Scents and colors of Kerala - 11 days | 10 nights

Highlights of the programme :
  • Munnar and the tea plantations of sight
  • The charm of a house-boat on the canals at Alleppey
  • Kovalam beach resort launched by the Travancore Maharajah
  • Kanyakumari or the meeting of three seas

ITINERARY

Day 01 Trivandrum
Arrival at Trivandrum. Reception at the airport. Transfer and overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 Trivandrum - Cochin
Panoramic tour of Trivandrum or Thiruvananthpuram. The capital of Kerala has numerous and imposing temples. Visit the museum rebuilt by Lord Napier Napier who gave it its name, this museum both its architecture and the works in it is worthy of praise. Then stop at the Padmanabhapuram palace built in the 14th century and that of Kuthiramalika is a specimen of classical architecture of Kerala. Then drive to Cochin. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Cochin
Since ancient times, the port city of Kochi is known to be an important commercial center. It was a prosperous stop on the Silk Road and Spice and still knows very active today in addition to being an important naval base. It is at Cochin, former first Portuguese and Dutch counter that Vasco da Gama made a stop in 1498 and died with the title of Viceroy of Portuguese India. Explore the old town with the church of St Francis, the first Christian church built in India, the former colonial quarter Mattanchery with its synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the traditional district of spice warehouses. In the evening, representation of a Kathakali dance show, spectacular combination of costume drama, dance and singing. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Cochin - Munnar
Drive to Munnar in the most spectacular mountain scenery in South India. A haven of peace and coolness, these panoramas adorned with tea and spice plantations, rivers, lakes and dense forests offer vivid shades of green. This small mountain resort located 1,600 meters above sea level was a popular holiday resort by the English at the time of the British Raj. Visit a tea plantation and tea museum tracing the origin of this famous drink since 1880. It is the first museum of its kind in India, opened by the Tata company, which includes a true heritage of the origins and the evolution of the plantations. Overnight at hotel.
Jour 05 Munnar - Periyar
A beautiful forest road with beautiful landscapes winds through the heart of the hills covered with tea plantations, coffee and cardamom towards the Periyar National Park. Extending over 777 km² of which 360 thick forests, the park was declared a National Tiger Reserve in 1978. Boat trip on the lake in the heart of the park to observe bird life, deer, monkeys, elephants and other mammals. Visit a spice garden where there is a wide range of plants: pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, chillies, mustard, ginger, cloves, cocoa. Overnight at hotel.
Jour 06 Periyar - Kumarakom
Morning departure for the beautiful Lake Wembanad across the plain of Palai, home to the rice fields of sight and peaceful villages framed by countless coconut. The Wembanad Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India that stretches from Cochin to Alleppey, resulting from the meeting of three rivers. In the afternoon, visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, heavenly bird sanctuary for the many sedentary species, endemic and migratory it supports. Consisting of mangrove forests, paddy fields, coconut groves, the Reserve serves as nursery, natural habitat and place of reproductions. Overnight at hotel.
Jour 07 Kumarakom - Allepey
Before leaving for Alleppey, ride on the lake to observe the flora and fauna of the region: egrets, herons, waterfowl, teal, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that arrive each winter in groups for it. Drive to Alleppey between the rubber plantations. Alleppey is a pleasant little town on the other side of the lake surrounded by canals that invites a timeless journey through its backwaters. The famous canals of Kerala make this region one of the most picturesque rural India, an idyllic network on a green coast. Along the palm-fringed shores, one can observe the lacustrine life and people go about their various occupations. Getting on a houseboat for a leisurely cruise on these channels. Overnight on houseboat.
Jour 08 Allepey - Kovalam
Disembark after breakfast and drive to Kovalam seaside resort whose beaches are the most attractive to those of Goa. Everything is laid out for tourists supervised swimming, catamaran rides, surfing. Here, coconut groves that line the beaches several kilometers are home to a large population of fishermen who live in villages and hamlets in the area. The Maharaja of Travancore maintain an up significant place in the history of the station. Enthused by the beauty of the place, the king used to spend his free time. He invited his European friends in the 1930s, the popularity of Kovalam was made. Overnight at hotel.
Jour 09 Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam
Morning departure for the city of Kanyakumari at the southern tip of India. On the way stop at the beautiful Padmanabhapuram Palace, the former summer residence of the Maharaja of Travancore, remarkable maze of corridors and walkways decorated with rich wood paneling and murals from the 17th and 18th centuries. Continue to Kanyakumari southernmost city of the country, formerly known as Cape Comorin, the heading of the girl in the days of the British Raj. It is the place where three seas meet: the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. This advanced to the South Pole, there is no land. This is also a part of Kanyakumari ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was dispersed after his cremation, which is why the city is an important place of pilgrimage. Kanyakumari mark by the special atmosphere of the city around the world. Y reign a wind of lightness and relaxation that pairs well with religious fervor. After a walk by the sea to watch the sunset, back to Kovalam. Overnight at hotel.
Jour 10 Kovalam
Relaxation day to enjoy the seaside activities. Overnight at hotel.
Jour 11 Kovalam - Trivandrum
Transfer to Trivandrum airport for the return flight.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. The choice of the type of accommodation is in your hands. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort - Trivandrum

