INDIA: Kerala Tour - 6 days
Tour Summary
Immerse yourself in the peace and tranquillity of India's southern backwaters. From old colonial Fort Cochin to the spice plantation of Periyar, to backwater cruises, Kerala is a tropical paradise and a wonderful destination.
Travelling with us you can really get to know the people and culture of this fascinating part of the world. Sample fabulous food freshly prepared especially for you by your friendly hosts and have lessons in South Indian cooking from the experts.
Watch a remarkable, colourful kathakali performance or try an ayurvedic massage – two of Kerala’s specialities.
Our Kerala itinerary incorporates all your interests to create a perfect excursion, whether you are a single traveller, a couple, a family or small group of friends. With our expert local knowledge acquired over many years, you can share the passion in our journey.
Destinations: INDIA – Cochin | Periya | Kumarakum |
Tour Commences In: Cochin
Tour Concludes In: Cochin
Number of Days: 6 days / 5 nights
Tour Style: Luxury escorted Boutique Journey
Accommodation: Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Meals: Breakfasts; 5: Lunches; 1: Dinners; 1:
Leaders: Professional guide & specialist guides at Restaurants and Wineries
Transportation: Luxury private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles
Tour Highlights
Visit the Dutch Palace, Fort Kochi, and the Jewish Synagogue
Visit the fisherman fishing as they have done for centuries
Be fascinated with the local Kathakali Dance
Participate to a Spice Plantation tour
Visit Periyar National Park for a wonderful boat ride at the Lake
Cruise in a traditional houseboat on the Kerala backwaters
Tour Philipkutty’s farm followed by a cooking demonstration and lunch
Tour Itinerary & Hotels
Day 1: Saturday: Arrive Cochin:
Arrival at Cochin airport where you will be greeted by your guide and then transferred to your Hotel. Kochi it is an emerging cosmopolitan city with bustling life in the streets, the cinema halls, the shopping malls, and the skyscrapers; the commercial capital of the state, with a style statement different from the rest of the State. Kochi is a place with deep roots in history and its streets exude an old-world charm; a place with beautiful monuments and a variety of linguistic and ethnic communities including Jews, Konkinis, Gujaratis and so on.
Cochin is actually a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Cochin a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders. The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and the British have all left their mark here. The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese fishing nets, and other remnants of European and Asian architecture merge smoothly into the traditional fabric of the vibrant seaport city. Kochi offers a cocktail of modernity, old-world charm and a global outlook that, at the same time, facilitates continuity and change.
Day 2: Cochin: (B)
(Optional) An early morning visit to view the 'Chinese fishing nets' and the market. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later depart on a city tour visiting The Dutch Palace, Fort Kochi, and the Jewish Synagogue. Fort Kochi has a quaint ambience and the colonial buildings, telling the tales of centuries-old cultural and commercial interaction with the colonial powers of the West, makes a big impression. The history of Fort Kochi is fascinating with various European powers - the Portuguese in 1500, the Dutch in 1663 and the British in the 18th century – invading, controlling, looting and at the same time enriching the place.
(Optional) Later, participate in a cooking course.
(Optional) This evening enjoy colourful Kathakali Dance.
Day 3: Cochin – Periyar: (B)
After Breakfast, drive to Periyar. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later this afternoon, participate in a wonderful Spice Plantation tour.
Day 4: Periyar - Kumarakom: (B)
This morning, visit Periyar National Park for a wonderful boat ride at the lake. Later, drive to Kumarakom. and check into the hotel.
Day 5: Wednesday: Kumarakom: (B/L/D)
Following a relaxing breakfast, board a houseboat and spend the day exploring the local waterways.
Day 6: Kumarakom – Depart Cochin: (B)
Following breakfast, disembark and drive to Cochin where your journey concludes. Your guide will accompany you to the airport for you onward or homebound flight.
Some guests may wish to stay another day or more in this amazing country. Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.
Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences. The magic of travelling in private tours allows us to cater for spontaneity and sometimes we often find some wonderful surprises along the way and it can be these unplanned occurrences that are the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided private tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.
Please Contact Us for further information.
Flexibility
The itinerary may be flexible, sometimes due to weather or sometimes for sites or events which guests may wish to see. If there is something not included in this suggested itinerary that you would like to do or see, please contact us to discuss if it is possible.
Suggested Hotels
Cochin:
Luxury / Delux: Brunton Boatyard Hotel
Boutique: Eighth Bastion
Tekkady/Periyar:
Luxury / Delux: Spice Village Hotel
Boutique: Greenwoods Hotel
Kumarakom:
Luxury: Phillip Kutty’s Farm
Delux: Coconut Lagoon
Boutique: Lakesong Resort
Tour Inclusions
A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Journeys
Airport Meet and Greet with private transfers for all arriving guests
Private airport transfers for all guests departing
Hand selected Luxury Modern & Boutique hotel accommodation
Internet Access where possible
Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L = Lunch: D = Dinner:
Private services of a professional bilingual tour guide
Concierge / Bellhop Services throughout tour
24 hour on call support service
Luxury / Deluxe private air-conditioned vehicles for all your transportation
Entrance fees, taxes to all sightseeing & shows
Porterage, tipping and gratuities, except to guide & driver
Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle
Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests
Not included:
International and or Domestic air fares
Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges
Passport and visa fees
Excess baggage charges
Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’ via FedEx or postal services
Personal travel insurance
Tipping and gratuities for guide & driver
Meals not included
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Country Information
Accommodation:
All our hotels are excellent Luxury and or Boutique hotels. We highly recommend our hotels as they have excellent services and facilities. All rooms have modern facilities, private bathrooms with double or two twin beds.
Climate & Clothing:
The climate in India is warm to hot all year around. The rainy season is June till October. The general rule is to bring comfortable clothing including lightweight cottons. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as is a light waterproof jacket. We provide a detailed packing list to all our guests prior to departure.
Currency & Money Matters:
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small denominations. Major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATM’s are not generally available.
Electricity:
The electrical current in India is 250 volts AC. 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used in India, but most plugs have two or three round pins.
Insurance:
You must obtain Comprehensive Travel Insurance as a condition of travelling with Boutique Tours & Travel. We recommend that you purchase insurance at the time of Booking.
Language:
Hindi is the official language.
Meals:
Our hotel offers a wonderful selection of dishes at their buffet breakfasts with a wide variety of both menu and venue for lunches and evening meals.
Medical Services & Facilities:
Our hotels have access to a doctor if required. They can also assist guests with purchasing of medicine. The international hospitals in India are very good and have western trained medical and surgical specialists. Dental care is also available.
Passports & Visas:
To enter India you require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and with at least two blank pages. A visa is required for most guests and will be organised prior to departure.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:
Boutique Tours & Travel suggests that you may like to arrive a day before the start of your tour to allow time to relax and refresh. You are also very welcome to linger longer after the tour is completed. Boutique Tours & Travel has negotiated special overnight rates at many hotels for both pre and post tour accommodation. Please request when booking.
Time Zone:
Despite the size of the country, the standard time throughout India is GMT +5.30.
Tipping:
We know that some of our guests are not familiar with tipping so any gratuities (eg to waiters, bellhops etc) are taken care of as part of your fee but if you wish to Tip individually please do so. Gratuities & tips to Guide & Driver would gratefully be received. Thank you
Transport:
Most of your road journeys between major cities are longer than 3 hours so we include modern Luxury sedan cars for this tour.
Water & Beverages:
Hotels offer bottled water in your room, and bottled water is provided when travelling in our transport. Most teas are available with most meals. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of this tour.
