Beaches Tours Car & Driver

Kerala Explorer tour

Characterised by winding emerald rivers, exotic wildlife, spice plantations and lush landscapes, the south Indian state of Kerala exudes tranquillity and beauty. Explore the region on this 10 night, 12 day tour, discovering the most captivating areas including an overnight boat cruise on the rural backwaters, tea plantations in Munnar and wildlife spotting in Periyar National Park.

Day 1 - Trivandrum

On arrival at Trivandrum International airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Here you can enjoy a 45 minute Ayurvedic massage, designed to relieve jet lag, and then have the rest of the day to relax (lunch and dinner included).

Day 2 - Trivandrum to Allepy

Today you will board a traditional houseboat which will be your transport and accommodation. This leisurely cruise takes you through the winding backwaters of Kerala, enjoying the local food and stunning rural scenery of the surrounding Kerala villages and waters (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 3 - Allepy to Kochi (Cochin)

Disembark and take a tour of Kochi, the historic centre of India's spice trade. See the ancient Chinese influence in the impressive fishing nets, still used daily by locals, and take a ride through the village road in a tuk-tuk. You will also see the Mattanchery Dutch Palace and the oldest European church in India, St. Francis.

Day 4 - Kochi to Cheruthuruthy (Thrissur)

From Kochi you will journey to the Athirapally Waterfalls which, falling from a height of 80 feet, are one of the highest in the state. Then head on to Thrissur with its strong cultural, religious and spiritual background. Visit historical buildings such as the Vadkumnathan and Paramekavu Devi Temples before exploring the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, where you can watch these magnificent creatures feed and bathe (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 5 - Cheruthuruthy

Gain insight into the local culture with 'A Day with the Masters', an introduction to the world of Kerala's traditional performing arts. Learn about traditional Sanskrit theatre, percussion music and the training of each art form, as well as the life of an artist (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 6 - Cheruthuruthy to Munnar

Travel to Munnar, known for its expanse of tea plantations, rolling valleys and mountains. Stopping en route for lunch, the rest of the day will be free time (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 7 - Munnar

Today you will have a tour of Munnar, a nature lover's paradise. Visit Mattupetty Lake, Echo Point, Gundala Lake, Jungle Honey Bee Nest, a tea plantation and Rajamalai National Park, famous for its Nilgiri Tahr (wild goat) (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 8 - Munnar to Thekkady

Travel to Thekkady, a stunning area located high in the Cardamom hills containing tea gardens, rubber, coffee and pepper plantations. Following lunch, a visit to a plantation and spice market awaits you (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 9 - Thekkady to Kottayam

A highlight of Thekkady is the Periyar forest, India's largest wildlife sanctuary. Board a boat at Periyar Lake where you can view various species of wildlife and enjoy the picturesque scenery. From here you will travel on to Kottayam, stopping en route to see the Hindu Aranmula Temple (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 10 - Kottayam to Trivandrum

Journey back to Trivandrum for lunch and a city tour incorporating Kanakakunnu Palace, Napier Museum, Shankhumugham Beach, Sri Chithra Art Gallery, and the famous Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple. Have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy another Ayurvedic massage at your hotel (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 11 - Trivandrum to the UK

Transfer to the airport. Proceed for your flight back to the UK (breakfast, included).

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2024 package holidays escorted tours of India Holiday prices are per person based on two sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation, and are subject to availability. Flights from Heathrow - other departures also available, call for details.