Enchanting Kerala: Tea Estate, Spice Plantation & Backwater Tour
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA364
Explore the enchanting landscapes and rich culture of Kerala on this 7-day journey. Begin in Cochin, where you'll witness the grandeur of colonial architecture and experience a traditional Kathakali performance. Journey to the lush tea plantations of Munnar and visit historic sites like the Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Dutch Palace. Discover the abundant wildlife of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and immerse yourself in the aromatic world of spices with a plantation tour. Sail through Kerala's backwaters on a houseboat and enjoy the serene beauty of rural life. Your memorable tour concludes in Cochin.
Day 1: Arrival in Cochin
Upon your arrival at Cochin airport, you'll receive a warm welcome and be transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Kerala by enjoying a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance form known for its lavish costumes, exotic makeup, and masks. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 2: Cochin to Munnar (140kms)
After a hearty breakfast, your exploration of Cochin begins with a visit to Fort Cochin, where you'll admire Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. Marvel at the elaborate bamboo fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach. Continue your journey by visiting St. Francis Church, which marks the original burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Mattancherry Dutch Palace. Later, drive to the picturesque hill station of Munnar. After checking in at the hotel, you'll have the opportunity to visit tea estates and partake in tea tasting. Your night's rest will be at the hotel.
Day 3: Munnar
Your day begins with a visit to Pothamedu, where you'll enjoy an excellent view of the lush tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations of Munnar. Explore the Mattupetty dam and its reservoir, a concrete gravity dam constructed for water storage for hydroelectric projects. Continue to Rajamala, a hill station situated in the Eravikulam National Park, the natural habitat of the Nilgiri tahr. Visit the Mattupedi Dairy Farm, well-known for the Indo-Swiss Farm, and Echo Point, where you can hear your own echo. You'll also have the chance to visit the Tea Museum, offering insights into the century-old culture of tea production. Your night's stay will be at the hotel.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady (110kms)
Your journey leads to Thekkady via Ramakkalmedu, one of the windiest places in Asia. During your visit, explore interesting rock formations including Frog Rock, Turtle Rock, and the highest twin-statue in Kerala, Kuravan & Kurathi. Upon arriving in Thekkady, check in at your hotel. In the evening, you can enjoy a captivating Martial Arts & Kathakali Dance show. Rest for the night at the hotel.
Day 5: Periyar to Kumarakom (140kms)
The day begins with an exciting exploration of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat, offering opportunities to spot various wildlife species like elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, and wild boars, along with a diverse array of snakes and birds. You'll then embark on a spice plantation tour to see the cultivation of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and coffee. Don't forget to stop at the local market to acquire some fragrant spices. In the afternoon, embark on a drive to Kumarakom, where you'll check in at a beautiful backwater resort. Spend the night at the resort.
Day 6: Kumarakom to Alleppey
This day is all about embracing the enchanting backwaters of Kerala. Transfer to the Alleppey boat jetty to board a houseboat, where you'll sail through the tropical countryside, traversing palm-fringed narrow canals winding through vast expanses of paddy fields. The journey provides an authentic experience as you pass by neat tiny hamlets and traverse one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. In the evening, savor a captivating sunset from the sun-deck of your houseboat. These houseboats are fully equipped with generated electricity, a sitting cum dining area, a separate bedroom with attached English toilets, a sun deck, and a fully loaded kitchen with a chef and driver. Enjoy your overnight stay aboard the houseboat.
Day 7: Alleppey to Cochin (60kms)
Following breakfast, you'll disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures of Kerala.
- Assistance on arrival at airport.
- 6 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.
- Daily breakfast at hotels.
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water in car.
- Government taxes.
Hotels used or similar for 6 nights accommodation
Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien
Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County
Thekkady (Thekkady) x 1 nights
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County
Kumarakom x 1 nights
3* - Abad Whispering Palm/ Cocobay Resort
4* - Eastend Lake Song/ Goldfield Lake Resort
5* - Coconut Lagoon/ The Zuri
Alleppey x 1 nightsAlleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)
- Any flight tickets.
- Camera charges at monuments if any.
- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.