Best of Kerala

Welcome to 'God’s Own Country', a stunning corner of India replete with lush tropical landscapes of backwaters and beaches, mountains and jungles, embellished by a patchwork of immensely picturesque paddy fields. The Best of Kerala tour absorbs all of this and much more and even includes a night on a houseboat.

Tour overview
•   Enjoy dinner in a local home in Cochin
•   Tour Cochin's many sights
•   Spend a night in Periyar, an incredible wildlife reserve
•   Experience local martial art Kalaripayttu
•   Take an elephant ride
•   Spend the night onboard a Keralan houseboat
•   Savour an Ayurvedic head massage

Guide

•   Your 'Best of Kerala' tour is escorted from arrival to departure by a local English-speaking guide.

MEAL PLAN
•   Breakfast daily
•   Lunch and dinner on Day 5

ACCOMMODATION
•   A choice of three or four star hotels.

GROUP SIZE
•   Maximum 14 passengers.

MINIMUM NUMBERS
•   This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers (please call for details).

GRATUITIES
•   Tipping is a way of life in India.
•   Porterage and tips for meals are included in your tour price.
•   We recommend tipping your driver and guide at the end of your holiday.

TRAVEL TIPS
•   The best time to visit Kerala is from Oct to Apr.

NB
•   Driving times are approximate.
•   Local conditions may necessitate slight variations to the timings of itineraries.
•   Check-in at hotels in India is after 12pm.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO COCHIN
Fly Jet Airways from Heathrow to Cochin via Mumbai.

DAY 2 - COCHIN
Arrive in Cochin and transfer to The Trident (three star) or Vivanta by Taj - Malabar (four star) for two nights. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before taking a fascinating walk through a local market where you'll have the opportunity to purchase spices and vegetables followed by a cookery demonstration and dinner at a local home.

Next day, a morning city tour includes visits to the Dutch Palace, Jew Town and St Francis Church, as well as a stroll around the historic Fort Cochin harbour area and a stop to view the immense Chinese fishing nets. Join a heritage walk in the afternoon and spend the evening relaxing or taking in an optional traditional Kathakali dance show.

DAY 4 - COCHIN TO PERIYAR
After breakfast you will drive to Periyar (115 miles, approx 6 hours). The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats, you will enjoy the most enchanting experiences with the animals of the wild and the charming mountain people. Periyar is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India.

This afternoon you’ll visit a spice plantation and spice market and later experience Kalaripayttu, an ancient, local martial art. Stay overnight at the three star Elephant Court or four star Spice Village.

DAY 5 - PERIYAR TO HOUSEBOAT
This morning enjoy an elephant ride before driving to Alleppey (approx. 88 miles, 4 hours) to board your Keralan houseboat. Known as a 'kettuvallum', each thatched-roof boat has been converted from an original cargo boat, complete with two or three bedrooms (you will share with other members of the group), air-conditioning (available 9pm-7am), en suite basin and WC, separate kitchen and sit-out area.

A three-strong crew will cater for all your meals and peacefully glide your boat along the labyrinthine network of lakes and canals that dissect the lush paddy fields, coconut groves and the occasional rustic dwellings. Dinner and overnight on board.

DAY 6 - HOUSEBOAT TO ALLEPPEY/KUMARAKOM
In the morning disembark the houseboat to check in for two nights at the three star Citrus Hotel in Alleppey or the four star Coconut Lagoon in nearby Kumarakom. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. The next day enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic head massage (included in the tour), try yoga, meditation or one of the other rejuvenating massages (extra cost) or enjoy a number of optional recreational activities on Lake Vembanad.

DAY 8 - ALLEPPEY/KUMARAKOM TO LONDON
Early morning transfer to Cochin for your Jet Airways flight to Heathrow via Mumbai arriving later the same day.

EXTENSION
KERALA BEACH
Relax and unwind on the tranquil beaches of Kerala.

DAY 8 - KERALA
Drive to Kovalam for a five night stay at the 3.5 star Turtle on the Beach in a standard room.
DAY 13 - KERALA TO LONDON
Transfer to the airport for your Jet Airways flight to Heathrow via Mumbai, arriving later the same day.