Kerala Explorer

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK to Kochi

  Depart on your overnight flight to Kochi.

• Day 2 • Kochi

  On arrival at Kochi International airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure before dinner

• Day 3 • Kochi

  After breakfast, you begin your tour of Kochi, the historic centre of India's spice trade. See the ancient Chinese influence in the impressive fishing nets, still used daily by locals, and take a ride through the village road in a tuk-tuk. You will also see the Mattanchery Dutch Palace and the oldest European church in India, St. Francis before returning to your hotel in Kochi. Rest of the day leisure.

• Day 4 • Kochi to Cheruthuruthy (Thrissur)

  After breakfast, journey to the Athirappally Waterfalls, which plunge from a height of 80 feet and are among the highest in the state. Then continue to Thrissur, known for its rich cultural, religious, and spiritual heritage. Visit historical landmarks such as the Vadakkumnathan Temple and the Paramekkavu Devi Temple. Finally, proceed to your hotel in Cheruthuruthy (Thrissur District), where you will spend the next two nights.

• Day 5 • Cheruthuruthy (Thrissur)

  After breakfast, you will have a 45-minute Ayuervedic massage (timing will be fixed by the Ayurveda consultant). After a relaxing morning, you will head out with a chance to gain insight into the local culture with an introduction to the world of Kerala’s traditional performing arts. Learn about traditional Sanskrit theatre, percussion music and the training of each art form, as well as the life of an artist. Retire to your hotel in the evening for dinner and your overnight stay.

• Day 6 • Cheruthuruthy (Thrissur) to Munnar

  The tour will depart Thrissur in the morning and travel to Munnar, known for its expanse of tea plantations, rolling valleys and mountains. Stopping en route for lunch, the rest of the day will be free time where you may choose explore Munnar's beautiful paths, or simply relax with a good book at your hotel.

• Day 7 • Munnar

  Today you will have a tour of Munnar, a nature lover's paradise. Visit Mattupetty Lake, Echo Point, and Gundala Lake. You will then continue to see tea plantation fields and Eravikulam National Park, famous for its largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr (wild goat). Eravikulam National Park is closed between February-April to protect the breeding season of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. During affected tours you will watch a Kalarippayattu show instead. Kalarippayattu is the traditional martial art practiced in Kerala. Famed as the mother of all martial arts, this ancient art-form is believed to have been adapted into various martial art forms like karate, kung fu and judo.

• Day 8 • Munnar to Thekkady

  The tour will then journey to Thekkady, a stunning area located high in the Cardamom hills containing tea gardens, rubber, coffee and pepper plantations. Following lunch, a visit to a spice market awaits you.

• Day 9 • Thekkady to Alleppey

  A highlight of Thekkady is the Periyar National Park, India's largest wildlife sanctuary. Board a boat at Periyar Lake where you will have the chance to spot some elephants, or one of the park's 25 Bengal tigers amongst other birds, reptiles and mammals. Board a traditional houseboat which will be your transport and accommodation. As the boat glides through a network of serene waterways, you’ll pass villages and locals going about their daily routines. Designed using traditional techniques yet offering modern comfort, the houseboat provides an ideal space to relax and soak in the scenery. During the journey, enjoy a freshly prepared meal on board featuring the distinctive flavours of Kerala cuisine.

• Day 10 • Alleppey to Trivandrum

  Following breakfast travel to Trivandrum with stop at the Jatayupara Earth Centre, home to the worlds largest bird sculpture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Trivandrum. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

• Day 11 •Trivandrum

  Depart in the morning for a half day city tour. Witness the magnificent Kanakakunnu Palace, one of the last architectural relics of the colonial era, then see the famous Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, one of the principle places of worship of the deity of Vaishnavism. You will then return to your hotel to enjoy another Ayurvedic massage before your farewell dinner.

• Day 12 • Trivandrum to UK

  Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension.