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Kerala Spice Tour - explore the Backwaters and so much more.. 14 days

Delhi - Kochi (Cochin) – Munnar – Thekkady/Periyar area – Kumarakom (Backwaters) – Varkala - Trivandrum - Delhi

From picturesque coconut palm fringed beaches, the idyllic Backwaters and stunning scenery through natural shola forests, spice and tea plantations of the Nilgiri Hills in the Western Ghat mountains, you’ll find rest and relaxation in Kerala.

The area is known for its species richness – with more than 450 bird species including hornbills and barbets and a good diversity of mammals ranging from Asian Elephant to the endemic Nilgiri Tahr and two species of endemic monkey - Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Langur.

This tour will take you through picturesque mountain scenery to the canals and lakes of the Backwaters, culminating in a relaxing stay by the beach.

You’ll be able to experience a traditional Kathakali performance and with some luck you might even see Asian Elephants. For further information please .

ITINERARY

DAY 01: DELHI - COCHIN (KOCHI)
From Delhi, you will take an internal flight to Cochin.  You will be met outside the airport by our representative and taken to your hotel in Fort Koch for check-in.   Places to visit include the Hill Palace Museum, Dutch Palace Museum, Jewish Street, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and the Chinese Fishing Nets. You will have time to enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance in the evening. Overnight stay in hotel at Fort Kochi.

DAY 02: COCHIN to MUNNAR - (140 KMS / 4 HRS)
A 4 hour picturesque drive will take you through the hills to Munnar. On the way visit pineapple gardens, rubber plantations, spice plantations, Valara and Cheeyappara Falls. Arrive at your resort in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at leisure trekking around the estate. Overnight stay in hotel.

DAY 03: MUNNAR
A morning sightseeing trip of Munnar can include a visit to Eravikulam National Park where, in stunning scenery, you can see Nilgiri Tahr, a very rare mountain goat, the Mattupetty Dam and Dairy Farm, Old Munnar Town, the town market etc. Rest of the day at leisure and enjoy another overnight stay at your hotel.

DAY 04: MUNNAR - THEKKADY (120 KMS - 04 Hour drive)
After an early breakfast check out from your hotel and drive to Thekkady (Periyar), where, on arrival you will check in to your hotel. Afternoon proceed for sightseeing around Thekkady. Activities that can be arranged at extra cost here include boating at Periyar Lake, a spice plantation visit, elephant ride, bamboo rafting, trekking or a jeep safari. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

DAY 05: THEKKADY to ALLEPPEY (HOUSEBOAT) - (175 KMS / 5 HRS)
After breakfast you’ll head for Alleppey, a charming village on the Vembanad Lake in an area known for its fascinating Backwaters, swaying palms, and floating houseboats. The four hour scenic drive takes you through typical Keralan villages and paddy fields. On arrival check in at your Kettuvallam, the local name for a Keralan houseboat. Lunch will be served on the houseboat as you cruise through the unique landscape of lakes, canals and rivers. You will see the snake boats and visit the historical church.  The Kuttanadan region is the only area where cultivation of rice is below sea level. While manoeuvring along a network of canals you can see many village scenes, fishermen, coconut palms, local life, and also enjoy the spectacular sunset. Dinner will be served on the houseboat. Overnight on board the houseboat in the middle of the lake.

DAY 06: HOUSEBOAT (ALLEPPEY) - KUMARAKOM
Morning disembark from the Houseboat at the jetty from where you will be transferred to a local resort for more rest and relaxation in Kumarakom. Day at leisure. Enjoy Ayurvedic massages and treatments (on direct payment). Kathakali and Kuchipudi performances take place in the resort. Overnight stay at resort.

DAY 07: KUMARAKOM - VARKALA (3 hours)
Proceed to Varkala after leisurely breakfast. Your driver will drop you at the resort, then leave. Overnight stay in a small and well managed heritage resort of just five rooms located right on the beach.

Day 08-12: VARKALA
Enjoy these days relaxing in and around Varkala with nights at your heritage resort. (No vehicle for these days).

DAY 13: VARKALA - TRIVANDRUM - DELHI
On this day you will be collected from your resort and transferred to Trivandrum where you will take an internal flight back to Delhi. 

DAY 14: DELHI
On this day you will be transferred for your onward journey back home.

Price per person approx: £1500 (on a twin-share basis): Please enquire, as the price varies depending on number of people travelling, category of accommodation and time of year.  Also we can suggest shorter itineraries or options to extend your tour.  For further information

Price includes:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the tour
Bottled water during the journey
All monument entry fees and park permits
Dedicated land transport with driver up to arrival at Varkala, at which time the driver will leave you to relax for a few days
Varkala-Trivandrum airport transfer
Government tax

Price excludes:
All flights, including internal flights (we can give you advice on which flights to book)
Travel insurance
Tourist visa (guidance on how to apply will be supplied)
Any other drinks except for bottled water
Tips, laundry, phone calls, extra excursions and anything else of a personal nature not mentioned in the inclusions above