Kerala with a Difference

In this tour we take you to some hitherto unexplored parts of the region while retaining many mainstream sights

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Tailor-Made Tour

Duration16 Days
Flights IncludedYes
Prices From £ 3595

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.

Remember, this trip can be personalised to suit your travel needs - we can tailor everything from hotel, travel type, duration and more.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1

UK

Fly Emirates via Dubai.

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.

Day 3

Alleppey

Enjoy a relaxed day exploring the surrounding villages, coir works, temples and life around the backwaters.

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.

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.

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!

Day 7

Kanam, Munnar

Drive to the picturesque tea growing country of Munnar and check-in to the colonial Talliar Estate Tea Bungalow.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 16

Cochin, UK

Fly back in the morning via Dubai.

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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