- Kathakali Show in Kochi
- City Tour of Kochi
- City Tour of Munnar
- Spice Plantation Walk with Lunch in Periyar
- Boat Ride in Periyar Lake
- Half Day Cruise in Houseboat followed by Lunch in Alleppey
12 Day Kerala Natural Experience
Tour Code: IN12
Price From
SOLO
You get your own room/cabin by paying a single supplement charge in addition to the tour price.
$3,699
(Deposit $50 per person)
Have questions? Call 1800 229 339
Overview
Note:
As flight times, hotels, logistical services and days of travel can be subject to availability and modifications beyond our control, if cancellations or delays should occur, we will make a conscientious effort to secure alternative arrangements of similar value to those in our booking agreement.
India
Airfares
Included
100%
Refund
Route
Cochin – Munnar – Thekkaddy – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 02: Dehli 
Kochi
This morning at the decided upon time, depart the hotel for your flight to Kochi.
Upon arrival in Kochi you will be met outside the baggage claim area by our representative and escorted to a waiting vehicle for your transfer to your hotel.
Kochi is one of the most fascinating cities of coastal South India. It is a city with indelible marks of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Jewish traditions. Of Special mention are the older parts of the Fort Kochi area. It has more or less existed as it used to 1000 years before our times.
This part of the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval Portugal, Dutch and English country life grafted on to the tropical Malabar Coast.
Kochi is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea; because of its natural harbor being one of the finest. This city is made of islands connected to Ernakulum on the mainland by bridges and ferries. The interesting city of Cochin perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala.
This evening visit a local theater and attend a performance of the classical Kathakali Dance, a stylized Indian-dance drama
Overnight : Crowne Plaza – Deluxe City View Room
Meals : Breakfast
Day 03 : Kochi
This morning be prepared in lobby the hotel at 09:00 AM for a morning of exploring the Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace.
This afternoon visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European built church in India. The church was constructed in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars, who accompanied the expedition led by Pedro Alvares Cabral and the famed Vasco de Gama, the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa. This afternoon visit the Fort Kochi Area.
Also visit the amazing fishing nets operating on principles of physics advanced for their times.
Overnight : Crowne Plaza – Deluxe City View Room
Meals : Breakfast
Day 04 : Kochi - Munnar
This morning after breakfast be prepared in the lobby of the hotel for your overland journey to Munnar. The drive takes about 04 hours.
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallath- anni and Kundala. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.
Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.
Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once in every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India.
Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight :Blanket Hotel & Spa – Blanket Carmelia
Meals :Breakfast, Dinner
Day 05 : Munnar
At 09:00 AM be prepared in the lobby of the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Munnar. This morning visit Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, home of Nilgiry Thar (very rare moun- tain goat), This Park is famous for its endangered inhabitant – the Nilgiri Thar. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds.
A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji.
Later visit Tea Museum. Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar.
This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar.
Enjoy rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight : Blanket Hotel & Spa – Blanket Carmelia
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 06 : Kochi - Periyar
Keep this morning at leisure.
At around 11:00 AM be prepared in lobby of your hotel for overland transfer to Periyar. The drive takes about 3 hours.
While at Periyar you just cannot miss enjoying the Fauna. Periyar and elephants are synonymous and one cannot be thought of without the other. Herds of playful wild ele- phants have made Periyar Lake their favorite haunt for frolicking in the water.
Scores of them can be witnessed bathing and swimming here. The Indian female ele- phants do not possess tusks like their African relatives.
Enjoy the balance day leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight : Elephant Court – Patio Room
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 07 : Periyar
After breakfast be prepared in lobby of the hotel at 09:00 AM for a drive to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Take a boat cruise in the Periyar Lake. The boat rides would enable you to have a closer look at the wildlife that inhabits the surrounding forests. Groups of Elephants, Wild Boar, Bison and Sambar can be seen moving along the banks skirting the forest.
Later, take a drive to nearby Spice Plantations to know more about the spices grown in this region, the thing that strikes you first is the lingering aroma in the air. The scent may be of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon or cardamom and sometimes a fragrance that combines the scents of two or more spices.
Enjoy lunch at the Spice Plantations on direct payment basis.
There are many factors that make the plantation experience a memorable one. For some, it could be the unassuming beauty of the tiny flowers of the cardamom that grow at the base of the plant; for others, the tantalizing aroma of cinnamon or cloves, and for some others, the cool breeze that lovingly strokes the green plantations and everything in it. Keep the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight : Elephant Court – Patio Room
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 08 : Periyar - Alleppey
Have a leisurely morning. At approximately 10:00 AM be ready in the lobby of the hotel in preparation for your overland transfer to Alleppey.
The drive takes approximately 04 hours.
The landscape is dominated by never ending paddy fields, mango and cashew groves, swaying coconut palms, meandering lagoons and backwaters, and mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties.
Kumarakom, the charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake, takes you into the heart of the scenic lake where you’ll come across plenty of tradi- tional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways.
During your time in Kumarakom you can arrange for an Ayurveda massage at your hotel (on direct payment basis), an intricate system of healing that originated in India thousands of years ago. Genuine age-old traditions and treatments are practiced by highly qualified and reputed physicians.
Keep this day at leisure.
Overnight : Lake Canopy – Deluxe Room
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 09 : Alleppey
At 11:00 AM be prepared at the lobby of the hotel for Houseboat Cruise in Backwaters.
(Timings are indicative – might vary).
Board a traditional Ketuvalloms, or, Houseboat, for a relaxing time on Kerala backwater cruise followed by lunch.
Feel completely relaxed as you enter a world of serenity and natural beauty in Kerala. Enjoy the green countryside, swaying palm trees, emerald rice fields and children waving from the banks of the backwaters. This labyrinth of shimmering waterways is comprised of innumer- able lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries, and the deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea.
Be transported to a paradise where land, sea and sky, come together in a union of ele- ments. As you float on the backwater, the beauty of the serene waterways and quaint inlets and creeks along the coast of Kerala will enchant you. Experience an unforgettable journey along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Keep the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight : Lake Canopy – Deluxe Room
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 : Alleppey - Kochi / Delhi
Have a leisurely morning. At approximately 11:00 AM be ready in the lobby of the hotel in preparation for your overland transfer to Kochi.
The drive takes approximately 02 hours.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kochi today. After lunch, be prepared for transfer to Kochi Airport, for departure to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be taken to ITC WelcomHotel for the night. Remainder of day at leisure.
Overnight : ITC WelcomHotel – Deluxe Room
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
What's included
- Return International flights from Australia
- Domestic flights in India
- Accommodation and breakfast in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability)
- Meals as mentioned in the program
- All local boat rentals as mentioned in the program
- Spice Plantation tour in Thekkady with English special guide
- Boat Ride at Periyar lake in Thekkady
- Excursing to Kanyakumari with English speaking guide
- Water bottles during tours
- Air-conditioned transportation
- All entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the program
- Local English speaking guides in India
- 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support
- Meals and drinks are not mentioned in the program
- Visa fee
- Tipping for driver and tour guide & personal expenses
- Travel insurance (we strongly recommend you hold a valid travel insurance policy for all domestic and overseas travel)
- Trip delay or interruption by airline schedule change
- Extra cost or missing tour caused by flight delay or cancel
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
*Actual accommodation may vary due to availability. However, equivalent quality is guaranteed.
Dates & Prices
indicates Lowest Price
Departure
Arrival
Price
Note
Wednesday
07 Jun 2023
Sunday
18 Jun 2023
$3,699
Wednesday
14 Jun 2023
Sunday
25 Jun 2023
$3,699
Fine Print
Deposit & Payment
First Payment
$50
To secure your seat
Second Payment
$1,500
Pay within 30 days
Final Payment
120 days
Prior the departure date
Booking Process
Step 1
Select tour packages as preferred
Step 2
Complete the Booking Form
Step 3
We will contact you within 12 hours
Another option: Feel free to request your tailor-made tour
How to Extend Your Stay
If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
- Follow the “Book Now” prompts, until you reach the “Anything else we need to know?” field
- Here, please specify your preferred flight arrangements and if you require additional accommodation, with the number of nights needed.
- After finalising your purchase and submitting your booking form, a member of our Reservation team will be in contact with you via email to verify your request.
The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice, due 90 days prior to departure, and is strictly subject to availability.
Important Information
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Please be advised that tipping for tour guides, drivers and bellmen are required and will be collected by your travel consultant 7 days before you depart. A gratuity of 10AUD per person/day can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry as they have done an impeccable job to serve you through your holiday.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $630 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveller
Not available.
Triple Share
Upon your request except for cruises
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with CHI Travel Insurance to offer you competitive rates for your travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from your intended date of return.
An e-visa is required for entry into India. You will be able to obtain your E-visa when you have your tour documents indicating your date of entry into India, approximately 30 days prior to departure.
Please note, the ETA is limited to 60 days’ validity from the date of arrival.
You can visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration to purchase your visa online. The cost is US$80 per person. We can assist you over the phone as best as possible, however cannot submit the application on your behalf.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
4-30 people
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Flight Information
Airfare Information
- Airline: Air India, Thai Airlines, Singapore Airlines or similar (15kg for checked baggage per passenger and 7kg hand luggage per passenger, 01-piece check-in baggage each person only
- Some flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
- All tickets will include 15 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
- Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 15 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
- Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees.
- Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required.
- Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control.
- Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
- Business Class upgrade available from an additional $3,000 per person (subject to availability).
Please specify this as a “Anything else we need to know?” when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
