Colorful fishermen boats on beach in front of Varkala south cliff in Kerala, India

Best of Kerala Tour: Elephanta Island, Cochin, Alleppey, Periyar & Kovalam

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

India

Places Visited

Mumbai, Cochin, Munnar, Kovalam...

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Suggested Duration

12 Days

Experience the best of Kerala on this custom 12-day tour of India, as you visit temples that have been carved into island caves and traverse lush jungles where exotic tigers roam. Relax on the beaches along the turquoise water of the Arabian Sea then cruise through charming canals that lead to untouched villages. A rolling greenery of tea plantations surrounds you as you explore Cochin's rich history, filled with grand palaces and jewels. Travel...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Discover the magnificent Elephanta Island, where temples have been carved into caves with remarkable artistry and detail 
  • Experience the historic culture of Cochin, home to centuries of trade with the Western and Eastern worlds 
  • Enjoy the fresh tea and brilliant landscape of the tea plantations in Munnar
  • Traverse the wild nature of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephant herds and tigers
  • Witness the fabulous backwater canals outside of Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East 
  • Indulge in the wonderful culture of India, set apart from the world in its amalgamation of history, and enjoy a performance of the Kathakali dance show

Detailed Description

Experience the splendor of Kerala on this 12-day tour through the highlights that have inspired and captivated people with trickling canals and detailed temple carvings, powdery beaches and vivacious wildlife. From the historic streets of Cochin to the houseboats in the canals outside of Kovalam, from tea plantations to spice markets, elephant parades to the tranquil break of the Arabian Sea, you will find the splendor of Kerala and witness the reasons why its beauty has been highlighted and sought after by so many.

This India tour package begins with your arrival in Mumbai, a grand city of contrasts with an incredible allure that blends the modern world with the traditional. The following day you will come to the shores of Cochin, a city on the Arabian Sea that parades its lustered history through the streets, from Portuguese to Chinese. Tour through its walkways and find the culture displayed in the evening with a Kathakali dance show. Spend time in Munnar, the largest tea-planting region in the south, where the greenery borderlines are lavish, stretched along the climbing hills. Tour through the plantations and along the banks of Mattuppetty, a nearby manmade lake. Once in Periyar you will enter the Wildlife Sanctuary and spend your time searching the grasslands and forestry for incredible animals such as tigers and gaurs. 

Continue your travels with your arrival in Kovalam and find its beautiful beaches where the seaside shimmers in the sunlight. Enjoy a day at leisure along the sand before you traverse the seemingly endless canals that sweep inland around Alleppey, where the countryside is arguably one of the most stunning landscapes you have ever seen. On your 10th day you will enjoy a visit to Philipkutty’s Farm, where the unique farming techniques and marvelous flavors of the food and spices has created a fabulous place to experience. The next day you will return to Cochin en route to Mumbai. Once in Mumbai discover the amazing temples at Elephanta Island, each one carved into the caves. In the evening you will be taken to the airport to make your flight home.   

Starting Price

$2,335 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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4.88 stars based on 425 reviews.

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