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Captivating Kerala

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Operated by Trafalgar
Tripcode: INKEM20
Overview
Destination:
India
Start:Kochi, India
Finish:Kochi, India
Duration:6 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Travel Period
March 2025 - January 2027
Leave the world behind and connect with the enchanting sounds of nature in Kerala. Savour its lingering aroma of spices, the gentle lapping of its backwaters and its vivid colours at every turn.
Sightseeing highlights
  • Explore Kochi
  • Visit Kumily Spice Garden and St. Francis Church in Kochi
  • Scenic Cruise the Kerala Backwaters on a houseboat
Iconic Experience
  • Kumarakom: Discover rural life on a walking tour with a local market visit.
  • Kumily: Learn about time-tested customs and the cultural significance of spice cultivation during your visit to Kumily Spice Garden.
  • Kerala Backwater Day Tours: Cruise the backwaters of Kerala on a traditional houseboat. Get an insider's look at the day-to-day activities of locals as you journey along Kerala's waterways.
  • Kochi: See the unique Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi.
Dive Into Culture
  • Periyar National Park: Witness the ancient art of Kalarippayattu as Kalari warriors dazzle you with leaps and somersaults. Afterwards, you’ll discover the discipline and skill behind this tradition with a hands-on martial arts lesson. This is your chance to channel the spirit of Kerala’s heritage in the most exciting way.
Standard inclusions
  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 5 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
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Itinerary
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Welcome to Kochi, Gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala
On arrival to Kochi Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The bountiful backwaters of Kerala, ‘God’s own country’, welcome you. This slice of southern India is a lush garden filled with spices, brilliant colours and the enchanting sounds of nature. Relax on the tranquil shores of the Arabian Sea and let the freshest seafood melt in your mouth as you sink into a more straightforward way of life – one where nature sets the pace for the day. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with local appetisers.
Nature and Relaxation in Periyar Dive Into Culture
Your love affair with Kerala’s lush landscapes begins today. Head to Periyar, named after Kerala’s longest river which winds its way deep through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, your first stop.  Why not spend the afternoon soaking up the sounds of nature during an Optional Experience, an immersive Nature Walk with a Local Specialist? Tread lightly along the dense forest trails as you learn about the endemic flora and fauna. Banyan, Teak and Bamboo trees provide a serene backdrop for a lesson in Kerala wildlife. You might even be lucky enough to see herds of wild elephant and bison seeking to quench their thirst along the quiet shores of Periyar Lake. And don’t forget to look up – hornbills, flycatchers and kites are just some of the many species of local and migratory birds that flock to this pristine sanctuary.  With your soul soothed after connecting with nature, you’ll head to your hotel to freshen up before the excitement continues. Get ready to Dive Into Culture with a Kalarippayattu performance. Watch as trained Kalari warriors show off this ancient martial art, jumping and somersaulting in the ultimate coordination between mind and body. After all that action it’s your turn. Unleash your inner warrior with a Kalarippayattu lesson guided by skilled masters.
Onwards to Kumarakom Dive Into Culture
The intoxicating scents of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves linger long after today’s encounter with Kerala’s famous spices. Your first stop today is a visit to Kumily Spice Garden. Here you’ll learn how the locals grow and share an astounding variety of flavourful spices, ranging from pepper and ginger to vanilla and cardamom, the 'Queen of Spices'. Gain in-depth insights into the process of spice cultivation and discover how Kerala’s international spice trade has shaped its culture and heritage. There’s more to experience as you head to Kumarakom, a tranquil village set on the peaceful banks of Lake Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala. Embark on a walking tour and Dive Into Culture as you admire the vibrant day-to-day of village life in the regional market and lively streets.
Cruise the Calm Backwaters
Kerala’s intrinsic relationship with water takes centre stage today. Enjoy a leisurely start, then board a traditional houseboat for a cruise surrounded by Kerala’s iconic backwaters. Take a deep breath and enjoy the slow, sultry pace of life fringing the narrow canals as you wind your way to Alleppey. Watch villagers wave to each other from their wooden Shikaras (traditional boats), and see how life unfolds along the palm-fringed shoreline. Even your ride for the day is rooted in history. These houseboats, known locally as Kettuvalloms, were formerly old barges used to ferry rice and spices. Upon arriving in Alleppey, disembark and return to Kumarakom for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Explore Multi-Cultural Kochi Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals
The remnants of Kerala's colourful, centuries-old trading history are best explored in the old port city of Kochi. It was here that Chinese, Arab and European merchants came to buy the fragrant spices that found their way to tables all over the world. In turn, they left their mark on Kochi's architecture, cuisine and traditions. Colonial bungalows, Catholic churches, mosques and a European fort season the cityscape that was once known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Enjoy time for lunch before embarking on a city tour to see first-hand this multicultural centre, including views of the Mattancherry Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church, built by Portuguese traders. Visit the Fort Kochi area and see traditional cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala. See how these fixed land installations made on bamboo scaffolding are artfully lowered into the sea to catch the seafood for which Kochi is famous. This evening, Connect With Locals and enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local family followed by a delicious Be My Guest Farewell Dinner.
Farewell Kochi
Your epic encounter with Kerala’s culture and natural wonders has come to an end, but your memories will last a lifetime. Say farewell to your travel companions and take an airport transfer for your onward flight.
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Travellers

Operator
Trafalgar

The best of the world unlocked for you. Imagine unmissable experiences you’ve always dreamed of, getting to know the locals and having everything taken care of every step of the way.   Here's what you'll experience: Must-sees to local secrets: Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of travelling, however, travelling on your own can make them hard work. Don’t queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors –  think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist. One-of-a-kind experiences: Thanks to our global network you’ll unlock local access to communities and people around the world. Our 100+ Be My Guest experiences are a signature Trafalgar exclusive, where you will enjoy the hospitality of locals as you are welcomed into their homes to hear their stories and learn about their cultures. In every destination, you’ll also enjoy unique “Stays with stories” accommodation: more than just a place to rest your head, they are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit.  Responsible travel at heart: When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognise our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.

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