Become acquainted with the stunning landscapes and exceptional people of Kerala on this custom tailored tour through South India. Decadent temples stand alongside converging seas. Tea plantations cast an emerald glow over an entire mountainside. Large ancient Chinese fishing nets create a skyline over the Arabian Sea. From witnessing tigers in the wild to traversing endless canals, and from dipping your toes into the warm sea to witnessing the enduring luster of the spice trade, you will create...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
A Local Charm
Cochin is a city that is steeped in history. Chinese fishing nets are large and graceful as they drape over the water. 600 years of history fills the old neighborhoods and has encouraged a unique culture. The Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, was a gift to the Raja in the 16th century. The architecture is particular to the state of Kerala, forming a quadrangular structure with a courtyard at the center. When you enter the palace you find magnificent murals that represent the elegance of Hindu tradition. In the king’s bedchamber is a 300 square foot wall covered in 48 paintings. The colors are still vibrant after centuries on display. The images depict legends of Krishna and Sita. Everywhere you turn is another example of pure opulence.
Nearby you can find the 16th century Paradesi Synagogue and the antique shops of the old Jewish quarter. The alluring aroma of spices, from turmeric to cardamom, continues to fill the streets. In the evening you will watch the mesmerizing display of the Kathakali, a dance-drama that dates back to the 17th century. The performance tells a number of stories from 101 classical tales. Abstract movements are synchronized to the music. Dancers wear elaborate makeup to embody a famous character of legend.
What's Included:
Day 2
The Teas and Greenery
Day 3
Open Space and Blue Sky
Day 4
The Images of the Wild
Day 5
A Home for a Wild Life
Day 6
Elegant Spices and Graceful Birds
Day 7
The Canals of India
Day 8
Calling the Arabian Sea
Day 9
The Continent’s Edge
Day 10
Away from the Edge
Trip Highlights
- Discover the amazing history and culture of Cochin that dates back over 600 years
- Witness the emerald greenery of Munnar, the tea plantation capital of the south
- Explore the sensational Periyar Wildlife Reserve in search of elephant, bison, and the coveted Bengal tiger
- Enjoy the pristine waters and shimmering sand of the Kovalam beaches
- Traverse the gorgeous and charming canals around Alleppey
- Visit the Cape of Comorin to see where three seas converge
Detailed Description
Immerse yourself in the culture of Kerala on this 10-day tour through Southern India. The people are friendly and encompass a diverse range of traditions and religions. From Hindu to Syrian Christian, the eclecticism of the state can be witnessed in the architecture, seen in temples, and tasted in the cuisine. Stay with local families to gather a true and unique experience. From the tea plantations to the Dutch Palace you will find the real culture of India and never look back.
Your cultural exploration begins with your arrival in Cochin. The city is considered the “Gateway to Kerala.” The city’s history is steeped in the spice trade and dates back over 600 years. The elegance and lavishness of its past endures today. Tour through the city to discover the lasting beauty of the old city, from the Chinese fishing nets to the Paradesi Synagogue. The ocean casts a captivating scent of sweet, salty air around the esplanade. The following day you will venture to Munnar.
The resort town area is found high in the Western Ghats Mountains and is the largest tea growing area in Southern India. Waterfalls tumble over the hillside. Elephants linger on the banks of the Mattupetty Reservoir. Explore the area’s pristine beauty along the various walking trails. After two days in the mountains you will arrive in Thekkady. The town is located near the Periyar National Park. Spend two days traversing the woodlands and savannah. Cruise along the lake and game drive through the jungle in search of wild deer and tigers.
Once in Kottayam you will visit the first city in India to have reached a 100 percent literacy rate. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is always flush with a variety of migratory birds. The next day you will travel the charming and quintessential canals of Alleppey. You will spend the following two days in Kovalam. The soft, sandy beaches are set alongside the Arabian Sea. For a unique and stunning experience you can venture southward to the Cape of Comorin. Your final day will take you to Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, where you will board your flight home.
For more options, browse the tour packages to India or read the reviews of Indian travel agents.
Starting Price
$2,500 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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