TransIndus was among the first operators to offer group tours to Kerala in the early 1990s and continues to devise some of the most innovative…
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Tailor-made Tour 16 days from £3595 per person
Places Visited: Cochin, Alleppey, Riceboat, Kanam, Munnar, Hillgrove, Wayanad, Thalassery
Kerala is today one of the leading destinations in India. While much has been written about its natural attractions and socio-economic history, there is much that remains unexplored.
In this tour we take you to some hitherto unexplored parts of the region while retaining many mainstream sights, albeit with a difference! Be enchanted by the natural parks, waterfalls and birdlife, the backwaters and the delicious cuisine.
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 Emirates via Dubai.
Accommodation Options
Day 2
Cochin, Alleppey
Upon arrival in Cochin you'll be met and transferred to the lush and green area of Alleppey. Here stay two nights at Olavipe, a charming family home near the calm backwaters where authentic Keralan life can be experienced at close quarters.
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Day 3
Alleppey
Enjoy a relaxed day exploring the surrounding villages, coir works, temples and life around the backwaters.
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Day 4
Alleppey, Riceboat
Board a private riceboat this morning for a cruise along the palm-fringed backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Traditional local dishes are served on board by your private crew.
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Day 5
Riceboat, Kanam
Disembark after breakfast for a short drive to Kanam Estate. Stay in the midst of a rubber plantation at Serenity for two nights. Once the plantation manager's residence, this property has been tastefully restored whilst retaining the local charm and character of the area.
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Day 6
Kanam
Enjoy a leisurely day visiting the surrounding spice plantations which comprise pepper, areca nut, nutmeg and cardamom. There's also the opportunity to spend some time bathing the resident elephant!
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Day 7
Kanam, Munnar
Drive to the picturesque tea growing country of Munnar and check-in to the colonial Talliar Estate Tea Bungalow.
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Day 8
Munnar
Visit the Eravikulam National Park home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. There is also time for one of the following options, a visit to a nearby tea factory, a walk in the tea estate or a picnic by the waterfalls.
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Day 9
Munnar, Hillgrove
Morning drive through Marayur Sandalwood Forest and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to Mettupalayam (6 hours). Stay at the Kurumba Village for two nights.
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Day 10
Hillgrove
Day at leisure to explore the area. You could go for a walk in the reserve forest with a naturalist or take a plantation tour.
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Day 11
Hillgrove, Wayanad
Early morning transfer to Mettupalayam Railway Station where you'll board the famous Nilgiri Steam Train to Ooty. From Ooty drive to Wayanad for a two-night stay at the Tranquil Plantation.
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Day 12
Wayanad
A visit to the nearby Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary can be arranged (for a supplement). Tranquil has an attractive pool and a well-stocked bar should you want to put your feet up and relax.
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Day 13
Wayanad, Thalassery
Setting off early, today's scenic drive heads down through the lush hills to the coastal town of Thalassery. Stay at Ayisa Mansil, a colonial home overlooking the Arabian Sea, for the night. Visit the local Mopilah homes and enjoy the celebrated North Keralan cuisine of your hostess. You could even join her for a cookery lesson.
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Day 14
Thalassery, Cochin
A daytime classic Indian train journey to Cochin awaits this morning. Your stay in Fort Cochin is at the elegant Malabar House for two nights. Enjoy a sunset cruise this evening around the harbour.
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Day 15
Cochin
The day is set aside for a relaxed wander through the streets of Fort Cochin (a car is on hand should this be necessary). You'll visit the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis' Church and the Dutch Palace, followed by an exciting auto-rickshaw ride through the spice bazaars of the old town. Round off the day viewing Kerala's famous and colourful Kathakali dance performance.
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Day 16
Cochin, UK
Fly back in the morning via Dubai.
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Tailor-made Tour 16 days from £3595 per person
What's included
✓ International flights from London
✓ 14 nights accommodation
✓ All internal transportation and transfers
✓ English-speaking guides
✓ Breakfast daily, all meals on the riceboat cruise
✓ Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary
Places and Experiences in this tour
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