Tropical Kerala

Day 1 - Welcome to Kochi! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrivals hall of the Kochi Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. In the evening you can choose to venture out for a Kathakali dance performance, a classical dance form unique to Kerala. (At your own expense).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Today we leave for a guided tour of the Fort Kochi area, founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and believed to be the earliest European settlement in India. The true character of the town is found in the old Fort Cochin area of the town. We begin our sightseeing tour with the Mattancherry and Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi. Next, we visit the Jewish synagogue dating back to 1568. We then head to the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India, built in 1503 and stop at the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), established by the Dutch in 1720 for washing army uniforms. We also visit the Chinese fishing nets that line the entrance to the harbour introduced by the Chinese in the late 14th Century. We end the day with a visit to the town of Kochi, its bazaars, spice market, and the old harbour area. (Note: Jewish Synagogue is shut on Friday and Mattancherry Palace remains closed on Friday & Saturday)

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - In the morning we leave Kochi and drive to Munnar, a quaint hill station nestled on the verdant slopes of tea plantations. Formerly known as the High Range of Travancore, it flourished as a tea-producing region from 1880 onwards. Today, it serves as the commercial hub for some of the world's highest tea-growing estates. With its contoured hills, sparkling waterfalls, vast tea plantations and picture-postcard hamlets, the area is perfect for some leisurely hiking. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel and spend the day at leisure enjoying the ambiance of the town.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - After an early breakfast we drive through the old town of Munnar and arrive at a tiny village of Nagarmudi. From here, accompanied by a local guide, we start our trek. The trail commences with a gradual ascent through the tea plantations and then climbs into the Seven Malai hills. As we reach the top, we are rewarded with the spectacular views of the Annamudi Peak, Changulam Lake, Chittrapuram Dam, Munnar town and some local villages. After enjoying the view and taking photographs we descend down through the same route and head back to the hotel. In the evening we explore the colourful market of Munnar. Optional Visit of tea museum if time allows. Duration of Hiking: 3/4hrs

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - After breakfast we leave Kerala behind and drive across the plains of Tamil Nadu to reach the colourful city of Madurai, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in India with a thriving cultural centre, rich heritage and intricate temples. Apart from architecture, the city is famous for spicy South Indian food, scrumptious beverage jigarthanda and fluffy idly (rice cake). The aroma of jasmine flowers fills the air of Madurai as we arrive in Madurai and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - Today we head out for a local sightseeing tour of Madurai. We first visit the Thirumalai Nayaka Palace built in 1636 in Indo-Mughal style by the Nayaka Dynasty, known for its rectangular dance floor. Madurai is the perfect place to wander around and experience Hindu culture with temples and bazaars. Afterwards we visit the famous Meenakshi Temple - an outstanding example of Vijaynagar temple architecture. The gopurams (towers) that surround the temple are known for their colourful stucco images of gods, goddesses, and animals, and offer plenty of photo opportunities. In the evening we attend the Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual of worship where candles are lit and songs are sung in the honour of the gods. (Aarti: the "Shiva Sunset" ceremony carried on a palanquin to join Meenakshi).

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - We drive back to Kerala today to reach Thekkady. The drive is spectacular as the road meanders through the Western Ghats with fantastic views and a chance for brief stops at some local markets and grape plantations along the way. We arrive at the small bustling village of Thekkady and check-in at the hotel. The entire region is a spice growing centre. In the afternoon, we head for a guided short walk through spice gardens and plantations. During the tour, we learn about the history of the reign and the growth and development of wonder spices like cardamom and pepper. Other crops of the regions include tea, coffee and vanilla. We also learn how these spices are used in local cuisine and their medicinal properties. Return to the hotel and stay overnight in Thekkady. Walk Duration: - 1-2 Hours

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - Early in the morning we leave for jungle trek in the Periyar National Park to catch a glimpse of its abundant birdlife such as kingfishers, storks and hornbill. The trek leads us to the banks of the Periyar Lake. After a breakfast break, we head back to hotel. We then leave for the calm coastal town of Kumarakom. Kumarakom is the first place to implement responsible tourism practices. Upon arrival we check-in and relax at the resort. Later, we embark on a walking tour which that gives us an authentic taste of village life and we also get to see community-based tourism products and services. Next we go through the narrow canals on a country boat operated by the local villagers. As we meander leisurely through the canals on the boat, we observe the daily life on the banks - people working in rice fields, children swimming in the lake, fisherman working and women weaving coconut palm leaves.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 9 - After leisurely breakfast, the morning is free to unwind at the resort or visit the local village before we drive to Alleppey (Board the houseboat at 2 pm). Also known as Alappuzha, the town is the principal centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. We get to experience Kerala's backwaters onboard a traditional thatched roof houseboat. These beautiful boats have been renovated and converted into pleasant cruise ships. We meander along the waterways flanked by lush tropical vegetation, catching glimpses of dazzling tropical birds and watching idyllic villages. Our overnight stay is on a boat in the middle of the famous Vembanad lake.

Overnight - Houseboat

Day 10 - Today we drive to Kovalam, a destination popular for its golden beaches. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm water ideal for sea bathing. The beaches are backed by precipitous headlands and lined with lush coconut palms. Here we enjoy sunbathing, swimming, herbal body- toning massages, special cultural programmes, catamaran cruising and more. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel in Kovalam.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 11 - We have a free day to explore Kovalam’s beautiful beaches or do some last-minute shopping and enjoy fresh seafood available at the many small beach restaurants. Optional: Sightseeing excursion by taxi from Kovalam to Kanyakumari, India's extreme southern tip where the Indian Ocean meets Bay of Bengal, is an optional tour. The tour also takes us to the old wooden palace of the rulers of Travancore at Padmapuhamban - a marvellous building with fantastic woodcarvings, and the Hindu temple at Suchindram with its magnificent stone carvings (this excursion may be scheduled and paid for locally.)

Overnight - Hotel

Day 12 - Our tour of Tropical Kerala comes to an end it’s time to pack your bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and get a transferred transfer to the Trivandrum Airport for onward travel.

Tour Ends