Spice Lands of Kerala
Experience the best of Southern India
This incredible tour through the cities of Kerala is the perfect way to experience the best of South India. Enjoy stays in Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, and Kumarakom, before ending your adventure in the seaside town of Marari (optional). With transfers, accommodations, tours, and breakfast included, this holiday in India is sure to be unforgettable.
What's Included
- Roundtrip shared airport transfers (from COK) with local representative *
- 8 nights’ accommodation on twin/double sharing basis at the following hotels, or similar:
- 1 night in Kochi at the Casino Hotel (CGH)
- 2 nights in Munnar at the Eastend Hotel
- 2 nights in Periyar at Abad Green Forest
- 2 nights in Kumarakom in Lake Song Resort
- 1 night in Kochi Casino Hotel (CGH)
- Breakfast Daily
- Entrance fees to the following:
- Dutch Palace
- Jewish Synagogue
- St Francis Church
- Kathakali Dance Performance at a theatre
- All transfers, sightseeing tours and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary in an air conditioned vehicle
- Services of English-speaking local guide during sightseeing in Kochi
- All road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes and porterage at all hotels
- Goods and Services Tax
Please Note: Guests must pay $110 per person locally for the following entrance fees:
- Cooking Demo with dinner in Kochi
- Visit to Tea Estate and Factory with traditional home-cooked lunch in Munnar
- Boat ride on Lake Periyar
*Since air is not included, you must advise your flight times prior to your departure to take advantage of these transfers. Airfare and Visa fees are not included.
Want to spend extra nights at the beach? Choose the 11- or 13-night options!
Great Ways to Explore
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Enjoy the cuisine of Southern India with your included dinner in Kochi.
Sail along Lake Periyar during your boat ride.
-
Explore various attractions including St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace.
-
Witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance at a classic theatre in Kochi.
-
Explore the iconic Alleppey Lighthouse.
Fringed by the lush rolling hills of the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, lies the beautiful state of Kerala, India’s smallest southern state. Often referred to as "God’s Own Country", this is a fertile land of exotic spices, verdant greenery, and tranquil waterways. During this multi-city experience, you can see the highlights of Kerala's biggest cities.
Begin your adventure in Kochi, also known as Kerala's commercial capital. Become acquainted with the city's traditions and customs while enjoying a Kathakali classical dance performance. Munnar is next, where you'll discover Kerala's booming tea industry. Enjoy nights in Periyar with a boat tour of Lake Periyar before heading to Kumarakom, known as the "rice bowl of Kerala." Explore a few attractions in the area including the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and much more.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip shared airport transfers (from COK) with local representative *
- 8 nights’ accommodation on twin/double sharing basis at the following hotels, or similar:
- 1 night in Kochi at the Casino Hotel (CGH)
- 2 nights in Munnar at the Eastend Hotel
- 2 nights in Periyar at Abad Green Forest
- 2 nights in Kumarakom in Lake Song Resort
- 1 night in Kochi Casino Hotel (CGH)
- Breakfast Daily
- Entrance fees to the following:
- Dutch Palace
- Jewish Synagogue
- St Francis Church
- Kathakali Dance Performance at a theatre
- All transfers, sightseeing tours and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary in an air conditioned vehicle
- Services of English-speaking local guide during sightseeing in Kochi
- All road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes and porterage at all hotels
- Goods and Services Tax
Please Note: Guests must pay $110 per person locally for the following entrance fees:
- Cooking Demo with dinner in Kochi
- Visit to Tea Estate and Factory with traditional home-cooked lunch in Munnar
- Boat ride on Lake Periyar
*Since air is not included, you must advise your flight times prior to your departure to take advantage of these transfers. Airfare and Visa fees are not included.
Want to spend extra nights at the beach? Choose the 11- or 13-night options!
-
Enjoy the cuisine of Southern India with your included dinner in Kochi.
Sail along Lake Periyar during your boat ride.
-
Explore various attractions including St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace.
-
Witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance at a classic theatre in Kochi.
-
Explore the iconic Alleppey Lighthouse.
Fringed by the lush rolling hills of the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, lies the beautiful state of Kerala, India’s smallest southern state. Often referred to as "God’s Own Country", this is a fertile land of exotic spices, verdant greenery, and tranquil waterways. During this multi-city experience, you can see the highlights of Kerala's biggest cities.
