Located across the southern tip of India, Kerala is one of the most picturesque and beautiful Indian states that offers ample of opportunities for enjoyment to the tourists. In fact, Kerala has been termed as one of the thirteen paradises on Earth by the National Geographic Traveler. With a vast coastline, serene and idyllic beaches, an equable climate, a tranquil stretch of backwaters and canals, lush green hill stations, breathtakingly beautiful hills, mesmerizing waterfalls, an array of architectural marvels like ancient temples and churches, and exotic wildlife, Kerala is completely a unique place.
Often Kerala is referred as the "God's Own Country" and it’s completely true. Moreover, the culture and traditions that you would be able to explore in Kerala are not possible anywhere else on earth. The rich Malayali culture, its unique cuisine and the glimpse of the life of God and Goddesses which can be seen in the Kathakali performances make your visit to Kerala an unforgettable one.
Kerala is one of the few places in India where you can sip tea or coffee in the middle of tea or coffee estate while visiting the lush and colossal tea and coffee farms. There are many hill stations in Kerala which offer the visitors an alluring experience. Also, the backwaters and the houseboat are something that you may not find at many places. Kerala backwater tour offers a tranquil experience and one can easily unwind here. Another unique attraction of Kerala are its rejuvenation, Ayurveda and healing massage centers. One can learn yoga and meditation here, and avail rejuvenating spas and massages for the entire body.
On arrival at Kochi airport meet and greet with tour manager later you will be transferring
to the pre-booked hotel in Kochi. Later in the early evening you will be picked up by the driver and visit to:
Kathakali Dance show Centre in AC Theater: (Timings: 17:30 pm – 19:30 pm)
Elements of the art of Kathakali are found in the ancient ritual plays of Hindu temples and various dance forms that are believed to have been gradually developed in Kerala from as early as the 2nd Century until the end of the 16th Century. Many of its characteristics are very much older than its literature, as they are a continuation of older traditions, but these did not crystallize until the 17th Century when the Rajah of Kottarakkara, a small principality in central Travancore, wrote plays based on the Hindu epic "Ramayana" in sanskritized Malayam, which could be understood by ordinary people.
Later drive back for Stay overnight at Hotel in Cochin.
After breakfast, your sightseeing tour of Cochin starts. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. You will visit the following Sites.
Mattancherry Palace & Jewish Synagogue:
The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala which features Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. The Palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese as a present to the king of Cochin around 1555. The Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace in 1663, and thereafter it was popularly called Dutch Palace. It is also called Paradesi synagogue is a word used in several Indian languages, and the literal meaning of the term is "foreigners", applied to the synagogue because it was built by Sephardic or Spanish-speaking Jews, some of them from families exiled in Aleppo, Safed and other West Asian localities. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue.
Above monument Timings:
Dutch Palace/Mattancherry: Timings 10:00am to 5pm, Closed on Fridays and National holidays / Jewish Synagogue: 10 am to 5pm, Break Time - 12pm to 3pm, Closed on Friday & Saturday & Jewish Holidays
Chinese Fishing Net:
In India, Chinese fishing nets (Cheena Vala) are fishing nets that are fixed land installations for fishing. While commonly known as "Chinese fishing nets" in India, the more formal name for such nets is "shore operated lift nets". Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi:
The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, this church is one of the finest and most impressive churches in India and visited by tourists the whole year round. It is a place of devotion as well as a center of historic significance, endowed with architectural and artistic grandeur and colours of the gothic style.
St. Francis Church, Kochi:
St. Francis CSI Church, in Fort Kochi (a.k.a. Fort Cochin), originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India. and has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon.
You can find some time for Shopping at Cochin, Later drive back to Hotel
After breakfast proceed to Munnar. Enroute stop at Valera and Cheeyappara Waterfalls. On arrival check in Hotel. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale, Munnar is 1600 Meter above sea level. This majestic hill station was once the summer resort of the British government in South India.
After breakfast start sightseeing tour of Munnar by Jeep safari drive through the KananDevan Hills tea plantations, scenic beauty valleys, Lock heart gap, spice plantations etc. After around 25 kms of jeep ride through the normal road we will reach the jeep able, jumpy, bumpy, rugged road to the World’s highest organic tea growing estate. Once we reach the top we will be on the ridge of Kerala, Tamil Nadu border. From there drive or walk little further to one of the oldest orthodox tea factory in this region.
After visiting the Factory we will have fresh tea picked, processed and made on the spot. Soon after we will start walking to a small ground to have our picnic lunch near the cliff with wonderful view around, then will proceed to Munnar in the jeep itself. Ride will be through the tea plantations jeepable rugged road and we can have a close look to the spectacular country side and the rural Tamil people, working in the tea plantations.
