Kerala an Indian State is famous for its natural beauty and beaches, serene landscapes, tranquil rivers and Tea plantation. The Serenity of Kerala is such that it penetrates to the heart and resides there. Kerala is also called as “Gods Own Country”. Unveil the fascinating treasures of Kerala in those trip of 12 Days.

Trip Highlights

• The highlights of Mumbai
• Colonial Fort Cochin
• Munnar’s tea plantations
• Exotic wildlife in Periyar National Park
• Houseboat cruise exploring the backwaters
• Seaside town of Varkala

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Mumbai

Arrive in Mumbai, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Mumbai. (Breakfast)

Day 2: Mumbai

Start the day with an hour-long boat ride to Elephanta Island to visit the intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. Four rows of massive columns cut into the solid rock form three magnificent avenues that lead to a three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Return by boat to the mainland, then tour the sites of Mumbai including the Gateway of India, the Jain Temples, Chowpatty Beach, the Dhobi Ghat, and the bustling Crawford Market.. Overnight in Mumbai. (Breakfast)

Day 3: Mumbai to Cochin

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your 2-hour flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and breaking for lunch, tour old Fort Cochin. Over hundreds of years, traders and colonialists from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have left impressions of their cultures on this international port. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets. During the evening, watch a local Kathakali dance performance and makeup demonstration. The word Kathakali means “story play.” The dancers wear elaborate makeup and costumes and act out a story with hand and eye gestures. Overnight in Cochin. Overnight in Cochin. (Breakfast)

Day 4: Munnar

Drive about 5 hours from Kochi to the former British hill station of Munnar, which has some of the world’s highest tea-growing estates. In the afternoon, you can tour the area including Echo Point and Kundala Lake set in the lush forest, or take a short hike from one of the local hill stations such as Devikulam or Attukad to nearby waterfalls. Overnight in Munnar. (Breakfast)

Day 5: Munnar

Begin the day with a 2 to 3 hour hike in Eravikulam National Park, known for the large variety of endangered animals and plant species. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the hike. Next tour the Tata Tea Museum to understand the history of plantations of South India and the tea making process. End with a visit to the town’s bazaar filled with vegetable, spices and tea. Overnight in Munnar. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Days 6: Munnar to Periyar National Park

Drive 3 hours from Munnar to Periyar National Park along picturesque mountain roads. Periyar is set on an artificial lake created by a dam on Periyar River. Here wild elephants, deer, black buck, and even tigers come to drink at the shores of the lake. After checking in to your hotel, take a spice farm tour where you can see how cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, other spices and medicinal plants are grown. Visit a spice shop in the local town and spend time in the town, which has an interesting market before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Thekkady. (All meals).

Day 7: Periyar National Park

Take a morning boat ride on the lake followed by a guided nature walk near the park. The afternoon is free. Enjoy a cooking demonstration at your hotel in the evening. Overnight in Thekkady. (All meals)

Day 8: Periyar National Park to Kumarakom

Drive about 3.5 hours to Kumarakom, stopping on the way to tour a rubber plantation. Continue to Kumarakom, a beautiful backwater village on the shores of Vembanad Lake, criss-crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. Check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time. Later this afternoon, a naturalist will join you for a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy dinner at the hotel accompanied by a dance or music concert if presented that day. Overnight in Kumarakom. (All meals)

Day 9: Backwater Cruise

After a leisurely morning at your hotel, board a traditional rice boat to travel through the scenic backwaters and lakes of Kerala. The boat is exclusively for your use. Meals will be served with fresh produce from the local markets and cooked on board. Overnight on board the boat. (All meals)

Day 10: Varakala

After a backwater breakfast, disembark near Alleppey where your driver will be waiting. Drive about 3 hours through the Kerala countryside to Varkala, a relaxing beach town and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the 800-year-old Janardhana Temple, the Portuguese church of Anjengo, and the English Fort constructed in 1695 A.D. by the East India Company. Overnight in Varkala. (Breakfast)

Day 11: Varkala

The day is free day to enjoy the beach and explore this seaside town on your own. Overnight in Varkala. (Breakfast)

Day 12: Varkala to Trivandrum for Departure

After breakfast, drive an hour and a half to the airport in Trivandrum where you will catch a flight back to Mumbai to connect to your onward flight. (Breakfast)

Pricing

Per Person Rates (based on double occupancy) start from: $2,800

Pricing Includes

• All airport transfers to and from your hotel
• All tours and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
• All surface transportation by private, air-conditioned car
• All accommodation with breakfast and including taxes and service charges
• Private, local English-speaking guides for all visits and excursions
• Entrance fees
• Meals as outlined in the itinerary
• Kathakali Dance performance
• Flights from
  • Mumbai to Cochin
  • Trivandrum to Mumbai

Pricing Do Not Include

• International airfare
• Airport departure taxes
• India Visa Fees (to be obtained before departure)
• Tips
• Expenses of a personal nature.

For More Info: http://www.redlanternjourneys.com/menu-left-down/india/treasures-of-kerala.html