Begin your adventure in Kochi, also known as Kerala's commercial capital. Become acquainted with the city's traditions and customs while enjoying a Kathakali classical dance performance. Munnar is next, where you'll discover Kerala's booming tea industry. Enjoy nights in Periyar with a boat tour of Lake Periyar before heading to Kumarakom, known as the "rice bowl of Kerala." Explore a few attractions in the area including the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and much more.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Kochi!
Once you have arrived in Kochi, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your accommodation in the city. Get settled into your guestroom before exploring more of the area. Utilise the rest of the day to discover the highlights of Kochi.
With its wealth of historical associations and setting on a cluster of islands and a narrow peninsula, the city of Kochi perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. Strategically located on the east-west sea route, Cochin is Kerala’s major port, boasting one of the finest natural harbours in the world, which forms the hub around which the city revolves.
In the evening, you will enjoy a classic Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre. 'Kathakali' is a unique dance form of Kerala, originating in the 'Theyyam', a ritual tribal dance of North Kerala. It represents a synthesis of all that is best in dance, drama, and music and has been recognized by connoisseurs of art, the world over as a `total art form of immense sophistication and power'.
Check-in - Casino Hotel
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Cochin at the luxurious Casino Hotel. As you step into the lobby, admire its elegant style, which blends cosmopolitan modernism with cultural tradition. Head up to your room and open the door to ample space, WiFi, air-conditioning, a refrigerator, and much more. Take a nap on your large bed, order some room service, make a cup of tea, and watch some TV. When you're rejuvenated and refreshed, unpack your swimsuit and make your way to the large outdoor pool!
Jump in and make a splash, or lounge in the warm sun with a cold drink in-hand. Work off those Jalebis and Dosas at the fully-equipped fitness center, open 24/7! Pamper yourself with a traditional treatment at the on-site spa, then browse around the unique souvenir shop. When you work up an appetite, dine at Tharavadu or Fort Cochin Seafood Specialty, the hotel's renowned restaurants. After dinner, unwind in the cozy lounge bar and sip on a tasty cocktail.
Day 2. Kochi - Munnar
After breakfast, gather your belongings and prepare for your journey to Munnar. Munnar is a magnificent hill station in the Western Ghats and serves as the major centre of Kerala's tea industry. The city is surrounded by about 30 tea estates, amongst the highest in the world, and a forest that is still rich in wildlife.
Once you have arrived at your accommodation, check-in and get settled into your guestroom. In the evening, treat yourself to a traditional meal at a local restaurant near your hotel.
Check-in - Eastend Hotel
Conveniently situated in Munnar, just a short ten-minute drive from the Tea Museum, Eastend Munnar presents an enchanting garden with well-maintained lawns and a delightful children's play area. Additionally, Eastend Hotel is located just five minutes from Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company and a 20-minute drive from Mattupetty Dam.
Guestrooms are air-conditioned and feature a private bathroom, as well as a separate bathtub and shower. Other in-room amenities include a cable TV, safe, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Select rooms boast a lovely outdoor balcony.
Visitors can keep themselves entertained at the arcade which is equipped with a pool table, feel pampered at the on-site spa, utilize the conference facilities, or venture into the hotel's own cave adorned with sculptures. For dining options, the on-site restaurant serves delectable dishes from both North and South India. The coffee shop is also available for beverages, snacks, and takeaway meals.
Day 3. Munnar
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel in the morning before embarking on your day tour through a tea production facility. This activity will give you an opportunity to feel like a local and acquire first-hand experience of working in open tea estates followed by a visit to the factory to learn the process of fermenting, drying, and sorting.
You can enjoy black tea from the fresh leaves you have plucked and processed after toiling in the fields. Once the tour has ended, a traditional lunch cooked at a local home will also be offered to experience the local flavour of Kerala.
Utilise the rest of the evening to explore the area at leisure.
Munnar - Kerala, India
Day 4. Munnar - Thekkady (Periyar)
Prepare to drive to Thekkady from Munnar today. During your ride, take in the scenic views of the hills and plantations as you cross into the Idukki district. The Periyar forests of Thekkady are one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. Enjoy a relaxing nature walk through the Periyar wildlife sanctuary.
Check into your accommodation before heading out to discover more about the surrounding area.
Check-in - Abad Green Forest
Bordering the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Abad Green Forest hotel is the perfect way to escape busy cities and relax in nature. The hotel is surrounded by bountiful trees and overlooks a large lake. Modern architecture and design choices supply an adequate amount of comfort without taking away from the area's natural beauty.
