Grand Kerala Tour

Duration: 10 Days   |  
  • Destination: Bhutan
  • Trip Difficulty: Easy
  • Trip Difficulty: Easy
  • Transport: Private Vehicle/Tourist Bus
  • Transport: Private Vehicle/Tourist Bus
  • Food: Breakfast
  • Food: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: 3 Star (or greater) Hotel
  • Accommodation: 3 Star (or greater) Hotel
  • Group Size: 02-15 Pax
  • Group Size: 02-15 Pax

Kerala – Land of coconuts- backwaters- Spice

Kerala is a tropical coherence of coastal abundance and backwaters. For many travelers, Kerala is South India's gem that comprises of serenely beautiful state.  The coastal strip is well defined by its layered landscapes, the Arabian Sea beaches, backwaters, spices and tea covered hills. 

Besides that Kerala has always remained aloof from the bright frenzy atmosphere compared to other metropolitan cities. It is home to various interesting wildlife reserves and lush green hill stations, of the likes of Munnar and others. Not only that it has quite a fascinating and illustrious history, traces of which can be found in the cities of Kochi (Cochin) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).Kerala has strong deeply rooted traditions, and its various dance forms such as Kathakali, theyyam (a trance-induced ritual), is unique and special. Its temple festivals snake-boat shaped races are an integral part of their live that brings the entire rural population together under uniformity.

Kerala is all about backwaters tranquil experience and one can easily unwind here to get the best tropical experience. It is also known for its rejuvenating spas and Ayurveda body massages heal yourself to the fullest when you are here. So are you excited and curious to delve deep into the coast half of India? Join Shepherd holidays, for getting the first hand experience about the natures best kept secrets in a marine bounty destination called Kerala.

Highlights

  • Get to visit the old Visit the old seaport city of Cochin,
  • Observe a rich mix of culture and religions.
  • Visit to the lush green paddy fields and spice plantations of Thekkady
  • Stroll in the jungles of Periyar National Park, and catch glimpses of abundant flora and fauna.
  • An overnight stay in a houseboat, and sail afloat in the placid down backwater canals amidst shady coconut palms.

Itinerary

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You will be arriving at the Kochi airport. Upon landing you will be greeted by our tour manager, and will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight you will take an ideal rest after your long travel.

Next day you will be picked by the driver and you will be reached to a dance show Center, for witnessing Kathakali dance form (Timings: 17:30 pm – 19:30 pm). In short the art of Kathakali are found in the ancient ritual plays of Hindu temples and various dance forms that are very much older than its literature, as they are a continuation of older traditions. Once done with it we drive back to the destined hotel 

  • Accommodation: Hotel Aiswarya or Similar-3 star/ Travancore Court or Similar-4 star
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Place: Cochin

The following day you will take an instant breakfast, immediately after that you will be heading for a sightseeing tour of Cochin You will visit the following Sites.

Mattancherry Palace & Jewish Synagogue:

First up we visit the Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, showcasing Kerala murals portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. The Palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese as a present to the king of Cochin around 1555. Later on it was taken over by the Dutch and renovated the palace after which it was popularly called Dutch Palace. It is also called Paradesi synagogue is a word used in several Indian languages, because it was built by Sephardic or Spanish-speaking Jews also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue.

Chinese Fishing Net:

These fishing nets are huge mechanical contrivances that hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across, and are amazing sight to observe. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. This will give you an idea about the fishing methods used by the locals to trap huge cache of marine life.

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi:

The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala. This church is one of the finest and most impressive churches in India and visited by tourists the whole year round. It is built in Gothic style, which carries historic significance and is an architectural master class.

St. Francis Church, Kochi:

Built in 1853 St. Francis Church in Kochi is the oldest European church in India. It displays historical significance and stands as a witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent. After watching this with the little time that you have you will head for shopping at Coaching and head back to your hotel later on.

  • Accommodation: Hotel Aiswarya or Similar-3 star/ Travancore Court or Similar-4 star
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Place: Cochin

Today we will be heading towards Munnar, making a small halt en route to the Valera and Cheeyappara Waterfalls. It is an ideal confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale. Watching the entire hill station from an elevation of 1600 Meter above sea level is mesmerizing.

  • Accommodation: Green Tree Resort or Similar-3 star/ Swiss Counts or Similar-4 star
  • Meals: Breakfast Included
  • Altitude: 1532 m/5025 ft
  • Place: Munnar

This entire day after the breakfast is reserved for sightseeing tour and jeep safari. First we drive through the KananDevan Hills tea plantations, crossing spice plantations. After around 25 kms of jeep ride through well paved roads we meet the rugged road to the World’s highest organic tea growing estate. We either drive or take a walk towards the oldest orthodox tea factory in this region. Catching hold of all the tea picking and processing methods we reach an open spaced ground for having our lunch. Soon after that we catch awe inspiring glimpses and ride back passing through the rugged roads watching tea plantations with people. Overnight we stay at the hotel.

