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Kerala Explorer Tour
Whether it’s the food, culture or scenery of southern India you wish to experience and explore, this small group tour is for you. Discover atmospheric Kochi, follow nature trails in Periyar National Park, travel inland into the Western Ghats where historic hill stations are surrounded by rolling tea plantations and explore ‘God’s Own Country’ Kerala, where a tranquil cruise on a traditional houseboat is included. Led by a local guide you'll get a real insider's view of the places you visit with a unique glimpse into the communities that call this part of India home.
£2,575 - £2,650pp Including international flights. Also available on a private basis, see guide pricing below.
Itinerary overview
Day 1
Arrival
in Kochi
On arrival, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel where you’ll spend ...
Day 2
Kochi
Your first full day in India includes a half day sightseeing tour of Kochi. Included in the tour ...
Day 3
Kochi & Munnar
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before driving to Munnar (approximately 4 hours). Sittin...
Day 4
Munnar
Tea has played an integral part in the history of Munnar, which you will learn all about today. S...
Day 5
Munnar & Thekkady
Enjoy a relaxed morning before driving to Thekkady, a small town in the shadow of the Western Gha...
Day 6
Thekkady
Today the focus is on the region’s wildlife and natural landscapes. The morning begins early with...
Day 7
Thekkady & Kumarakom
Undoubtedly a highlight of a trip to Kerala is the opportunity to cruise the famous backwaters on...
Day 8
Kumarakom
Today is a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities at the resort. Perhaps head to t...
Day 9
Kumarakom & Kochi
Enjoy a relaxed morning before the drive back to Kochi (approximately 1.5 hours). The afternoon i...
Highlights of trip
Half Day Tea Plantation Tour & Tea Museum
The day starts with a lovely walk perhaps spotting elephants, birds and small deer along the way. Munnar has the perfect British summer climate ranging from 18-28 degrees Celsius. Traverse the tea plantations for first-hand experience of harvesting, speaking to the local tea pickers who often offer insight into the art of leaf picking.
Jump to itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kochi
On arrival, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel where you’ll spend two nights. Your sightseeing begins early evening today with a cruise around Kochi harbour. Cruise to where the Kochi Lagoon opens out into the Arabian Sea and see the famous Chinese fishing nets of Fort Kochi from this unique perspective before heading back to dry land for a welcome dinner. The meal is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers. Overnight at Fragrant Nature Kochi (or similar).
Day 2
Kochi
Your first full day in India includes a half day sightseeing tour of Kochi. Included in the tour is the Paradesi Synagogue, located in the Jewish quarter of the city and the oldest surviving Synagogue in India. You will also visit the Dutch Palace which was built by the Portuguese in the early decades of the 16th century. This evening, you may wish to experience the culture of the state of Kerala, taking in an optional Kathakali dance performance. Go backstage to witness the care that goes into preparing the elaborate makeup and costumes, before watching these traditional and beautiful dances. Overnight at Fragrant Nature Kochi (or similar).
Day 3
Kochi & Munnar
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before driving to Munnar (approximately 4 hours). Sitting at 1600 metres above sea level, Munnar was once a southern India summer resort of the British government. It is surrounded by sprawling tea plantations, one of which you will explore tomorrow. Relax in the afternoon or if you wish you can visit the Srishti Foundation, a charitable trust aiming to improve life for people with special needs and their families in Munnar. Please note the foundation is a NGO so may be closed at short notice due to operational reasons. There is no cost to visit but any donations are appreciated. Overnight at Fragrant Nature Munnar (or similar).
Day 4
Munnar
Tea has played an integral part in the history of Munnar, which you will learn all about today. Start by visiting a plantation where you will learn how leaves are plucked and speak to the local tea pickers who may offer insight into their daily routine. Later, return to the town and visit the Tea Museum, which chronicles the growth of India's national drink and Munnar's role in this global industry. Various stages of tea processing can be seen, including the making of black tea. Your final stop today is for a tea tasting session at a local café. Overnight at Fragrant Nature Munnar (or similar).
Day 5
Munnar & Thekkady
Enjoy a relaxed morning before driving to Thekkady, a small town in the shadow of the Western Ghats and the gateway to Periyar National Park (approximately 4 hours). This evening before dinner, visit a local theatre to watch a Kalaripayattu show, an ancient martial art form, that is indigenous to Kerala. It amalgamates body control, treatment, and armed as well as unarmed combat and is closely entwined with the region's cultural history. Overnight at Cardamom County (or similar).
Day 6
Thekkady
Today the focus is on the region’s wildlife and natural landscapes. The morning begins early with a gentle walk (3 hours) along the nature trails in Periyar National Park. You’ll be accompanied by a trained guide who will point out various bird and wildlife species. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, a local naturalist will accompany you through a local spice plantation. The tour is an opportunity to meander through cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and many other varieties of spices and medicinal plants and gives you an insight into how these are grown, harvested and processes. The late afternoon and evening are free to relax at the pool or discover the local area further. Overnight at Cardamom County (or similar).
Day 7
Thekkady & Kumarakom
Undoubtedly a highlight of a trip to Kerala is the opportunity to cruise the famous backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Drive from Thekkady to Alleppey (approximately 4 hours) to board the boat. Wind your way through the maze of waterways and enjoy this truly relaxing mode of travel, including lunch on board. Continue to Kumarakom, your base for the next two nights (approximately 1 hour drive). Overnight at Coconut Lagoon (or similar).
Recommended Hotel
Coconut Lagoon - A CGH Earth Experience
Set on Kerala’s beautiful backwaters, Coconut Lagoon has a prime location overlooking Vembanad Lake.
Day 8
Kumarakom
Today is a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities at the resort. Perhaps head to the Ayurveda Centre for a rejuvenating treatment, before coming together for a dinner in the evening. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon (or similar).
Recommended Hotel
Coconut Lagoon - A CGH Earth Experience
Set on Kerala’s beautiful backwaters, Coconut Lagoon has a prime location overlooking Vembanad Lake.
Day 9
Kumarakom & Kochi
Enjoy a relaxed morning before the drive back to Kochi (approximately 1.5 hours). The afternoon is free to relax or explore Kochi some more. Overnight at Fragrant Nature Kochi (or similar).
Day 10
Departure
Transfer to the airport in time for your flight back home, or onward travel.
Guide price information
Low Season
2025: 21 Mar, 10 Oct
£2,575pp
High Season
2025: 31 Jan, 21 Feb, 14 Nov
£2,650pp
Guide price information is based on the included flights from London, accommodation, transport and experiences detailed in the itinerary above for 2 people sharing as part of a small group departure. Guide prices do not include optional things to do. Call us for up to date prices – the cost of your holiday depends upon the time of year you travel, how long you go for, preferred departure airport, airlines, hotels and things to do.
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Monday: 9am - 6pm
Tuesday: 9am - 8pm
Wednesday: 9am - 8pm
Thursday: 9am - 8pm
Friday: 9am - 8pm
Saturday: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 11am - 4pm
Australasia & North America
Mon to Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed
Africa, India & Japan
Mon to Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed