Overview
"Every journey is in itself a pilgrimage. Because wherever you go, you see what God created."
– An ancient Chinese proverb.
When you find yourself in the backwaters of Kerala, in southern India, you'll be astounded at how appropriate that saying is with the scenery before you. It’s not without reason that Kerala is known as‘God’s own country’. A paradise, nestled between the Western Ghats and the overwhelmingly beautiful Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, Kerala has a little bit of everything that India has to offer.
"Right from the pristine beaches full of colourful and rich culture to delectable cuisines for you to savour, this is one holiday you must make to not just experience but rejuvenate yourself." – Lonely Planet, India 2011.
This incredible journey begins with return international flights from the UK, taking the hassle out of your travel planning. You'll enjoy a two-night stay in the vibrant city of Kochi, giving you ample time to explore the rich culture and attractions of Kerala's dynamic city. From there, you'll head to the serene tea fields of Munnar for a two-night stay in a Superior Tea View Room. In Munnar, you'll take a tour of the Tea and Spice Plantation, complete with tea tasting, and visit a tea museum. Then, it's on to Thekkady, where you'll stay for two nights, enjoying access to the lush Periyar Sanctuary. Don't miss the chance to experience wildlife up-close on a bamboo raft or motor boat!
The trip continues with a unique night aboard an air-conditioned houseboat, where you'll be treated to all three meals, including a complimentary bottle of wine. You will experience the local culture by attending performances of Kathakali dances and Kalaripayattu martial arts in Munnar. Afterwards, you'll head to the picturesque town of Poovar for a rejuvenating three-night stay. While there, pamper yourself with a full-body massage and keep yourself fit with an hour of trekking.
Throughout the journey, your sightseeing and transfers will be handled by a private air-conditioned sedan car, driven by an English-speaking chauffeur. An English-speaking local guide will be available for certain excursions to ensure you don't miss any details. Entrance fees for monuments and sightseeing places are covered as part of the package. During your hotel stays, breakfast and dinner are included, and you'll receive one mineral water bottle per person each day to keep you refreshed. Attractions such as Fort Kochi Beach, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, and the Jewish Synagogue are also included in this immersive itinerary.
And when you can do all of this for as little as only £1299 per person, that's almost half what it usually costs, you surely need no reason to pack your bags and find yourself on the ultimate holiday.
What's Included
- We take care of travel with Return International Flights from the UK
- Two-Night Stay in Kochi with the opportunity to explore Kerala’s dynamic city
- Two-Night Stay in Munnar in a Superior Tea View Room
- Enjoy tour of the Tea and Spice Plantation (w/ tea tasting) in Munnar
- Visit to tea museum in Munnar
- Two-Night Stay in Thekkady, the gateway into the Periyar Sanctuary
- Your visit includes the unforgettable opportunity to see wildlife from a Motor boat
- Discover the Dances of the Kathakali and Martial Arts of the Kalaripayattu in Munnar
- Set out in Agatha Christie style on an air-conditioned Houseboat for One-Night
- Be Wined and Dined On Board with All Three Meals and One Free Bottle of Wine
- Three-Night stay in Poovar
- Relax yourself with a full body massage in Poovar
- Visit Fort Kochi Beach,Chinese fishing nets , Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagoge
- Keep your mind, body and soul healthy with an hour trekking
- Sightseeing & Transfers by a Private Air Conditioned Sedan Car
- For certain excursions, the services of an English speaking local guide will be available
- English Speaking Chauffeur throughout the trip and during selected excursions
- Applicable entrances fee for monuments and sightseeing places
- Breakfast and Dinner included with each hotel stay
- Quench your thirst with a one mineral water bottle per person each day.
Highlights
- Stay in some of India's most opulent hotels filled with treasures
- Unlock Kochi’s history by embarking on our sightseeing tour
- Get hands on culinary experience in a TV chef’s kitchen
- Delight in a sumptuous lunch with a local Keralan family
- Wonderful scenic drive to the beautiful hill station of Munnar
- Visit a tea plantation to learn about the history of the “cuppa”
- Relish the ambience of the Kathakali & martial arts in Thekkady
- Set out in Agatha Christie style on a house boat from Alleppey
- Swing lazily in your hammock in the gentle sea breeze on the beach
Accommodation & Facilities
CGH Earth - Casino Hotel, Kochi
The Casino Hotel is not just one of Cochin's landmarks, it's also a fine introduction to the charms of the city, and indeed, of Kerala. Here, you can get an authentic taste of Kerala's colourful life, diverse cultures and eclectic cuisine. The hotel is 6 km from Ernakulam and a 10 minute ferry ride to Fort Cochin and Mattancherry.
The Casino Hotel features regular rooms, spaciously appointed suites and a separate non-smoking wing on the ground floor. Air-conditioned guest rooms are fitted with a personal safe, a minibar and satellite television. Environmentally sensitive practices are the watchword here, as in all the CGH properties.