  • Accommodation: reen Tree Resort or Similar-3 star/ Swiss Counts or Similar-4 star
  • Meals: Breakfast Included
  • Place: Munnar

This day we take our breakfast and drive towards Thekkady, check-in at the hotel. After a complete mornings rest, in the afternoon a day awaits us for an amazing boat ride in Periyar Lake. This lake flows through the Periyar tiger reserve, where you get to watch the wild animals like elephant, Bison, Sambar, Deer etc foreging near the shores. Overnight stay at hotel, in Thekkady/Periyar.

  • Accommodation: Jungle Park Resort or Similar-3 star/ Mountain Courtyard or Similar-4 star
  • Meals: Breakfast Included
  • Altitude: 1337 m/4385 ft
  • Place: Thekkady/Periyar

A spectacular day awaits you as Today the breakfast/Lunch & evening snacks will be packed as we will be heading for a complete Jeep Safari. Our destination is the PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK home to wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and few others. Not only that we will visit the Mullaperiyar dam and spice plantations.

  • Accommodation: Jungle Park Resort or Similar-3 star/ Mountain Courtyard or Similar-4 star
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Place: Thekkady

After checking out from Thekkady hotel, we move on to Alleppey for staying in the Houseboat. This is a one in a kind experience of admiring beautiful scenery of paddy fields and coconut palms sitting on the boat. Cruising along the backwaters of Alapuzzha is a delightful experience and known as the Venice of East. This houseboat cruise experience will remain in your memories forever.

  • Accommodation: Premium Class Houseboat with Meals Aircon
  • Meals: Breakfast Included
  • Altitude: 11 m/36 ft
  • Place: Alleppey

Today we will be leaving our houseboat stay behind and make towards Kumarakom. Once we are here we check-in to the hotel or resort in Kumarakom. We will be utilizing our time in resting the whole day at a leisurely pace on the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Paddling the backwaters of Alleppey we reach the ornithologist paradise Kumarakom. It’s a renowned bird sanctuary for migratory birds that flock from all over the world. Spreading over 14 acres Kumarakom is a heaven for nesting bird species a spectacle to watch. After that we take a drive towards Kovalam. We check in at the hotel and stay overnight here.

  • Accommodation: Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort or Similar-3 star/ Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort or Similar-4star
  • Meals: Breakfast Included

Today we will not be traveling much, after having our breakfast we make use of your entire day indulging in personal activities. Kovalam is a popular beach where we sun bath and relax on its sands. Overnight we stay at the hotel in Kovalam.

  • Accommodation: Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort or Similar-3 star/ Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort or Similar-4star
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Place: Kovalam

This is the final day of our Kerala tour. After having your breakfast, you will be escorted by our representative to the airport for your flight back home.After the wonderful opportunity to organize this tour for you we wish you a safe and happy journey ahead.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Place: Kochin Airport
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What to Expect

  • All airport pickups and drop off to and from hotel in a private vehicle.
  • You get 3 star Accommodation in Cochin (Hotel Aiswarya or Similar), in Munnar (Green Tree Resort or Similar), in Thekkady (Jungle Park Resort or Similar), in Allepy (Premium Class Houseboat with Meals Aircon) and in Kovallam (Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort or Similar) on double or twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
  • Your 4 star Accommodation in Cochin (Travancore Court or Similar), in Munnar (Swiss Counts or Similar), in Thekkady (Mountain Courtyard or Similar), in Allepy (Premium Class Houseboat with Meals Aircon) and in Kovallam (The Travancore heritage Beach Resort or Similar) on double or twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
  • Stand by vehicle from the start of the sightseeing trip till the end fo the day.
  • You will get a good English speaking professional driver with a sound knowledge of the surrounding areas. You will be able to communicate and put across  any inquiry or a piece of information with ease.  
  • Double or Twin room accommodation with Bed and Breakfast
  • Guided sightseeing tour in all the cities with private vehicles
  • A boat ride at  Periyar
  • Full day Periyar jungle jeep safari
  • Munnar Jeep safari
  • All types of government taxes, and other official expenses.
  • All International airfare
  • Visa entry fee for India visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunch and Dinner throughout the trip
  • Your Personal expenses not included
  • You’re Laundry, telephone bills, luggage handling and beverages.
  • Entrances tickets to the Monuments
  • Driver tips. (Tipping is expected)