Pride of Kerala

9 Nights / 10 Days

Overview

Kerala is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, enveloped in lush greenery and known as ‘God’s Own Country.’ This Kerala Holiday Package begins in Cochin (Kochi), a bustling port city with a trading history spanning over 600 years. Often referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi serves as the financial, commercial, and industrial capital of Kerala.

Next, we journey to Periyar National Park, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and tranquil environment. Home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including majestic tigers, elephants, and a variety of reptiles, fish, and birds.

Continuing our exploration, we arrive at Kumarakom, a cluster of small islands nestled on the serene Vembanad Lake. From here, we proceed to Alleppey, where you’ll board a houseboat for an overnight cruise along the enchanting Kerala backwaters. These waters are renowned for their captivating allure, weaving through the entire region.

Finally, unwind at Marari Beach (Mararikulam Beach), renowned for its serene shores and picturesque surroundings, offering the perfect retreat to relax and rejuvenate.

Highlights

Traditional Dance Show – Kathakali
Explore beauty of the multi ethnic Cochin
2 Hour Cochin Sunset Harbour Cruise
Boat Ride on Lake Periyar
Gavi Jeep Safari
Bird Sanctuary visit
Cruise on the scenic Backwaters of Kerala
Enjoy your time at the houseboat
Kerala Traditional Meals on House Boat
Golden Sand Beaches of Marari

Cochin (Kochi)

Periyar

Kumarakom

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Marari

Tour Route

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive Cochin

Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, our company executive will greet you and assist with your transfer to the pre-booked hotel.

Kochi (Cochin) is a bustling commercial port city with a rich trading history dating back over 600 years. Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, it serves as the financial, commercial, and industrial capital of Kerala. Upon arrival at Cochin Airport, you’ll be transferred to your pre-booked hotel.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Kerala with a Kathakali Dance performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world, originating in southwestern India. It involves group presentations where dancers portray various roles, often based on themes from Hindu mythology, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Cochin.

Cochin

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

Later, embark on a captivating city tour of Cochin, delving into its rich cultural heritage:

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Admire the Kerala mural paintings and traditional Kerala architecture of this historic palace.

Jewish Synagogue (Paradesi Synagogue): Explore the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, built in 1568 by the Cochin Jewish community.

Chinese Fishing Nets: Witness the iconic sight of these fishing nets along the coast of Fort Kochi, a symbol of Kerala’s maritime heritage.

St. Francis Church: Visit the oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, was originally interred.

Take a leisurely stroll along Fort Kochi’s picturesque seaside promenade to soak in the local atmosphere.

In the evening, embark on a serene two-hour boat cruise during sunset in Cochin Harbor. Marvel at the breathtaking views of Marine Drive and Bolgatty Island, where the tranquil Kochi Lagoon meets the Arabian Sea.

Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Cochin.

Cochin – Periyar(By Private Vehicle 185 Kms 4 ½ Hrs Drive)

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

Later, depart by private vehicle for Periyar (Thekkady). Upon arrival in Periyar, check in at your pre-booked hotel.

Periyar, also known as Thekkady, is celebrated for its National Park and Tiger Reserve, one of India’s largest wildlife sanctuaries. Immerse yourself in the dense jungles and lush greenery, home to diverse wildlife, including the majestic Indian Tiger. Experience the thrill of elephant rides through these pristine forests, surrounded by over 320 species of birds and 160 varieties of butterflies thriving in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat ride on Lake Periyar in a shared boat, an exceptional experience offering views of abundant birdlife and other wildlife near the Periyar National Park.

Afterwards, visit a spice plantation. Take a leisurely walk through the streets of Kumily or along winding pathways among the plantations, where you’ll be greeted by the fragrant aromas of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and more. The cool climate and elevated location of Kumily make it an ideal environment for spice cultivation.

Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Periyar.

Periyar

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

Today, embark on an exhilarating full-day Jeep Safari adventure in Periyar, complete with breakfast, lunch, evening tea snacks, trekking, jeep safari, and pedal boating.

