The spice trade has lured seafarers to Kerala for centuries, shaping its history and culture. Whereas today’s modern travellers are charmed by the tranquil backwaters, plantation covered hills and palm fringed beaches. Tour Pace: This tour is leisurely, with an abundance of free time to relax or maybe indulge in Ayurveda treatments for which Kerala is justifiably famous. But it’s also perfect for early risers who want to get the most out of the day, and those interested in the local history, art, culture and cuisine. Hotels: Your first hotel in Kochi is a unique mix of chic and classic. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the waterfront from your room. Elsewhere the hotels are more in the tropical resort style, spread out over verdant acres, effortlessly blending in with the natural landscape.
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Day 1
DEPART CANADA
Board your overnight flight (not included).
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Day 2
KOCHI AT LEISURE
Welcome to India! On arrival at Cochin International Airport, you are greeted with a traditional floral garland. Transfer to your hotel on Willingdon Island, where your stylishly designed sea view room overlooks Cochin harbour. Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a Welcome Reception with a delicious meal.(Welcome Reception)
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Day 3
KUMBHALANGI EXCURSION
This morning journey to the small island of Kumbalangi for a glimpse into the lives of the local villagers. Walk through the village, join the fishermen as they raise their Chinese nets or farmers working in the fields. Watch the locals spin golden palm fibers into coir or tap the palms for sap to make a potent drink called ‘toddy’. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. This evening you are invited to attend a performance of traditional Kathakali dance, characterised by elaborate makeup and large, colourful costumes.(Buffet Breakfast)
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Day 4
KOCHI - THEKKADY
Your Kochi city tour includes a visit to the oldest Jewish synagogue in the commonwealth. Next witness the renowned mythological murals of Mattancherry Palace, built in 1557 by the Portuguese. Stop by India’s oldest European built Church of St Francis to see the tombstone of Vasco de Gama, interred here before his remains were returned back to Lisbon. Now immerse yourself in the fragrant world of Indian cooking. Visit a traditional Syrian Christian family in their home to learn the intricacies of Keralan cuisine. After your cooking lesson enjoy your lunch before driving to the sun-dappled highlands near the Tamil Nadu and Kerala border. The road winds through mountains, descending through a carpet of tea bushes, vast plantations of pepper, cardamom, coffee with spectacular views of mist-laden valleys. Check in to your resort located on the fringes of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
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Day 5
PERIYAR EXCURSION
Visit the Spice Gardens of Periyar today for a better understanding of the aromatic spices, herbs, flowers, various fruit and plants. Afterwards, you are invited to get up close and personal with the local elephants, which still play an important role in Indian society. Perhaps help feed these amazing animals, give them a bath, or just watch them work with their Mahouts. Back at your eco friendly hotel there is time to relax. This evening, join an expert naturalist for a cruise through the waterways of the Periyar sanctuary in search of wildlife, including elephant, monkeys, deer or even a tiger.(Buffet Breakfast)
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Day 6
THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM
Drive down to Kerala’s picturesque backwaters - a world of serenity and wonder, bursting natural beauty. Your hotel is situated on the shores of Lake Vembanad. Check-in, relax and enjoy. Perhaps enjoy an Ayurveda treatment, the ancient science of holistic healing for which Kerala is renowned.(Buffet Breakfast)
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Day 7
KUMARAKOM AT LEISURE
For those who want to rise early this morning there is an included bird watching tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Set within lush acres of woodland, you will become acquainted with the variety of migratory birds that flock in their thousands from the Himalayas or as far afield as Siberia. Return to the hotel for breakfast and the rest of the day is free to enjoy the Backwater environment or indulge in Ayurveda treatments.(Buffet Breakfast)
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Day 8
KUMARAKOM - KOVALAM
Transfer to the local jetty to board your houseboat for a half day cruise on the backwaters. Before the advent of modern day roads these houseboats were the main form of transport. Disembark in Alleppey for a walking tour of the town and a typical local lunch in a private home, a wonderful experience. This afternoon drive to Kovalam, famous for its beautiful golden beaches and swaying coconut palms.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)
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Day 9
KOVALAM
For those who wish, your are invited to an early morning Yoga session. For both the nimble and novices alike, it’s a great way to start the day. After breakfast at hotel, drive to Trivandrum for a city tour including the temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery and the Napier Museum which provides a glimpse into Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Return to Kovalam where the afternoon is at leisure to take advantage of the palm fringed beaches.(Buffet Breakfast)
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Day 10
KOVALAM AT LEISURE
Today is completely free to relax on the beach or indulge in Ayurveda treatments at hotel. This evening enjoy a traditional Kalaripayattu martial art show followed by farewell Celebration Dinner with drinks to round off this fantastic tour.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)
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Day 11
RETURN TO CANADA
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast with transfers to Trivandrum Airport.(Buffet Breakfast)
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A Welcome Reception with delicious meal. (WR)
Enjoy 2 Highlight Lunches at a private homes in Alleppey and Kochi, which also includes a cooking demonstration. (HL)
Enjoy a farewell Celebration Dinner with drinks at the Kovalam hotel’s sea side restaurant. (CD)
9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Hotel Dinner in Western or the local style, including tea, coffee and bottled water. (D)
Escorted by a professional Tour Director
Travel in comfort and style on our modern, air-conditioned luxury touring coaches and minibuses
Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
Insight Traveller Welcome pack
Arrival and departure transfers between the airports and your Insight tour hotels
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Trivandrum: Tour the city with visits to the Napier Museum, Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple and Sri Chitra Art Gallery.
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