Trip Duration 14 days

The Experience

Grade - Heritage & Nature Tour

Accommodation: 13 nights hotel stays
Category: Premium

A fascinating journey through India's tropical south, do

experience the diversity in scenery, architecture, culture
and most importantly the people.
Kerala is a tropical bliss with an idyllic coastline and lush
tropical hills. Despite its relative riches, the majority of
the population in Kerala life continue with agriculture,
tea, coffee and spice plantations and the coir industry,
which still provides the basic economic structure of the
region.

Trip highlights

Colonial Cochin
Luxury Boutique Hotel
Enchanting backwaters
Local Arts and crafts
Cooking demonstration
Natureal walk in the Periyar National Park
Full day with a Tribal community
Jeep tour in Kulukumalai Tea Estate
Local Art show Performance
Beachfront stay

TOUR ITINERARY
Day 01

Cochin

On arrival meet and assistance at the airport, then

proceed to your hotel and check-in at the Hotel. The
Malabar House is a small exclusive luxury hotel in
the heart of historical Fort Cochin -a member of
Relais & Chateaux. Subsequently owned by spice
traders, tea traders & bankers, in 1996 it became
Fort Cochin's first boutique heritage hotel. Every
room is unique and has distinctive antiques and
artworks brought in from various parts of the
country. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure on the
streets of this colonial township. In the evening
discover the famous dance drama of Kerala, the
Kathakali show. This dance can be characterized
by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and
very extensive make-up. The stories are mostly taken
from the epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.
Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 02 Cochin
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will Experience Real life of
Cochin during an Ethnic tour start with the visit of the famous
Chinese Fishing Nets of Cochin. The huge cantilevered Chinese
fishing nets that droop towards the waters like over-sized
hammocks, have become a hallmark that represents Fort Kochi
on every postcard... Next visit is at the St. Francis CSI Church,
the oldest European church in India built in 1503, where the
Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried and
the Santa cruz Basilica, one of the finest and imposing
churches in India. Then take a tuk tuk the most popular mode
of transport among the localities. Go along with your local tour
and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), once throbbing
with activity, it is now a picture of slow extinction. Continue
through the small streets of Mattanchery, and arrive at the Fruit
market on Palace road where locals get a variety of fresh and
organic produces at bargains prices. Dont miss a stop at the
Spice Market, where exotic odour of the finest ginger, cloves,
cardamom, turmeric and pepper emanate from the spice warehouses lining the street and fills it. Make a pause with a refreshing tea
at one of the tea shops where you get the one meter tea. There is now an opportunity to interact with a Brahmin Family. The
Brahmin are the highest of the four Hindu castes, made up of priests and scholars of Vedic literature and their traditional occupation
is to conduct rites at marriages, births, deaths and other auspicious occasions. Then you will be invited to getting squiggly lines
drawn on your hands... This ritual called Mehndi arts holds plenty of cultural significance in Indian traditions and is one of the most
important pre-wedding ceremonies in their marriages. Later visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the
Jew Town, and finally the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century.

Tonight join Mariamma Jose (President of one of the

largest Christian organisation in Cochin) for a
Demonstration of Kerala cuisine at her demo kitchen at
home, following by a Dinner. This is a great opportunity to
share thoughts, culture or simply discuss about the life of a
Keralite
Or you can also choose to enjoy a Dinner at The Fort
Kochi - a renowned Seafood restaurant Described by a
famous food critic writer as one of the most renowned
seafood restaurants in India. Here, you pick from an
array of king prawns, lobster, squid, mussels, salmon,
mackerel, shark and more ; practically straight off Cochins
famous fishing nets. Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 03 Cochin Thekkady (160 km / 4.5hrs)