Experience the Gavi Jeep Safari conducted by KTDC, starting at 5:30 AM and concluding at 5:00 PM. Gavi is a renowned eco-tourism spot in Kerala, celebrated for its pristine natural beauty untouched by modernity. It has garnered global recognition and is listed among India’s must-visit destinations by ‘Alistair International’, a leading tourism authority. Nature enthusiasts will find Gavi enthralling, with opportunities to encounter endangered species such as the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque. Kerala’s majestic elephants are also frequently spotted here. Bird watchers will appreciate Gavi’s diverse avian population, which includes over 260 species such as the great pied hornbill, woodpeckers, and kingfishers.

Gavi truly offers a paradise for those who cherish nature and wildlife.

Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Periyar.

Periyar – Kumarakom (By Private Vehicle 140 Kms 3 ½ Hrs Drive)

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

Later, depart by private vehicle for Kumarakom. Upon arrival, check in at your pre-booked hotel.

Kumarakom is a tranquil, emerald-green peninsula nestled amidst the picturesque Vembanad Lake, adorned with traditional rice boats, rafts, and canoes. This backwater destination is abundant with flora and fauna, particularly rich in marine life. The rural community of Kumarakom is known for its peaceful ambiance, cleanliness, and healthy lifestyle. Fishing remains their primary livelihood, with local cuisine often featuring dishes like rice, tapioca, and fish curry.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to indulge in an Ayurvedic Massage at one of the renowned Ayurvedic centers to rejuvenate yourself.

Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, embark on an excursion to the Bird Sanctuary located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. This sanctuary is a sanctuary for migratory birds such as the Siberian stork, wild duck, darters, herons, egrets, waterfowls, and cuckoos, making it a captivating sight for bird enthusiasts.

The afternoon is at your leisure for self-exploration. Alternatively, you may choose to unwind with a sunset shikara cruise, departing from Kumarakom Boat dock at 4:30 PM. The sunset views over the Kumarakom backwaters are renowned as some of the most beautiful in Kerala.

Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom – Alleppey (BY Private Vehicle 38 Kms 1 Hrs Drive) Alleppey Jetty to board House Boat

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel and then check out.

Next, you’ll be escorted to Alleppey Jetty for an enchanting experience aboard a houseboat, sailing through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters. Glide past serene scenes of water lilies, lush paddy fields, quaint villages, temples, and coconut groves.

Your houseboat adventure begins around noon. Upon boarding, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a refreshing drink. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along lakes and canals for an hour or two, before anchoring at a scenic spot for a delicious lunch. Your crew will prepare authentic Kerala dishes using fresh local produce.

After lunch, continue cruising along the Pallathuruthy River, Pukaitha River, and Pullangady, stopping for sightseeing and photo opportunities. You might also visit a local village or enjoy a peaceful canoe ride. The boat will dock around 5:30 PM (overnight cruising isn’t allowed), giving you time for a relaxing stroll along rice paddies before dinner.

Savor traditional Kerala meals served onboard for lunch and dinner.

Enjoy a memorable overnight stay aboard the houseboat.

House Boat disembark at Alleppey & Alleppey – Marari(By Private Vehicle 15 Kms ½ Hrs Drive)

After enjoying breakfast on the houseboat, it will disembark at Alleppey around 9:30 AM. From there, you’ll be picked up at the jetty and driven to Marari. Once you arrive, check in at your pre-booked hotel.

Marari Beach, nestled on the Malabar Coast, is a tranquil and picturesque destination perfect for exploring Kerala’s backwaters and unwinding in a serene setting. Set in the charming fishing village of Mararikulam, the beach is fringed with endless coconut palm trees.

Relax and enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Marari.

Marari

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel.

Today is free for you to leisurely explore the serene shores of Marari Beach at your own pace.

Alternatively, you may opt to visit an Ayurvedic Massage Centre for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage, a perfect way to unwind amidst the tranquil surroundings.

Enjoy another peaceful overnight stay at the hotel in Marari.