For those who want to combine holidays & Ayurvedic treatments. Great hospitality, friendly, and courteous staff. Clean rooms, some with sea view. Nice pool. During yoga as possible. A place to relax, rejuvenate and relax.

Old Harbour Hotel - Cochin

Hotel in the center of Hospet and enjoyable. Very warm welcome. Bedroom and spacious bathroom. Friendly staff. Pool, spa with massage and Ayurvedic treatments, restaurants available.

Swiss County - Munnar

A small hotel located in an  incredible property in the hills of tea plants. The rooms are large and some offer a mini suite with lounge. Courteous, attentive and caring staff. Fine cuisine.

Spice Village Resort - Periyar

Establishment luxury ecolodge. Bungalows scattered in a garden full of spices. Bright, comfortable, clean and spacious rooms. Attentive and efficient. Nice pool.

Paradise Resort - Kumarakom

A quiet resort, small and cozy on the lake. Friendly and smiling staff. Pool overlooking the lake. Spacious and comfortable rooms.

Maharaju Palace - Kovalam

A gem close to the beach. A calm oasis surrounded by beautiful gardens. Charming house with neat rooms that are well decorated. Very welcoming staff.

Suggested Activities

You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Ayurveda massage

Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage  on the eye  helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Henna session

Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!

Yoga

Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of "pranayama" (breathing), "asanas" (positions) and 'dhyana' (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.

Indian dances

Kathak is a pure narrative and dance, traditional Northern India. Bharata natyam is a form of Indian classical dance from southern India. This is one of the oldest Indian dance. Join us for a dance and mingle the group repeating her graceful gestures. A unique imprint of culture and joy.

Film show

Indians like to say that what unites them is a passion for cricket and love of cinema. India is the largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the number of entries. Attend the screening of a film, it's a unique experience and share a moment of jubilation.

Kathakali show

Kathakali is a form of traditional dance and theater sacred native of Kerala. Appeared in the seventeenth century, it showcases stories from the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas, and great epics of Hindu mythology. Kathakali is different from other traditional dances by the complexity of its costumes and extravagant make-up dancers. Show not to be missed!

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to  learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Bike ride

We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.

Motorcycle ride

Wander through India or Nepal aboard the legendary Royal Enfield. This breakaway motorcycle delight lovers of nature and you will discover the diversity of landscapes.

Horseback ride

Expect a complete change: in the saddle on the beautiful Marwari horses with amazing earrings shaped like a crescent moon, discover the breathtaking surroundings and go out to meet the locals. A walk to discover treasures, off the beaten path.

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