Many guests love whiling away a relaxed hour or two in the Casino Hotel's sunlit, spacious lounge. This is the heart of th
Tea Harvester, Munnar
Tea Harvester is a boutique property brilliantly designed in spacious and contemporary architecture, where vintage meets vogue. Ideal for both romantics and jetsetters who like a bit of elegance and opulence. Perched on the hillside in comfort and style, about 1800 feet above sea level, amid three acres of verdant tea trees, cardamom plantation and pepper wine, lays cradled an exemplar of fine living.
All the rooms are approximately 450 square feets, including Balconies in Front offering a 180 degree view of Tea plantations &180 degree view of Cardamom plantation from the balcony behind the room. Spacious Bathrooms, large windows, harmonious colours and long verandas are some of our features designed to reminisce the planter’s charm.
The property offers a guided m
Pepper County -- Deluxe Home Stay, Thekaddy
Pepper County is an idyllic home spread over an area of 7 acres in Kumily. The homestay is set amidst spice plantations and paddy fields.
It is a nice place to spend a peaceful, relaxing holiday in the quaint setting. The homestay offers basic but comfortable accommodation. Pepper County is indeed a paradise for nature lovers and honeymooners who come in search of tranquility.
Traditional Kerala cuisine is served at Pepper County. There are plenty of things to do while staying at the Pepper County such as nature walks, bamboo rafting, hiking, boating and trekking. Pepper County also organises daily visits to spice plantations besides jungle jeep safaris and elephant rides. Cultural performances like Kathakali and Kalaripayatu (martial art fo
Air Conditioned House Boat, Alleppey
Spend your day on the traditional Houseboat also know as Kettuvallam.
The Kettuvallam or 'boat with knots' is called so because coir ropes tied in knots hold the entire structure of the boat together. During the entire assembling work of the boat, not a single nail is used. Natural and eco-friendly products like bamboo mat, arecanut trees and coir are used to construct the boats.
Kettuvallam comprise of a separate living room with dining table, a bedroom with bathroom and a sit out area at one corner of the boat.
Guests can enjoy a calm evening right in the middle of the backwaters and watch one of the best sunsets that there could be.
Isola Di Cocco Poovar
The property is a unique heritage resort cosseted by a coconut grove. Located on the banks of the river Poovar, at the juncture where the tranquil river embraces the roaring Arabian sea! The property is tucked away in the southwestern tip of India in the State of Kerala - the internationally renowned tourist destination (projected as one of the 50 best "must see destinations" in the world by the National Geographic Traveller Magazine)
Isola Di Cocco offers rooms, suites and condominiums, spread over 30 acres studded with palms and lush greenery. Privacy abounds at this upscale resort where you'll enjoy romantic seaside dining, lively open-air bar, attentive staff, large fresh water pool, great backwater rides and lots of relaxation. Laze around our coconut grove or
Itinerary
Explore the day-by-day breakdown of your journey through India.
Welcome to Kochi, the most fascinating city of Kerala. On arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Kochi is the magnificent entry to Kerala and has been featured in National Geographic Travellers “50 greatest places of a lifetime.” Spread over several islands and historically rich in culture with booming industries, the city is a fantastic beginning to exploring the vivacious diversity of Kerala.
OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI
Gallery
More Information
- You will need to arrange a visa, the easiest is to apply for a tourist e-visa - our link is to the official Government site: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
- We recommend that you buy a travel Insurance as any costs incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc. are not included and will be passenger’s responsibility.
- The package is non-refundable for any inclusion items not used/taken
- Bamboo Rafting inside Periyar wildlife sanctuary is subject to availability.
- Jewish Synagogue & Dutch Palace will be closed on Fridays and Saturdays (Day 2).
- Rajamalai National Park is closed from 15th January till 1st April every year, so in that period on the way to Munnar we will give a complimentary visit to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary which is also know as Salim Ali bird sanctuary or travellers can visit Top Station in Munnar on Day 4.
- Travellers are requested to carry documents at the time of checking out from each hotel.
- Exclusions & Terms
- Any additional meals not mentioned in the package
- Room service charges, Telephone calls, laundry charges, tips of personal nature
- And anything not specifically mentioned in the package inclusions section
- Meals will generally be buffet meals unless otherwise stated to you on the confirmation.
- Accommodation will be on double sharing Basis unless otherwise stated
- Free Room Upgrades depending on availability
- Travel advice
- Kerala is generally considered a safe destination for tourists and with our tour you are escorted throughout.
- Dress moderately if visiting religious places.
- There are no compulsory vaccinations required, we do advise you to be up to date with regular vaccinations especially Hepatitus A and Typhoid.
- Local Sim cards can be purchased in the arrivals hall for reasonable data costs whilst in India.
- Stay hydrated
- India uses the same standard voltage as the UK, 230v although you will need a two round pin adaptor for the local sockets.
Unless specifically stated as Included
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
- Optional Activities / Highlights
- Meals and drinks not specifically stated as included
2 October 2023 
