Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to India! You'll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Today we travel to the picturesque former hill station of Munnar, surrounded by sprawling tea plantations. We take a guided stroll through a local tea plantation and visit a local market, before the rest of the day is free to relax as you please. You may wish to visit nearby Blossom Park and enjoy cycling or boating in your stunning surroundings.
This evening we enjoy an included dinner and meet others joining our group who have been travelling on our longer South India Explorer itinerary. (B/D)
A drive south to Periyar, South India's most popular wildlife sanctuary and home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, birds and even the odd tiger! Kumily, close to the sanctuary and where we'll stay, is a pretty little town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops. There is plenty to do in and around Periyar, so we leave the choice to you for the remainder of the day.
On day 4 we will enjoy an included boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot herds of wild elephants, spending the remainder of the day at leisure to explore on own. You can opt for an optional visit to explore the spice plantation or enjoy a kalaripayattu dance performance Periyar. (Bx2)
Today we leave Periyar and take a scenic drive to Alleppey. Here we board our private rice boat for a voyage through the famous Kerala backwaters. Our rice-boat takes us sedately along the enchanting palm-fringed backwaters, covering a distance of some 20 kms, during which time the boat glides past local villages and fascinating scenes of everyday rural life. Watch a beautiful sunset over the backwaters and enjoy tasty meals (starting with lunch) prepared by the on-board chef using fresh local produce. (B/L/D)
On the morning of day 6 we disembark our rice boat and take a short drive to Kumarakom - a village spread over a cluster of islands on Lake Vembanad. The day is free to relax or explore Kumarakom at your leisure. Perhaps take a boat ride on the lake or visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to many rare bird species and is an important stopover for migratory birds in the winter (Nov-May). (B)
Formerly a princely state, Kochi is also fondly referred to as “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”. The rest of the day is at leisure exploring Kochi on its own.
This evening you can opt for an optional tour to watch an entertaining and traditional Kathakali dance show. Kathakali performers are known for their elaborate costumes and makeup and they always put on a fantastic show. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Kochi – Enjoy free time to explore the coastal city and perhaps enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance show
- Kerala Backwaters – Cruise along the famous backwaters on a deluxe rice boat, past lush forests and local villages
- Kumarakom – Relax on the shores of Lake Vembanad and opt to visit the local bird sanctuary
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Spot herds of elephants from an included boat ride on Lake Periyar
- Munnar – Stroll through a tea plantation on a guided walk and visit a local market
- Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
- Boat ride on Lake Periyar
- Houseboat cruise along the Keralan backwaters
- Escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide (for groups of 4 or more)
- Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites
- Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8
- All relevant transfers and transportation in private A/C vehicles
- 6 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels and 1 night deluxe houseboat
- Trident Hotel Kochi (Kochi)
- Eastend Munnar (Munnar)
- The Elephant Court (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)
- Deluxe Houseboat (Alleppey)
- Eastend Lakesong (Kumarakom)
- Excludes International flights and visa
- Excludes Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
- Excludes Entrance Fees: USD$15-25pp, paid in local currency
Brochure
On The Go Worldwide (2024)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by On The Go Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from On The Go Tours. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
