Excellent
Classic Kerala
PRIVATE TOUR: Combining historic Kochi, the hill station of Munnar and a houseboat cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. In nine sunfilled days feast upon the amazing natural wonders, wildlife, beauty and diversity of stunning Kerala - God's own country.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysStarts
KochiEnds
KochiRange
PrivateTour Guide
Yes (for locally included sights)Group Size
Minimum age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Any day of the yearHotel Rating
Our rating: SuperiorCountries
IndiaArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 8, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 2Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Kochi
Day 1 - Kochi
Once you arrive Kochi you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at leisure.
Day 2 - Kochi
Day 2 - Kochi
Formerly a princely state, Kochi is also fondly referred to as “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”. This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town including the beautiful Parsi Synagogue built in 1568, the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese in 1555 and St Francis’ Church. A walking tour of Fort Cochin takes you through streets still graced with traces of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture. Afternoon/evening free.
Days 3-4 - Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Days 3-4 - Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kochi - Periyar. A drive south to Periyar, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary and home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, birds and even the odd tiger! Kumli, close to the sanctuary and where you’ll stay, is a pretty little town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops. There is plenty to do in and around Periyar, so we leave the choice to you. Enjoy an included boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot herds of wild elephants.
Day 5 - Munnar
Day 5 - Munnar
Periyar - Munnar. A drive east to Munnar - a quaint hill station nestled on the verdant slopes of tea plantations, that exudes a rare old-world charm and reminds one of the days of the Raj in its elegant splendor. At a height of 1525 meters, Munnar offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Enjoy an included visit to the lush nearby tea estates.
Day 6 - Kerala backwaters
Day 6 - Kerala backwaters
Munnar - Allepey. Departing Munnar we drive to Alleppey where we board a simply furnished private rice-boat for a journey through the backwaters in and around Alleppey. A distance of some 20 kms will be covered, during which time the boat will glide past colourful local villages. As for dining, the on-board cook will prepare meals using fresh local produce.
Days 7-8 - Kumarakom
Days 7-8 - Kumarakom
Disembarking at Kumarakom. Perched sleepily on the eastern banks of the mighty Lake Vembanad in the heartland of Kerala’s famed backwaters, Kumarakom has changed little since the Middle Ages but for it’s string of exotic resorts, making it the perfect point to explore the backwaters. Although right in the thick of a tangle of lush tropical waterways, Kumarakom is technically an island on Lake Vembanad. This is an ideal place to chill-out for a few days. There is also a wonderful bird sanctuary, winter home to many migratory birds which is worth a visit.
Day 9 - Kochi
Day 9 - Kochi
Kumarakom - Kochi. Today marks the end of our arrangements, consider extending your stay in Kochi or elsewhere in Kerala. Alternatively, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Prices are indicative and will vary depending on your chosen hotels, room availability as well as time of travel i.e. during India’s peak travel season of 21 Dec - 10 Jan, additional supplements will apply. Equally, if you with to travel to India during the summer, rates will be cheaper than those quoted. Please bear this in mind if comparing prices as we always aim to deliver exceptional value. This itinerary is based upon superior accommodation. Standard and deluxe properties are also available upon request. Please note that discounts will apply if there are more 4 our more people in your travelling party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in India to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
Our customers say
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews