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- Return flights
- 7 nights in 4-star hotels
- 15 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
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Discovering Kerala - Revealing the Treasures of Southern India
From £2,924
Duration 12 Days
Departures from: Jan 2025 - Nov 2026
From £2,924
Duration 12 Days
Departures from:
Jan 2025 - Nov 2026
Tour Overview
Absorb the heady mix of Kerala on this incredible journey from bustling cities to peaceful backwaters on a tour packed with fascinating cultural and wildlife encounters that reveal the region's finest treasures.
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Classic Touring
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Half Board
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All Breakfasts
Your Holiday Includes
- Just You Holiday Director as your host
- Return flights from London
- Use of an airport lounge in the UK
- 9 nights half-board in 4 and 5-star hotels plus 1 night in flight
- 1 night on one of Kerala's famous houseboats cruising the backwaters
- A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
- 22 included meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 10 dinners including welcome and farewell dinner
- Overseas transfers, other transportation, & porterage
Included Holiday Highlights
- Cochin tour
- Traditional 'Sadya' dinner
- Kathakali dance show
- Tea plantation and tea factory tour
- Tata Tea Museum
- Sightseeing tour in the Old City of Madurai
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
- Cycle rickshaw ride in Madurai
- Spice plantation walk
- Kalaripayattu - traditional martial arts performance
- Periyar Game Reserve - Game viewing by boat
- Stay on a thatched roof Kettuvallam houseboat
- Local Kumbalangi village experience
Itinerary
Day 2 Cochin
Kerala's cosmopolitan capital Cochin is known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' thanks to the beauty of its natural harbour. The city is a charming collection of islands with distinctive houses on stilts and peaceful backwaters.
After settling in at your hotel, get to know your travelling companions over dinner this evening.
Day 3 Cochin
We'll start the day with a morning tour of Cochin. Our first stop is the centre of Jew Town, a bustling port area and centre of Cochin's spice trade, where we will see the oldest Jewish Synagogue in the Commonwealth, dating back to 1568. Next is the Mattancherry Kerala Palace, renamed the Dutch Palace after Cochin was taken from the Portuguese by the Dutch. We'll take time to admire the splendid murals that adorn some of the rooms, considered among the finest in India.
Another speciality of Kerala is Kathakali dance, and we'll learn about this unique art form this evening before enjoying a 'Sadya' vegetarian feast with the group. This shared meal will take you on a gastronomic journey through Kerala as you try a tempting selection of dishes from many different regions. Each is served following local customs and come in an order which is said to help digestion. You'll eat from a banana leaf, which points in a certain direction, with rice served on the bottom half, and other items placed in clockwise order. You'll find that your hosts serve dessert mid-way through the meal.
Day 4 Cochin - Munnar
This morning we begin our journey inland towards Munnar. It's a rewarding journey with great views along the way and on arrival we'll have time to take a stroll around the resort before dinner this evening.
Meals included: B,DDay 5 Munnar
Today we have the chance to take in the natural scenic beauty of Munnar, with its rolling hills, forests, waterfalls and tea plantations. We'll visit a plantation and tea factory where we get the chance to see the segregating, drying, threshing and packing in progress.
We will also visit the Tata Tea Museum, that tells the story of the area and the impact of tea to its journey. This afternoon, you'll have time time to explore the hill station - Munnar town independently. Having been a summer resort during the colonial era you'll see a nod to the English country style in some of the houses. Meals included: B,DDay 6 Munnar - Madurai
We continue our journey through Kerala to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, home to the incredible Meenakshi Temple. Built at the same time as the Taj Mahal, it is a stunning sight and superb example of south Indian Hindu architecture.
This evening you could join us to experience the extraordinary 'Putting to Bed Ceremony' held at the temple, a dazzling display of colour and noise with dance and music.
Day 7 Madurai
This morning we include a sightseeing tour of the Old City of Madurai, the highlight of which is a visit to Meenakshi Temple with its ornate façade. Inside the temple enclosure you'll get to experience the lively atmosphere with buzzing markets and continuous ceremonies and devotions.
Later we visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, built in 1635 and designed by an Italian architect, the palace is a must-see for its intricate designs.
Finally, we will explore the local markets and narrow streets of Madurai by cycle rickshaw before a little time to make our own discoveries.
Day 8 Madurai - Thekkady
Today we'll travel onto Thekkady, a town near Periyar National Park. We'll head to a spice plantation where the aromatic scent of cardamon and pepper plants fills the air. Superb peppers are grown here on the Malabar Coast and as such are referred to as 'black gold'.
This evening we'll experience a traditional Indian martial arts performance - Kalaripayattu.
Day 9 Thekkady
This morning you could choose to explore the Periyar Nature Reserve, with an optional trek excursion.
In the afternoon a boat trip will give you a chance to look for elephants, bison and deer on the shoreline, as well as all manner of exotic plants that, if you're very lucky may be hiding the elusive tiger.
