The Essence of Kerala
Discover the highlights of Kerala tours exploring the culture, landscape and stunning beaches.
A delightful journey through ‘Gods own Country’. This tour is a great introduction to Kerala as it includes Cochin; the hill station of Munnar; the Wildlife Sanctuary at Periyar; the backwaters and the lesser know Mararikulum beach. Our essence of India itinerary ensures a fine mix of culture, history, wildlife and leisure.
- Discover the Fort Area in Cochin and Chinese Fishing Nets
- Experience the fresh air around the Munnar Tea Plantations
- Explore a spice plantation of Periyar
- Take a cruise & stay on a traditional rice barge houseboat
- Relax on a palm-fringed beach
Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrive Cochin
On arrival in Cochin, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound Representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey, and perhaps a stroll around the local neighborhood of Fort Cochin later.
Day 02 - In Cochin
Spend the day exploring the old colonial district of Fort Cochin. Tucked away in the narrow streets of Fort Cochin are a number of delightful art galleries, cafés and interesting clothes boutiques, as well as centuries-old houses. You will visit the residence where Vasco da Gama stayed when he was here in the early 16th century, and have a look around India’s oldest church, as well as one of one of the region’s few surviving synagogues down in Jew Town, near Mantancherry, site of a Keralan palace with superb traditional murals. Around sunset time, watch local fishing boats chug past the famous Chinese fishing nets. Venture out in the evening for a performance of Kathakali dance.
[Optional : Cooking Class experience with a local]
Day 03 - Drive to Munnar
Drive inland to the Cardamom Hills for a two-night stay in Munnar, hub of the region’s tea industry (03-04 Hrs). Relax on arrival and take in the beautiful views, go birdwatching or on a butterfly walk.
Day 04 - In Munnar
Visit a local tea plantation and factory today, and a museum presenting a history of tea cultivation in the area. Spend your afternoon trekking through the beautiful hills surrounding Munnar. If you find the trek to be too strenuous then ask our guide to take it at a slower pace and to shorten it if need be.
Day 05 - Drive to Periyar
Drive south to Periyar National park (03-04 Hrs). Late afternoon, explore the Spice Plantations of the region.
Day 06 - In Periyar
Enjoy a full day of activities inside the park today, from rafting and forest trekking to boat rides on the lake.
Day 07 - Drive to Alleppey
Drive to Alleppey (04-05 Hrs) and embark your traditional rice barge to spend your afternoon and evening cruising along the backwaters. A private chef on-board will provide you with a freshly cooked dinner made from local ingredients.
Day 08 - Drive to Mararikulum
Wake up on your houseboat and enjoy breakfast before disembarking. Drive to Mararikulum (01 Hr), to base yourself at picturesque Marari Beach to spend your final two nights. Take a stroll along the beach or relax under a palm tree with a book.
Day 09 - In Mararikulum
Full day at leisure. You might like to try an Ayurvedic massage, or hire a bicycle to explore the surrounding quiet lanes.
Day 10 - To Cochin & Departure
Drive to Cochin Airport & Fly back home or continue your onward journey with us
Quick Enquiry
Starting from USD 795 Per Person
Price is based on double occupancy, and is subject to change based on hotels & dates of travel. Price includes daily breakfast, sightseeing, monument entrance fees, private guides, transfers, chauffeur driven air-conditioned SUV car & All Taxes.
When to Travel?
Winter season between September to March is the best time to visit Kerala. This is the time when Kerala has a comfortable climate and pleasant weather with less humidity. The average temperature during this time is between 17 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius.
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour. Let us know for more options you may need, we work with a wide range of hotels in India & Beyond.
Brunton Boatyard
Cochin
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Fragrant Nature
Cochin
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Windermere Estate
Munnar
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE, TEA ESTATE
Spice Village
Thekkady
FIRST CLASS
Spice Coast Cruises
Alleppey
FIRST CLASS, HOUSEBOAT
Marari Beach Resort
Mararikulum
FIRST CLASS
Marari Villas
Mararikulum
FIRST CLASS, BOUTIQUE
Why 'Private' Travel?
Full flexibility & personalized service with your own experienced private guide
A private car & driver at your disposal for your holiday. Set your own pace
Select from hand-picked hotels; from luxury palaces to boutique homestays
Meet the locals & discover the real 'authentic' experiences of a destination
Our Reviews
Our guests seem happy to tell us about their experience and we are very happy to share their thoughts with you.
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we missed in our last 6 trips to India, a true Indian experience!! An advise for all those hesitating working with you, 'If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and looking for an authentic travel experience in India, you are at the right place'.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
Tailor-made Central India & Gujarat
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
You guys were absolutely true to your word, the holiday experience we have been waiting for years. Big thanks for arranging our visit to Ruskin Bond's home, you are certainly more than a holiday provider.
Mr Neil & Mrs Susan Everington, UK
Tailor-made North India & Nepal
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