Kerala South India
7 Days Starting in Kochi, India and ending in Kovalam, India
Visiting: Valummel, Mlappara, Chakrampady, Erezha, Vizhinjam, Vivekananda Nagar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
59015
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
India is more than a country – it’s a multicultural subcontinent with dozens of languages and religions, and nowhere is this diversity more evident than in the exotic south. The aroma of the tea plantations, the fragrance of the spice gardens, the enchanting mantras and music in the Hindu temples, and the lush green of nature. Discover the mysteries of South India on a journey that invites you to enjoy the richness of Dravidian culture, the colourful gopuram of Hindu temples, houseboats, and much more!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Kochi
Location: Valummel
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casino or similar 3*
Meet your tour representatives upon arrival at Kochi International Airport, from where you’ll be transferred to the hotel. Kochi, which was formerly known as Cochin, is one of the most culturally diverse cities in India, with ancient Christian and Jewish communities as well as more traditional Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist ones. Its colonial past has also bequeathed a heritage that features Portuguese, Dutch and British culture and architecture. In the afternoon, explore the town’s historical districts. Our walking tour will take us to Jew Town, where we can see the Pardesi Synagogue (Closed on Fridays & Saturdays); the Mattancherry Palace, known locally as the Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays); Fort Kochi, reminiscent of European streets and houses; the Chinese Fishing Nets on the northern shore of Fort Kochi; and St Francis Church, near a typical English village green. Enjoy some time observing the fishermen working the nets as the sun sets before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Kochi
Day 2 : Kochi – Periyar (105 Kms – 4 Hrs)
Location: Mlappara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Cardamom County or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart to Periyar, where you’ll check-in at around noon. Prepare to discover this land of elephants, unending hills and spice-scented plantations. The flora and fauna of Periyar’s wildlife sanctuary are absolutely thrilling, and the Periyar Lake is a paradise for nature lovers, the greatest delight it offers being the herds of elephants that come down to play in its waters. Enjoy an afternoon boat ride on Periyar Lake and contemplate the wildlife (subject to water level). Keep an eye out for sambhar, bison, spotted deer, tigers, leopards, Malabar flying squirrels, stripe-necked mongooses and more. Then return to the hotel.
Overnight in Periyar.
Day 3 : Periyar – Kumarakom (120 Kms – 3.5 Hrs)
Location: Chakrampady
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Lakesong Resort or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, your journey to Kumarakom begins, a quaint little place on the backwaters of Kerala. It lies on the eastern shore of the Vembanad Lake, which is a gorgeous bird sanctuary. Waterfowl, cuckoo and wild duck can be seen in abundance here. In winter, large flocks of migratory wild duck from Siberia come in spectacular formation to roost. Kumarakom lies in a timeless world of gentle, unhurried activity. Around lunch-time, check-in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring this wonderful location at leisure. at leisure
Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 4 : Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat (35 Kms – 1 Hr)
Location: Erezha
Accommodation Name: Kerala Houseboat (Kettuvallam)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast and a 30-minute drive to Kumarakom’s boat jetty, you get to board a houseboat (Kettuvallom). Kettuvallams are huge, tapering barges traditionally used to get rice and other goods across Kerala. They have a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as a kitchen and restrooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. Modern-day Kettuvallams carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, kitchens and even balconies where tourists can laze on cushions. Most of the boats are poled by local oarsmen, while some are powered by engines. Gliding on the serene backwaters, visitors can witness a side of Kerala unspoiled by time. Enjoy your day at leisure to better discover the activities of the locals and then spend the night aboard the houseboat.
Overnight on the houseboat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 5 : Alleppey Houseboat – Kovalam (250 Kms – 5 Hrs)
Location: Vizhinjam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Travancore Heritage or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and transfer to Kovalam. This calm seaside resort by the Arabian Sea has located about 16 km from the center of Thiruvananthapuram. In Malayalam, the regional language, Kovalam means 'Coconut Tree Grove', as it is enclosed between spectacular beaches and fertile coconut palms. After checking in at the hotel, the remainder of the day is left at leisure for you to explore the internationally renowned beaches, namely Eve's Beach and Lighthouse Beach. The calm waters are ideal for a swim, and the best facilities are available for beach lovers, from sunbathing on the pristine beaches to Ayurvedic massages.
Overnight at Kovalam.
Day 6 : Kovalam
Location: Vizhinjam
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Travancore Heritage or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast, the entirety of the day is free for you to explore Kovalam at your leisure. Why not relax on the beach with a good book while you enjoy the tranquillity and the sound of the crystal-clear sea. Or even lose yourself wandering through the streets of the village, trying local food and shopping in local stores. You can also visit the famous Karamana River, or, if you're feeling lazy, relax and enjoy the services available at the hotel. Today, you set the pace.
Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 7 : Depart Kovalam
Location: Vivekananda Nagar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After one last breakfast at the hotel, bid farewell to Kovalam as a transfer takes you to Trivandrum Airport, where you will arrive in time to board your flight to your following destination.
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with local bilingual Italian-English speaking guides.
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Accommodation
6 Nights' accommodation in standard hotel categories.
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Meals
B & B Option: 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, and 1 Dinner. Half Board and Full Board supplements are available at additional cost.
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Transport
Air-conditioned transportation on a shared basis, including inbound airport transfer from Kochi Airport and outbound airport transfers to Trivandrum airport.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All monuments and activities as indicated: Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Church of San Francesco in Kochi (Cochin), and sharing common boat ride on Periyar Lake.
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Other
Meet & Greet on arrival at Kochi International Airport and porterage only in the airport.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions (as recommended/suggested) in the itinerary.
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Airfare and Taxes
Any airfare, airport taxes, a supplement for which are quoted separately if applicable.
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Tips
Tips to drivers, local guides, and hotel staff.
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Visa Fees
Indian tourist visa fees.
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Unlisted Services
Any service not listed above.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in India. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
- Dutch Palace is closed on Friday on public holidays
- The standard hotel check-in / check-out time is 14:00 / 12:00. In some cases it may vary
- The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary.
- Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
- Please note that hotel classification is as per Indian standards.
- Please note we are able to accept clients request for Vegan meals.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Kochi
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Casino or similar 3*
Day 2 Periyar
- Standard Hotel Category = Cardamom County or similar 3*
Day 3 Kumarakom
- Standard Hotel Category = Lakesong Resort or similar 3*
Day 4 Alleppey
- Standard Hotel Category = Kerala Houseboat (Kettuvallam)
Day 5, 6 Kovalam
- Standard Hotel Category = Travancore Heritage or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Kochi
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Casino or similar 3*
Day 2 Periyar
- Standard Hotel Category = Cardamom County or similar 3*
Day 3 Kumarakom
- Standard Hotel Category = Lakesong Resort or similar 3*
Day 4 Alleppey
- Standard Hotel Category = Kerala Houseboat (Kettuvallam)
Day 5, 6 Kovalam
- Standard Hotel Category = Travancore Heritage or similar 3*
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of guide will be provided during the tour?
The tour will be operated with local bilingual Italian-English speaking guides.
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What type of accommodation is included in the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights' accommodation in standard hotel categories, such as Hotel Casino in Kochi, Cardamom County in Periyar, Lakesong Resort in Kumarakom, Kerala Houseboat in Alleppey, and Travancore Heritage in Kovalam.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The B&B option includes 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. There are also optional half-board and full-board supplements available at an additional cost.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Air-conditioned transportation on a shared basis is provided, including inbound airport transfer from Kochi Airport and outbound airport transfers to Trivandrum Airport.
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Are entrance fees and activities included in the tour?
Yes, all monuments and activities as indicated in the itinerary are included, such as visits to the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Church of San Francesco in Kochi, and a shared boat ride on Periyar Lake.
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What should I wear when visiting temples or religious sites in India?
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house.
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Is there any special note regarding the Dutch Palace?
Yes, the Dutch Palace is closed on Fridays and public holidays.
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Can the tour accommodate vegan meal requests?
Yes, the tour can accommodate requests for vegan meals.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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