Highlights of Kerala
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Lily Brough
Travel Specialist
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Highlights of Kerala
Itinerary
Fly to Kochi (Cochin)
(N)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals
Kochi
Arrive and transfer to the Eighth Bastion (or similar) for 2 nights. Remainder of the day is at leisure. (N)
Kochi
Visit some of the highlights of this enchanting port, taking in the architectural styles that reveal Arab, Jewish and European influences. View the remarkable, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, explore the 16th-century Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, the Church of St Francis and the oldest active Jewish synagogue in the world. Later, visit the Kathakali dance studio. The striking feature of this dance is the elaborate face make-up and costumes. (B)
Munnar
Travel to Munnar and stay 2 nights at the Windermere Estate in the hill country. (B,D)
Munnar
Guided walk through Windermere Estate, allowing you to experience the impressive mountain scenery and the extraordinary flora and faunathat this region has to offer. The walk is 4-km long and the average duration is around two hours. (B,D)
Thekkady
Morning drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady. The region is home to moist deciduous forests and marshy grasslands, offering excellent opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife as well tropical plant life. Stay 2 nights in the Spice Village (or similar). (B)
Thekkady • Periyar
For centuries, Kerala has grown and exported spices around the world. In the morning, take a walking tour of a plantation to learn about the cultivation, growth and processing of spices. This afternoon head to the Periyar National Park and take a walk with a forest guide to discover the flora and fauna of this verdant region. (B)
The backwaters
Drive to the backwater region of Kerala this morning. The backwaters are home to a variety of species of fauna and flora. Stay 2 nights at the Coconut Lagoon (or similar). (B)
The backwaters
Morning at leisure. Afternoon backwaters cruise in a traditional shikara boat through narrow canals. This cruise explores these picturesque waterways, passing boats carrying loads of coir, copra and cashews and, along the water’s edge, numerous churches and marketplaces. (B)
Overnight on a houseboat
Board a private kettuvallam, a traditional Keralan houseboat.The network of canals, lakes and estuaries that make up the backwaters is formed by the 40-odd rivers that flow down to the Arabian Sea from the Cardamom Hills. A traditional lunch will be prepared on board by one of the boatmen. In the afternoon, relax on board as the boat meanders through the canals and waterways of Kerala’s backwaters. At around 5pm, the boat will be anchored for the night. Boats cannot cruise after this time as this is when the fishermen take their nets to the water to begin their night’s fishing. In the evening, authentic Keralan cuisine will be served on board the boat. (B,L,D)
Mararikulam
Located between Kochi and Alleppey, Mararikulamis one of the picturesque fishing villages that dot the coastline. The main attractions are the local culture, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the extensive sandy beaches. Stay 3 nights at the Marari Beach Resort, which offers comfortable accommodation in 62 individual cottages and deluxe pool villas. Marari Beach Resort is around 1.5 hours from Kochi airport and the backwaters. (B)
Mararikulam
A further day at leisure on beautiful Marari Beach. (B)
Fly home
(B)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
The Cox & Kings signature experiences
- Explore the historic city of Kochi (Cochin)
- Hike in the beautiful Western Ghats
- Take a backwaters cruise in a traditional shikaraboat
- 3 nights’ relaxation on the beach
What's included
- International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
- UK departure and overseas airport taxes
- Accommodation, itinerary & meal basis as described
- Local Transfers in a private chauffeur-driven vehicle
- The support (if required) of an English speaking local representative
- Local guides and entrance fees where applicable
Important information
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