is noted for spices you should perhaps take the opportunity to buy some, the perfect reminder of your time in the south.
Overnight AT hotel.
 
DAY 7: PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE
Today you will enter the world of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The closest you can get to the forest and its wildlife is exploring the area on foot. Our day-trek is organised by the Forest Department so you will have very good chances of spotting different kinds of wildlife.

You will hike through dense forest, enchanting valleys and hills. After the strain of hiking for several hours you will enjoy our well-deserved lunch in the middle of the forest. Throughout the trek you will be accompanied by competent local guides provided by the Forest Department. Hopefully you’ll see something of the Nilgiri langurs, elephants or maybe even the tiger that live here.
Overnight hotel.
 
DAY 8: PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE
You will be up early today as the morning cruise on Lake Periyar is an experience not to be missed! Going along the waterways of the lake you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Periyar Tiger Reserve from a totally different perspective.
 
After your 2 hour trip you will return to your resort to brace yourself for the day with a rich breakfast. After lunch you will visit a tribal village near the Reserve. Walking on the narrow paths and through the manifold gardens you will be guided round the widely-stretched village.
You will not only see traditional style houses and wells but you will also get to see the village’s temple and tribal museum which offers a range of paintings. A guide from the tribal community will accompany you and give you information on the daily life of the community members as well as their culture and traditions. It will certainly be interesting for you to learn how the government and the locals are cooperating, using income from sustainable tourism to protect the area’s unique flora and fauna and to sustain the traditional way of life. You will learn from your tribal guide about the different plants, animals and birds that inhabit this area. Overnight hotel.
 
DAY 9: ALLEPPEY
You will leave the forests behind and travel to Alleppey which is often called “Venice of the East” because of its network of canals. Here you will embark one of Kerala's most special forms of accommodation - the houseboat.
 
Silently cruising through the enchanting canals and lagoons that make up the beautiful backwaters of Kerala you’ll have the opportunity to relax completely. Passing remote villages you will see women washing their clothes and men going to work by canoe. At mealtimes and at night you will dock alongside a narrow band of land, an island or similar. Using the on-board kitchen the staff will provide you with excellent Indian food for dinner. Spending the night on a boat in the middle of the backwaters certainly will be an unforgettable experience. Overnight at houseboat.
 
DAY 10: HERITAGE VILLA NEAR ALLEPPEY
Back on land you will travel to a boat landing stage located some 10 km from the city of Alleppey. Here you will be met by a 100-year old wooden canoe in which you will ferry across the water. On an island in the midst of the beautiful waterways and backwaters of the Kuttanad region of central Kerala lies the heritage home, Emerald Isle. This place is perfect for relaxing as the island is haven of tranquillity, seemingly remote from city life.
Overnight at resort hotel.
 
Being resplendent with exotic flora and a great variety of birds and butterflies, the location also is a paradise for lovers of nature. In the afternoon you can enjoy tea and typically South Indian sweets while sitting on the lovely terrace of the heritage home and having a pleasant chat with our friendly hosts. Alternatively you may explore the village and visit some of the ancient temples located on the island. In the evening you can watch the local toddy-tapper climbing the coconut-tree and collecting the fresh palm tree wine. Of course you will have the chance to taste a glass of this delicious drink! Overnight at resort hotel.
 
DAY 11: HERITAGE VILLA NEAR ALLEPPEY
After a rich and strengthening breakfast you will be fit for exploring the backwaters by canoe or kayak. Slowly paddling through the beautiful maze of canals you will enjoy the famous backwaters as close as you can get to nature. This is also a unique opportunity to spot different kinds of rare birds inhabiting this area.
 
In the afternoon, if you feel like you need to relax from all this physical activity you can undergo an ayurvedic treatment, a form of medicine which was first developed in Kerala. Depending on your wishes different treatments will be available on-site at the heritage home. Overnight at resort hotel.
 
DAY 12: MARARI BEACH
After breakfast you will head to your accommodation, Beach Symphony, for two nights. You can relax in the shadow of the many coconut trees, swim in the clear sea or take a pleasant walk along the white, sandy beach. If you would prefer to be more active you can go for a ride on the village elephant which will undoubtedly be an ever-memorable experience! Overnight at resort hotel.
 
DAY 13: MARARI BEACH
In the early morning you will have the opportunity to accompany the local fishermen on their daily trip to the open sea. If this appears too adventurous for you, watching them throwing out their nets from the shore is a good alternative. The rest of the day you can spend on the beautiful and not at all crowded Marari Beach. Fully enjoying the sun and the sea you can rebuild before heading back home the following day.Overnight at resort hotel.
 
DAY 14: DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport for onward flight.

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