10 Nights Single Traveller Experience to Kerala

Welcome to Kochi, the most fascinating city of Kerala. On arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be met by a rep and the other travellers before being 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

Unlock Kochi’s history by embarking on a morning sightseeing tour that will take you and the group into the heart of this great city. The Dutch, British, French and Portuguese have all left their outstanding imprint with beautiful architecture. You will visit Fort Cochin, which has been a cherished sea port for centuries, Vasco Da Gama Square and Santa Cruz Basilica. Continue to St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest European church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars. Vasco da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon. Proceed to the VOC Gate, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and marvel at Mattancherry Palace’s murals depicting the Ramayana and Puranic legends.

Intriguingly, the only traces of China’s influence are the gigantic nets, ‘cheenavalas’ from 1350. According to Diplomat Ma Haun, “The fishermen are tourist-friendly and will happily let you join them.” And his observation still rings true today. You and the group will learn about their very unusual fishing method, operated from the shore. In the afternoon, experience your very own pièce de résistance with a cooking class from a renowned local TV personality. At lunch, enjoy the flavours of Keralite cooking. Return to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Check out after a hearty breakfast and drive to Munnar over rugged hills, rolling oceans of tubby green tea bushes, through luscious grasslands, before passing the Pallivasal tea estates. This will be your first glimpse of Munnar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

At a height of 1,500 metre, set amidst mountains once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar is a bustling hub of tea plantations. Prepare to be captivated by its dense carpet of tea, sprinkled with Acacias and Red Gum trees, and delighted by its freshly brewed cuppas.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

Continue with a full day sightseeing of Munnar, watching the mountain goats in the Rajamalai Wild Life Sanctuary. Then head to the the Kannan Devan Hills, the perfect getaway with panoramic views of the Munnar Tea Estates and the lake. After lunch you will proceed to Mattupetty, with the rare chance of seeing a herd of wild elephants on the way to Mattupetty Dam. Next up is the Tea Museum’s photographs and machinery during the revolution of the industry, which includes the original tea roller, the ‘Rotovane,’ and the ‘Pelton Wheel’. Return to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

Along the way you will also explore Thekkady. After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the spice capital and check into your next hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure. Feel free to walk through the spice market in the Kumily Village. Make sure you leave room in your suitcase for the finest cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace!

First up is the Kathakali, a mixture of art, music, dance and drama, with majestic costumes, elaborate makeup, and mythological stories. Kalaripayattu is the oldest form of martial arts, with elaborate movements and the sounds of slashing swords. Return to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY

After breakfast, spend a morning at leisure. In the late afternoon, board the wildlife viewing boat cruise at the scenic Periyar Tiger Reserve. Amidst the hazy mountains of the Silent Valley, lies Thekkady, the opening to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a place where congestions are caused only by elephant crossings. Catch rare sightings of tigers playing under smouldering sun sets or watch kingfishers fluttering along the rivers. The sanctuary is an open-air collection of natural bio diversity and endangered wildlife. Return to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY

Your journey continues by crossing the captivating backwaters by traditional houseboat accompanied by like-minded explorers. Travelling in a group is a great way to discover Kerala with people you'd otherwise never meet.

After breakfast, depart for Alleppey. Set out in style on an enchanting one night cruise. While lounging in these floating villas, you will feel like invaders of the backwaters, with the vibrant sights of Kerala skimming by. Look out for the huge Chinese fishing nets, paddy fields, and locals making coir products, rustic buildings, ancient temples and dense coconut trees. Local fish plucked from the backwaters, grilled in spices and lemon will be served on board.

OVERNIGHT ON THE HOUSEBOAT

After breakfast check out from the houseboat and drive to Poovar. Poovar is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land. Poovar is unspoilt and unexplored, envoloped by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach. It is basically a fishing village and the only way to reach Poovar is through water. Known for its pristine and virginal beauty, Poovar Beach is haunted by those who love solitude. It is truly a window into paradise.

On the way to Poovar you will visit two major beaches in Kovalam-- Hawa beach and Samudra Beach.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

Breakfast is at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. End your holiday on this wonderful paradise by treating yourself to an Ayurvedic Massage where the body is revived and the soul replenished. Please book your slot.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

Breakfast is at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. Later board a traditional sunset boat and spend the afternoon cruising through the mangroves of Poovar Island. Relax and enjoy the passing landscapes, spotting the golden beach of Poovar Island, floating restaurants and then continue to the canals and backwaters.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. A beautiful souvenir is the perfect way to end such a magical holiday. Take home a silk sari or handmade version, its motif conveying Kerala’s everlasting memories.

BOARD YOUR RETURN FLIGHT HOME

“To awaken alone in a strange town," wrote British explorer and travel writer Freya Stark "is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” So what’s stopping you? Do yourself a favour and travel to the fascinating places of Kerala solo – no one to answer to, no limits and a fresh clean slate for you to splash with the colours of India! Of course, travelling by yourself doesn’t mean you will be alone – unless that is your preference. Sure, you might start your journey by yourself, but you’ll soon discover that our small-group trip allows you to explore Kerala in the company of like-minded people.

As Lonely Planet perfectly sums up: "Kerala is a world away from the frenzy of elsewhere, as if India had passed through the Looking Glass and becomes an altogether more laid-back place". Thus, naturally this part of the world attracts those looking to get up close and personal with the dazzling gems of India. You’ll enjoy the journey even more by sharing the experience with a small group of passionate travelers, over a glass of wine or meal after a packed day of treasures.

Your journey of a lifetime begins in Kochi, the glorious gateway to Kerala, then onto Munnar where you will enjoy the finest tea with new friends. Continue to Thekkady to board the wildlife viewing boat at the Periyar Tiger Reserve before setting out on an enchanting overnight house boat from Alleppey. Your final destination is Poovar where you will enjoy the "paradise" of South India, with its coconut trees and sweeping beaches!

We understand that the first step towards taking a solo holiday may feel daunting, so we're here to ensure you have the perfect adventure from the get go! Enjoy 10 nights from £1699 pp!

• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Gratuities
• Optional Activities / Highlights
• Meals and drinks not specifically stated as included

• Accommodation will be on Single Room Basis.
• You will need to arrange a Visa prior to travel - Please ask your consultant for details of the application process.
• Our endeavour will always be to confirm the hotels listed in the package chosen, however in rarest of cases where we are not able to confirm certain hotel(s), like for like alternatives will be provided.
• 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.
• 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.
• The package is non-refundable for any inclusion items not used/taken.
• Transfers will be on sharing basis.
• If on a specific date number of people will be less, we will still operate the tour.
• Exclusions
• Any additional meals not mentioned in the package
• Room service charges, Telephone calls, laundry charges, tips of personal nature.
• We recommend that you buy a travel Insurance as Any Costs incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
• Anything not specifically mentioned in the package includes column.
• Meals will generally be Buffet meals unless otherwise stated to you on the confirmation.