Later there will be time to explore the town and local market.
Day 10 Thekkady - Alleppey
Our drive this morning takes us to Alleppey, where we'll board one of Kerala's famous houseboats for an overnight stay with a difference. Your 'kettuvallom' – modelled on the area's traditional rice boats – offers an unforgettable experience for you and your fellow travellers. Head on deck for a cruise through the backwaters to see how the locals live, then enjoy a tranquil evening as our boat anchors in a quiet spot.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 11 Alleppey - Cochin
Breakfast served on our houseboat is a great start to the day. After this we'll take to the road and head towards Cochin. Along the way we will visit Kumbalangi village, this integrated tourism village project is a unique initiative where we can experience life as a local in this fishing village and enjoy a homemade lunch.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 12 Cochin - UK
We will transfer to the airport for our flight to the UK, arriving the same day.
Meals included: BAccommodation (as specified or similar)
The Fern Hotel
The Fern Hotel is situated in Cochin.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.
The Fern Hotel is situated in Cochin.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.
Amber Dale Munnar
Surrounded by beautiful nature Amber Dale Munnar is a retreat set in the idyllic highlands. The hotel has a restaurant and fitness centre. Guestrooms have wi-fi and tea/coffee making facilities.
Surrounded by beautiful nature Amber Dale Munnar is a retreat set in the idyllic highlands. The hotel has a restaurant and fitness centre. Guestrooms have wi-fi and tea/coffee making facilities.
Fortune Pandiyan
Surrounded by a mountain range, the Fortune Pandiyan Hotel in Madurai is situated within landscaped gardens. Facilities include an outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre and multi cuisine restaurant. Guestrooms offer air-conditioning, TV, safe and hairdryer.
Surrounded by a mountain range, the Fortune Pandiyan Hotel in Madurai is situated within landscaped gardens. Facilities include an outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre and multi cuisine restaurant. Guestrooms offer air-conditioning, TV, safe and hairdryer.
The Elephant Court
The Elephant Court is nestled within 4 acres of tranquil, lush and beautiful Thekkady. The resort is close to Periyar Tiger reserve, green orchards and spice plantations.
The Elephant Court is nestled within 4 acres of tranquil, lush and beautiful Thekkady. The resort is close to Periyar Tiger reserve, green orchards and spice plantations.
Houseboat
Enjoy an overnight stay with a difference on a Houseboat, modelled on the area’s traditional rice boats.
Enjoy an overnight stay with a difference on a Houseboat, modelled on the area’s traditional rice boats.
The Fern Hotel
The Fern Hotel is situated in Cochin.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.
The Fern Hotel is situated in Cochin.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.
Optional Excursions
Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional excursions to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour.
Nature Trek in Thekkady
Enjoy a nature walk through the dense forests of Thekkady, covering up to approximately 8 km. You will have the opportunity to try and spot lots of different birds, wild boar, Gaur bison, Sambar deer, Nilgiri langur, Macaque monkey, otter and many other creatures. You will be surrounded by lush green vegetation as you look out for these animals in their natural habitats.
Half Day - Strenuous Walking - Amazing Scenery
Half Day - Strenuous Walking - Amazing Scenery
Enjoy a nature walk through the dense forests of Thekkady, covering up to approximately 8 km. You will have the opportunity to try and spot lots of different birds, wild boar, Gaur...
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India - "Going to bed ceremony" at Sri Meenakshi Temple
Join us on this optional evening excursion to get your first glimpse of the vibrant scenes at Meenakshi Temple where the daily 'putting to bed' ceremony takes place. This is a dazzling affair, full of noise and colour and is not to be missed!
Join us on this optional evening excursion to get your first glimpse of the vibrant scenes at Meenakshi Temple where the daily 'putting to bed' ceremony takes place. This is a dazz...
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Personalise your trip
Choose to extend your stay with an organised add-on.
Discovering Kerala - Revealing the Treasures of Southern India with Marari Beach Extension
Absorb the heady mix of Kerala on this incredible journey from bustling cities to peaceful backwaters on a tour packed with fascinating cultural and wildlife encounters that reveal the region's finest treasures. Also home to India's most beautiful beaches you can extend your stay with 3 nights at the beach resort of Marari Beach where local culture, ecology and luxury pool and beach relaxing meets.
Absorb the heady mix of Kerala on this incredible journey from bustling cities to peaceful backwaters on a tour packed with fascinating cultural and wildlife encounters that rev...
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Read more
Further Information
- Deposit information
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When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;
- UK Holidays - £150 per person
- European Holidays - £200 Per person
- Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater
On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.
If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.
- Our cancellation policy
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If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.
- More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
- 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
- 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
- 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
- Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price
Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.
- How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?
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We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel requirement & Visa Service.
You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.
It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.
For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border. For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.
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