Since the time of ancient Greece, Europeans have been seduced by the fecundity, vibrancy and cultural sophistication of India’s far southwest. Black pepper was the…
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Tailor-made Tour 8 days from £2095 per person
Places Visited: Kerala, Cochin, Periyar National Park, Kumarakam, Mararikulum
A relaxed and luxurious tour of Kerala, covering its major attractions; the vibrant port city of Cochin with its Dutch and Portuguese influences and the Jewish settlement at Mattancherry, the palm-fringed backwaters of Kumarakom, the wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations of Periyar, and the inviting Golden sand beach at Marari.
A traditional meal with a local family forms part of the rewarding experience, as does the option of a night on board a Traditional Riceboat.
Holiday Types
Cultural Holidays Wildlife Holidays River Cruising Holidays Luxury Train Holidays Family Holidays Honeymoons Beach Holidays Adventure Holidays
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
UK
Fly from the UK on board Emirates via Dubai. or another carrier that suits your travel plans best
Accommodation Options
Day 2
Cochin
On arrival in Cochin you will be met by a Transindus representative and transferred to the beautifully appointed Brunton Boatyard, Heritage in Fort Cochin, at the heart of the Old town overlooking Cochin Harbour for two night. The rest of your day will be at leisure to absorb the atmosphere of the hotel and the harbour. Early evening enjoy a gentle sunset cruise on Cochin's waterways for views of the Marine Drive, Bolghatty Island as well as the landmark Chinese fishing nets. The orange and pink hues at twilight provide a spectacular photo opportunity.
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Day 3
Cochin
This morning, after breakfast your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel for a private sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin. Having been under the control of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at various times, the sites of Fort Cochin reflect it's rich and culturally diverse past including the colonial backstreets of the Old Town, the Dutch Palace with its beautiful murals of the Ramayana, the Jewish Synagogue and the church of St Francis, the oldest church in India. In the evening you are invited to a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance drama in which elaborately dressed and made-up dancers reenact the epic tale of the Mahabharata. Your return to the hotel for dinner.
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Day 4
Cochin, Periyar
Departing Cochin we drive up into the scenic 'Western Ghats' towards Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, stopping en route at a plantation bungalow for lunch with a local family. Spend the next 2 nights at the Spice Village, Periyar, a first-class ethnic property
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Day 5
Periyar
Enjoy a leisurely stroll this morning through lush green gardens with aromatic bushes and trees to see how spices are grown, cultivated and processed. This region, often referred to as the Cardamom Hills, abounds in spices like clove, pepper, cardamom and ginger as well as mace, nutmeg and cinnamon. A boat cruise this afternoon on Lake Periyar inside the national park is the best way to spot elephants in the wild. You can also spot a variety of birds, chance upon gaur, a type of bison and if lucky the elusive tiger. (This excursion is operated by the local tourist authority. The boat takes up to 25 persons and is not a private cruise. Life jackets are provided.)
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Day 6
Kumarakom
Descending from the 'ghats' we drive to the backwaters of Kumarakom where a boat awaits to transfer us to the first class Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom, which overlooks the tranquil waters. Spend two nights in these relaxed surroundings. There is the option of a spending one of these nights on a rice boat.
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Day 7
Kumarakom
Spend the day at leisure. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is nearby, and the resort has excellent Ayurveda facilities and arranges for a variety of activities that include an evening sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake, yoga and cooking classes.
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Day 8
Kumarakom, Mararikulum
Today take a short transfer to the elegant Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam for your final night.
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Day 9
UK
Fly back to the UK via with Emirates, via Dubai
Accommodation Options
Tailor-made Tour 8 days from £2095 per person
What's included
✓ International flights from London
✓ 7 nights accommodation in beautiful CGH hotels
✓ All internal transportation and transfers
✓ English-speaking guides
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary
Places and Experiences in this tour
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