Enjoy a breakfast at the hotel and take a beautiful drive from
the plains to the green mountains of the Nilgiris. Rubber,
Coffee and Cardamom plantations and tea gardens will
follow. Arrive at your hotel Hills & Hues, in Kumily, one of
the entrance door for the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. This
hotel is nestled on the edge of a mountain, on a pristine
stretch of forest land and feature pine wood log cabins
English country style, each with a breathtaking view of the
valley that stretches as far as the eye can seeAfternoon,
explore the beauty of nature, the flora and fauna of the
region with a 2 hrs Nature walk in the remote areas of the
National park. This reserve is an established tourist spot and
home to elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur etc. with
unending Chains of hills and spice-scented plantations.
Return to your hotel. overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 04 Kovilamala
After your breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day in the lap of
the high range. You will be directed deep into the inner
settlements of the village Kovilmala. Kovilamala is inhabited
by the tribal community Mannan. The Mannan community
has unique culture and rituals. They have a kingdom at
Kovilmala with an elected tribal king. This community is the only
tribal community in Kerala that has a king, and one of the only
two such tribes in India. The most current king is Raman Raja
Mannan who was elected in March 2012. Take the unique
opportunity to have a lunch in the Kings house and observe
some insights into the world of nature people. You will then
scroll into the Spice gardens, explore the surroundings nature
and have awesome view of the mountains.
Overnight stay. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 05 Thekkady Munnar (120 Km / 3.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar, South India's largest teagrowing region. Passing through the rolling hills and sculpted tea
gardens arrive at your next accommodation, Spice Tree Hotel.
Nestled among the mountain ranges of Kanan Devan and Bison
Valley Hills, the charming chalets of SpiceTree offer tranquillity
with incredible views of the valley below. It feature a solar heated
outdoor swimming pool with organic mountain spring water. Each
room has colonial style with hand chiseled granite, befitting the
environment. To top it all, each unit has an attached recharge
room that feature a complete list of modern bathroom amenities,
and a magnificent Victorian Jacuzzi with a splendid valley view.
Afternoon, proceed to the Eravikulam National Park (subject
to opening)- A sanctuary for the mountain goat of South India,
the Nilgiri Tahr. The Park stands out for the beauty of its rolling
grasslands spread over 97 sq km in the Kannan devan hills. Later
if time permits see the Mattupetty dam with its still water
reflecting the tea gardens around. Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 06 Munnar
Breakfast at the hotel. Go on a half-day Jeep safari - Drive
though the mind blowing scenery uphill to Kulukamalai Estate,
the highest located tea factory in the world which still practices the
Manual processing of Tea. Reach Kulukkumalai and join hands with
the plantation workers to understand the art of Tea Pluckin
(subject to the working days).At the Tea factory you see the
processing of tea, followed by a tea tasting session. Return to your
hotel to enjoy all its features and premises. Rest of the day free.
Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 07 Munnar Muhamma (160 Km / 4.5 hrs)

After your breakfast, drive to your next unique Boutique Hotel
Purity located in Muhamma (15 km from Alleppey). Overlooking
the lake Vembanad at its widest point, Purity is the first
sophisticated small hotel in the backwaters with unique rooms with
terraces overlooking the lake and an infinity lakefront swimming
pool. Check-in and rest of the day at leisure in your hotel, sipping
a cocktail at the pool or observing the surroundings cantilevered
Chinese fishing nets and the traditional fishermen routine.... Later
on experience a sunset cruise on the shores of the lake
Vembanand (Provided by the hotel). Take a closer look at the
Village activities from the perceptive of your hoarse man.
Overnight Stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 08 Muhamma - Alleppey (15 Km / 30 minutes)

Breakfast at the hotel. Late morning drive to Alleppey and embark
your Houseboat for a Backwaters cruise. These Houseboats are
a reworked version of kettuvallams of olden times and made out of
huge planks of Jack wood, joined with coir from Coconut shells.
The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods,
people and their produce are at times the only link between
isolated villages and crowded towns. The Allepey district is one of
the most popular areas where you can cruise the backwaters. It is
also one of the few places in the world where farming is done
below sea-level, using a system of dykes. Cruise through the palm
fringed canals enjoying the beauty of rural village life. Enjoy a
sumptuous Keralan Lunch on Board. The trip continues through
a wonderful area of the lush green vegetation. Disembark and
return to your hotel. Overnight stay (Breakfast & Lunch).

Day 09 Muhamma
Today, wake-up with chanting birds in the surroundings. Relax in this serene lakefront area, enjoy the lakefront infinity pool, the
Kerala cuisine in your exquisite in-house restaurant or opt for some activities organized by the hotel, such as a Coir factory visit, a
neighborhood excursion to the closest village where you will observe this traditional handcraft work process of coir weaving, product
of the coconut fibre (Payable locally). Or enjoy a heritage craft experience. You will be taken by car to Mannar, the heart of
Keralas ancient metal casting craft. Only few hundred families are in the trade, passing on the skills and secrets of the lost wax
process from one generation to the next. The sheer variety and sizes of brass and bronze is amazing (Payable locally).
Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 10 Muhamma Kovalam (190 Km / 5 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Late morning drive to one of the well
known beach destinations in the world, Kovalam. On arrival
check into Niraamaya Surya Samudra Resort and Spa.
Surrounded by lush greenery, this up-scale beachfront resort has
Keralite heritage styled cottages blended with contemporary and
luxury features with open-to-sky rain showers. Its amenities
include an Ayurvedic therapies Spa, a beach-view infinity pool, an
elegant cliff-top restaurant plus an ocean-view bar. From the
hotel, you will be able to directly access the beach. Rest of the day
free to familiarize with the resort or to enjoy some massages in
the hotel Spa. (payable locally). Overnight stay. (Bed
&Breakfast)

Day 11 Kovalam
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day free for Sun, Sand and Surf. Watch golden sunsets, wait for fishing boats to empty out the days
catch or gaze at the Hotel infinity sea view pool. Overnight stay at the hotel. (Bed &Breakfast)

