Discover the Idyllic Kerala
This impressive 9-day South India Tour lets you experience the diversity of India in every aspect — its architecture, wildlife, landscapes, and culture. Its tea plantations and spice gardens will make you fall in love with this beautiful place.
Days
9
Price
US$1,193 p/p
Best For
Nature fans
Best Time
Oct. to Mar.
Tour Highlights
We have just returned from an amazing trip to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Our travel adviser Albee Ning prepared a wonderful itinerary taking us to great locations with creative activities highlighting local culture.
We traveled with Asia Highlights (Lissie was our agent) several years ago when we went to Saigon, and the experience was so positive, we automatically went to Asia Highlights again for an extensive trip to Southeast Asia.
Itinerary Details
The below itinerary is only a sample for your reference. You can explore India on your own terms — just tell your travel advisor your interests, needs, and budget.
Your local guide and driver will meet you at the airport, then transfer to your hotel directly. The rest of the day is for you to spend as you wish.
Hotel options:
Radisson Blu Kochi (4-star)
Kochi Marriott Hotel (5-star)
breakfast & lunch
The first place you will visit is the oldest Portuguese style Christian church, built in 1503 — St. Francis Church. Then, you will visit the Mattancherry Palace (now called Dutch Palace) and feast your eyes on hundreds of Indian murals. Next, click a selfie with the Chinese fishing nets, which are iconic in Cochin.
Then, stroll down the streets of Jew Town and explore the numerous art galleries and crafts shops. You will see Paradesi Synagogue, constructed in 1568, which is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.
At night, you will have the chance to watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance, which is a stylized form of drama. It depicts stories from Hindu classical literature through a combination of dance and mime. The performers' makeup, costumes, and dance gestures are unique.
breakfast & lunch
After breakfast, you will be transferred from Cochin to Munnar (four hours) by car, and you will meet up with your new guide there.
Visit an Indian tea plantation in the afternoon. Enjoy the natural atmosphere, breathe in the fresh air, and let yourself relax. There are many women locals working on the mountains; if you wish, you can have a small chat with them.
Hotel options:
Golden Ridge Mountain Resort (4-star)
Fragrant Nature (5-star)
breakfast & lunch
In the morning, head to a peaceful and blissful place — Mattupetty Lake and Dam, which is the best place to relax in Munnar. If you wish to, you can have a picnic here. Then take some time to visit Eravikulam National Park, which is home to many species of wildlife. The last stop is a visit to the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history of Indian tea, and try making different local teas with your guide.
breakfast & lunch
You will start your day with a 3-hour driving from Munnar to Thekkady. After lunch, visit Periyar National Park and soak in the serenity. If you are lucky, you will see some wildlife, such as deer, elephants, and buffaloes. Take a cruise along Periyar Lake and spot wild animals basking in the sun, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
After lunch, spend an afternoon in a local spice garden, and try to recognize spices and learn how locals use them. You can also wander through a spice plantation, listening to stories about how locals make a living growing spices, how to cultivate them, and so on.
Hotel options:
Poetree Sarovar Portico (4-star)
Greenwoods Resort (5-star)
breakfast & lunch
Transfer from Thekkady to Alleppey in a private car (3½ hours) in the morning and check-in at a local houseboat. Discover Kerala’s backwaters as you pass through narrow canals. You may get wet during the cruise, but the beautiful views are definitely worth it!
Hotel options:
Evergreen Houseboat/Xandari River Escapes
breakfast & lunch
Check-out from the houseboat at 9:30 am, then head to Kovalam by car (four hours). Check-in at your hotel first, then bask in the sun on the tropical beach, swim, get a massage, listen to music, and unwind with a tasty juice and seafood.
Hotel options:
Uday Samudra Beach Hotel (4-star)
Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa Kovalam (5-star)
breakfast
You will have a free day in Kovalam — make the best of it and enjoy the view on a stunning beach.
breakfast
You will be transferred from Kovalam to Trivandrum (30 minutes) to catch your departure flight. Say goodbye to your guide and driver at the airport of Trivandrum. See you next time!
Price Includes
Price from: $1,193 (Tour code: gh-ah-in-77)
Trip Notes
The Best Time to Visit Kerala
We suggest visiting the national park from October to May when you can see herds of wild animals on the banks taking their baths or quenching their thirst. Eravikulam National Park is closed in February and in March.
About the Houseboat
Air-conditioning on the houseboat will be operational from sunset until sunrise when the boat remains stationary.
About the Paradesi Synagogue in Cochin
Visitors to the Paradesi Synagogue should be modestly dressed. People who wear short pants/skirts and sleeveless T-shirts/blouses will not be allowed to enter. Bare shoulders and midriffs are not permitted and should be covered with shawls.
Why Travel with Global Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (prior to 3 weeks before departure, more details)
