Itinerary

Day 1 Cochin

Kochi (Cochin) has a powerful lure for tourists. Its location between the blue waters of the Arabian Sea and Kerala’s emerald backwaters, rich medley of Indian and foreign architecture, unusual sights like the Chinese fishing nets, and quaint localities like the Jewish Quarter, all draw the attention of visitors. Kochi played a pivotal role in the development of shipping and trade in the southern region with its prime location on the west coast, fine bay, and protected harbor. Merchant ships made frequent stops to stock up on spices, coffee and wood, en-route to the rich markets of Europe and West Asia. The city was alternately controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, whose influences are evident in the architecture of city buildings.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Le Méridien Cochin Resort & Convention Center is nestled amongst 25 acres of coconut groves and backwater rivers. Fashionably luxurious in beautiful pristine environs, the 223 rooms and suites offer a perfect view into the best Kerala has to offer: her natural splendors. Cochin, its rich maritime history evident in the myriad cultures and flavours found here, is the queen’s necklace on the Arabian Sea. 72 state-of-the-art suites with large bay windows overlooking the scenic beauty, bright paintings, and contemporary decor. The resort's restaurants offer relaxed, all-day dining, a popular nightspot with splendid international cuisine, or a cozy bar.

Overnight at Le Meridien.

Day 2 Cochin

Avail a vehicle and driver at your disposal around Southern India.

Private guided tour of Kochi (Cochin). The first stop is the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, it is the oldest synagogue in Commonwealth of Nations. The synagogue is magnificently decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. A short boat ride to Bolghatty is the Dutch palace offering a fantastic view of the city. This palace is notable for some of the best mythological murals in India, particularly in the bed chambers. In that room one can see the entire story of Ramayana on the walls. The palace also contains rare examples of traditional Kerala flooring, which looks like polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites.

Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Dating back to the 17th century, it originated in the south Indian state of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play". It is known for its large, elaborate makeup and costumes. Usually performed only by men, the actors rely heavily on hand gestures to convey their story.

Overnight at Le Meridien.

Day 3 Munnar

Munnar is a town located in Kerala state in the southern Western Ghats in South India. The name is often used to refer to the whole tourist area of Idukki District of which the town forms a part. The area is surrounded by vast jungles and remains wet and cold during most of the year. The Mattupetty Dam is nearby. The area is most noted for its vast tea plantations spread across the rolling lush hills.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Munnar.  

This beautiful hill station is popular for its cool climate and tea plantation. This quiet little town boasts of many colonial bungalows, tea factories, wildlife sanctuaries and many lakes. Tea estates and thick forests primarily occupy Munnar. Tea production, manufacturing and selling are therefore the main source of employment here. The Tata Group of companies owns the majority of these tea estates.

One of the best Hotels in India, Windermere Estate in Munnar is the perfect accommodation option for business and leisure travelers. Ranking high among the Hotels in Munnar in India, this hotel is buttressed with the finest possible amenities for the visitors. Perched atop the mountains 3 km from Munnar, the convenient Location of Windermere Estate in Munnar helps the tourists to explore the land of Munnar with ease. The hotel, set on a cardamom plantation 1600 meters above sea level, is 95 km away from Cochin International Airport.

Overnight at Windermere Estate .

Day 4 Munnar

Avail a vehicle and driver at your disposal around Southern India.

The sanctuary stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and shoals, spread over 97 sq. kms of unblemished natural splendor. Anamudi, the highest peak south of Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride.

The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas Moth, largest of its kind in the world, is a unique possession of the park.

The sanctuary was declared as a National Park in 1978. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.

Overnight at Windermere Estate .

Day 5 Thekkady

Thekkady. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Picturesque plantations and hill towns hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wild life.

Private guided tour of a Kerala spice plantation, where you can see natural pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in, since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. While exploring the Kerala spice plantations, you can go for nature walks, bird watching treks, taste the various spices and breathe in the fragrant air.

The Land Where Pepper Grows. Spice Village is located in the Periyar wilderness, high in the western ghats of Kerala. For centuries, the area attracted voyagers and adventurers, mercenaries and empire builders, kings and merchant princes. Men and women drawn not only by the lure of spices, but by the romance and wild beauty of the land. The Portuguese and the Jews of Cochin visited as traders, turning the natural bounties of the area into wealth. Pepper and cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, nutmeg, mace and anise the Periyar hills became nature's taste factory in the 14th century, as Cochin became nature's harbour, the port of lading for a spice-hungry world. Today, it's the rainforests, the animals and the vast silences that attract the modern visitor.

Overnight at Spice Village.

Day 6 Kumarakom

Kumarakom - An invigorating, fascinating paradise. The slender coconut palms, never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties. The charming emerald peninsula juts into Vembanad Lake where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways.

Different nature trails traversing diverse habitats form the trekking routes, generally 4 to 5 km. in length. This is an interpretive programme offering excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The programme is offered between 7.00 am to 10.30 am between 2.00 pm. To 3.00 pm. and lasts for about 3 hours. A maximum of 5 persons can go for trekking at a time along each nature trail, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. The Nature walk is the right programme to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Kumarakom.

Coconut Lagoon is a boutique hotel located in an abandoned coconut plantation on the shores of the Vemabanad Lake. An ideal getaway for romantic holidays and family gatherings, this hotel charms you with its serenity, country side charm and greenery. Kumarakom, where the hotel is situated, is a favourite among holiday makers who are longing for a respite from the bustling city life. Coconut Lagoon captures all the nuances of this quaint little island, and tops it off with supreme facilities. This resort is surrounded by backwaters and is accessible only by boat.

Overnight at Coconut Lagoon.

Day 7 Kumarakom

Avail a vehicle and driver at your disposal around Southern India.

Alleppey is spread through canals, lakes & lagoons. Your private guided tour by boat includes sailing down a maze of canals where one sees different scenes from the villages, paddy fields, coconut palms, fisherman and local life.

Overnight at Coconut Lagoon.

Day 8 Cochin

Meet your driver for a private transfer to Cochin.

Depart from Kochi international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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