Day 12 Kovalam
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a Full day free at your beach resorts
Or you may opt for one of our optional sightseeing tour below:
- Go on a guided Half-day sightseeing of tour Trivandrum, visiting
its art galleries, museums and Gardens. The Sree Chitra Art
Gallery, located near to Napier Museum has a collection of
century old and original world famous paintings of Raja Ravi
Varma, Svetlova, Nicholas Rorich, and exquisite works from the
various schools of arts in India. The Kuthiramalika Palace was
built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal of Travancore, who was a great
poet, musician, Social reformer and statesman. Wood carvings,
Paintings and various priceless collections belonging to the royal
family are at display here. One may also visit Padmanabaswami
temple the richest in the world (from outside). Finally enjoy an
Authentic traditional lunch at Villa Maya restaurant, with its
classical architecture, minimal style and selected art and craft pieces. Return back to your hotel for the rest of the day free.
Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 13 Kovalam
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a Full day free at your beach resorts Or you may opt for one of our optional sightseeing tour below :
-Go on a guided Half-day sightseeing of a Fishermen village. Morning drive to Vizhinjum Harbour, one of the busiest fishing
harbour in Trivendrum, with the sight of hundreds of fishing boats, women taking head loads off to local markets and fishermen
gliding into the sea. Continue to Mukkola, where we will be able to get the feel of a typical Kerala rural market with an array of
shops and the fish/vegetable market lying ahead, which becomes active during the day hours. Proceed with a visit of
Balaramapuram Handloom village, famous as the core place for the unique production of traditional varieties of handloom
textiles meant for clothe wearing style of Kerala. Return back to your hotel for the rest of your day free.
Overnight stay. (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 14 Departure Trivendrum Airport
Breakfast at the hotel. Time to say good bye.
Transfer to Trivandrum International airport to connect your flight back home.

TOUR ENDS

Hotel Envisaged

PLACE
COCHIN
THEKADDY
MUNNAR

NO. OF NIGHTS
2
2
2

PREMIUM HOTELS
The Malabar House
Hills & Hues
Spice Trees

MUHAMMA
KOVALAM

3
4

Purity
Niraamaya Resort & Spa

TOUR COST INCLUDES :

Accommodation on twin sharing basis at the hotels mentioned or similar

Breakfast at all places
Transportation as per itinerary by chauffeur driven air conditioned large car
Local English Speaking Guides for the sightseeing of Cochin, Thekkady and Munnar
Entrance charges at the monuments as mentioned in the Itinerary
Ticket for the Kathakali Dance show in Cochin
A guided Ethnic tour in Fort Kochi
Cooking demo class with dinner in Cochin or a Dinner at the Sea Food restaurant Fort Kochi
Nature Walk and a day with the Mannan tour in Thekkady with Lunch
Guided visit to Eravikulam National Park in Munnar
Jeep safari and Visit to Kulukkumalai estate in Munnar
Day cruise on the backwaters by house boat with Lunch
Assistance on arrival and departure
All currently applicable taxes

TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Camera fees & activity charges other than those listed in the itinerary inclusions
Expenses of personal nature such as porterage, laundry, telephones, tipping etc
International/Domestic flight charges ; Visa/Insurance Charges if any
Any tours mentioned in the Itinerary as optional
All other than those listed in above inclusions
Optionals Activity Costs :
Half-day Guided tour of Trivandrum with a Lunch at Villa Maya : USD 42 per person
Half- day Guided tour in a Fishermen Village and Family Weaving : USD 15 per person

Payment and cancellation policies

Payments
50% payment On Confirmation of Tour
50% Payment 30 Days Before arrival Date
Cancellation Policy
Between 30 day to 20 day of arrival
Between 20 day to 10 day of arrival
Within 10 day of arrival

10% of total tour cost as Cancellation Charges

50% of total tour cost as Cancellation Charges
100% of Cancellation Charge

Country Information
India has intent travellers for thousands of years. Its exotic, romantic and
geographically diverse from the Himalayan Mountains and wide deserts in the north
to lush rainforests and sandy beaches in the south. India is not just one of the world's
oldest civilizations, it is also the world's largest democracy, and has made stupendous
progress among developing nations. India's impressive variety of history and culture,
from the ancient Kingdoms to the present state, harmoniously blend to form a unique
atmosphere in over a million square kilometres of scenic sights. A continent-sized
country, India possesses an amazing wealth of sights and sounds, tastes and textures.
From a bustling cosmopolitan city to the quiet countryside, hill station or a beach
resort, India has destinations, which offer a backdrop of unmatched beauty. Although
more than a hundreds of languages are spoken, English is the second language and is
widely taught in Indian schools.
Climate
Expect daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees on average. In the
hills the temperatures fall by around 5-10 degrees Celsius and you will need a warm
sweater for the evenings. Whilst rainfall is at a minimum it is worth bringing a rain
jacket for the odd shower you may encounter.
What You Carry
Need to carry warm clothing, rain Jacket, walking shoes, camera gear and
personal items such as sunscreen, Sun Glass etc.