Guests may choose to stay in either jungle rooms or jungle cottages, each of which come with Wi-Fi access, a television, and tea/coffee making equipment. Breathtaking scenic views are available from all rooms.
Green Forest Restaurant serves Indian and continental cuisine all day, starting with breakfast and even including high tea. The hotel has a few on-site entertainment amenities, including a spa facility with massage services, an outdoor pool, and more.
Guests may enjoy easy access to Periyar National Park and Abraham's Spice Garden farm, just a few miles away from the hotel itself.
Day 5. Thekkady (Periyar)
Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel before heading on your boat ride on Lake Periyar today. Home to a Tiger Reserve, Lake Periyar is rich in its biodiversity of both flora and fauna. A boat ride through Periyar Lake is one of the best ways to watch wildlife in the reserve.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a spice plantation tour. Prepare to be enticed by the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and nutmeg while learning more about how they are harvested and processed before reaching the supermarkets.
For centuries Kerala has grown and exported spices around the world and a walking tour of a plantation will allow you to gain a first-hand experience of the cultivation, growth, and processing of spices.
Lake Periyar - Kerala, India
Day 6. Thekkady (Periyar) - Kumarakom
Today, after breakfast, drive to the idyllic backwaters of Kumarakom, popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala. A huddle of tiny islets on the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a pictorial, unsoiled village. Kumarakom is a popular tourism destination located near Kottayam, famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala.
Once you have arrived at your accommodation, check-in and get acquainted with your surroundings. Feel free to spend the rest of the day exploring more of Kumarakom.
Check-in - Lakesong Resort
The 4-star Lakesong Resort features eight acres of grounds next to the scenic Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom. The hotel offers a serene retreat designed in a traditional Kerala architectural style, offering comfortable cottage accommodations set right on the banks of the inland canals. Guest rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, a cable TV, private bathroom, and large windows offering tons of natural light.
Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, delicious restaurant, and free parking on-site. The hotel's restaurant serves a blend of local, Chinese, and European dishes, with both indoor and outdoor dining options available. Visitors may indulge in a therapeutic Ayurveda massage on-site, release energy at the fitness center, or spend a day outside with a boat tour.
Additional services offered at the hotel include currency exchange, a 24-hour front desk, and room service.
The popular Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is about two miles away from the hotel and eight miles from Kumarakom Village.
Day 7. Kumarakom
Utilise your free day to enjoy as you see fit. Consider unwinding with an ayudevic message, or venture out to explore more of the area. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice.
Kumarakom - Kerala, India
Day 8. Kumarakom - Kochi
Today, you will head back to Kochi. You will embark on a sightseeing tour of Kochi''s top attractions in the afternoon. You'll first visit the Portuguese-built Mattancherry Dutch Palace, a Jewish Synagogue, and the Fort Cochin area.
Later in the day, enjoy a tour of the St. Francis Church, which holds the palm-leafed title deed that the Raja handed to the occupying Portuguese in 1503. Also marvel at the intricate beauty and the rhythm of Cochin’s legendary Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala, and the testament to the Oriental influences that infuse this spice-trading coastline. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner in the city centre in the evening.
Check-in - Casino Hotel
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Cochin at the luxurious Casino Hotel. As you step into the lobby, admire its elegant style, which blends cosmopolitan modernism with cultural tradition. Head up to your room and open the door to ample space, WiFi, air-conditioning, a refrigerator, and much more. Take a nap on your large bed, order some room service, make a cup of tea, and watch some TV. When you're rejuvenated and refreshed, unpack your swimsuit and make your way to the large outdoor pool!
Jump in and make a splash, or lounge in the warm sun with a cold drink in-hand. Work off those Jalebis and Dosas at the fully-equipped fitness center, open 24/7! Pamper yourself with a traditional treatment at the on-site spa, then browse around the unique souvenir shop. When you work up an appetite, dine at Tharavadu or Fort Cochin Seafood Specialty, the hotel's renowned restaurants. After dinner, unwind in the cozy lounge bar and sip on a tasty cocktail.
Day 9. Depart Kochi
Unfortunately, your multi-city escape through India has come to an end. Gather your belongings and check out of your hotel. As you make your way to the airport, reminisce on the wonderful adventure you embarked on while visiting Kerala.
Kerala, India
Advertised Great Value Holiday prices are per person based on two people travelling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised Great Value Holidays are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, where available via the Great Value Holidays website and may not represent current prices.
Great Value Holidays are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date, and may be restricted to certain hotel room categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required to fully confirm reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only.
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