Later drive back to Hotel stay overnight at Hotel in Munnar.
After breakfast check out from Munner hotel and proceed to Alleppey on arrival check in Houseboat.
“Admire the beautiful scenery of paddy fields and coconut palm as you cruise along the backwaters of Alappuzha (Alleppey). Alappuzha, also known as the "Venice of the East", is an important tourist destination in India and the backwaters of Alappuzha are the most popular attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise on these backwaters will be a very delightful and unique experience for you!
Guests can check in at noon, you have welcome drink and start cruise after a short briefing introduction, relax and enjoy the canals, rivers and backwater, at 13:00 hrs houseboat will stop for lunch, with lavish menu of traditional Kerala cuisine. (if your require any special meals like main food in north Indian or food without spice etc it has to be informed in advance).
➺14:00 - 14:30 hrs it will continue its cruise covering beautiful rivers and canals with palm trees and small houses near to it , villages paddy fields, churches, etc, you can also see their fresh prawns or crab selling from local fishermen.
➺17:30 hrs The houseboat will anchor (till next day morning 08: 00) most of the time we will stop near the land because, you can also get a chance to go out and walk along the riverside or villages and come back, Evening Enjoy your Dinner and leave all world behind you and have a good sleep in your floating paradise.
➺Bed tea / Coffee will be provided, enjoy the sunrise next day and breakfast ready next day morning at 07:00 am. Take breath pollution free air. At 08:30 hrs Breakfast which includes bread, butter, jam or Iddily /Dosa etc.
➺09:00 Am Checkout time is fixed next day from the boat after this overnight backwater trip.
The Houseboat provides all comforts - Beds, a kitchen, western toilets and an upper deck. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. Spend the day cruising on boat. Through remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala is a superb experience. Sensational in its own silent way, the cruise takes you along Snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers, coir (Jute) making communities, toddy (local spirit) shops, fishing nets pitched for the day's catch, bounded paddy fields and manual canoes of different sizes criss-crossing each other. The experience enables you to reach beautiful untouched areas.
Stay overnight at in Houseboat in Alleppey.
After breakfast, check out from the houseboat and proceed to Kochi, upon arrival check-in to the hotel Later Evening Cooking class with Dinner stay Overnight at Hotel,
After breakfast, our representatives will escort you to the Airport as per your flight time.
After the wonderful opportunity to organize this tour for you we wish you a safe and happy journey ahead.
Start Date | End Date | Cost | Status | Booking |
---|---|---|---|---|
22 February, 2019 | 28 February, 2019 | USD $1099 | Closed | |
02 March, 2019 | 08 March, 2019 | USD $1099 | Closed | |
11 March, 2019 | 17 March, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 March, 2019 | 28 March, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 April, 2019 | 08 April, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 April, 2019 | 17 April, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 April, 2019 | 28 April, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 May, 2019 | 08 May, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 May, 2019 | 17 May, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 May, 2019 | 28 May, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 June, 2019 | 08 June, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 June, 2019 | 17 June, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 June, 2019 | 28 June, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 July, 2019 | 08 July, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 July, 2019 | 17 July, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 July, 2019 | 28 July, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 August, 2019 | 08 August, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 August, 2019 | 17 August, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 August, 2019 | 28 August, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 September, 2019 | 08 September, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 September, 2019 | 17 September, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 September, 2019 | 28 September, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 October, 2019 | 08 October, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 October, 2019 | 17 October, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 October, 2019 | 28 October, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 November, 2019 | 08 November, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 November, 2019 | 17 November, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 November, 2019 | 28 November, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 December, 2019 | 08 December, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 December, 2019 | 17 December, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 December, 2019 | 28 December, 2019 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 January, 2020 | 08 January, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 January, 2020 | 17 January, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 January, 2020 | 28 January, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 February, 2020 | 08 February, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 February, 2020 | 17 February, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 February, 2020 | 28 February, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 March, 2020 | 08 March, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 March, 2020 | 17 March, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 March, 2020 | 28 March, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 April, 2020 | 08 April, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 April, 2020 | 17 April, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 April, 2020 | 28 April, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 May, 2020 | 08 May, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 May, 2020 | 17 May, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 May, 2020 | 28 May, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 June, 2020 | 08 June, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 June, 2020 | 17 June, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 June, 2020 | 28 June, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 July, 2020 | 08 July, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 July, 2020 | 17 July, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 July, 2020 | 28 July, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 August, 2020 | 08 August, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 August, 2020 | 17 August, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 August, 2020 | 28 August, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 September, 2020 | 08 September, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 September, 2020 | 17 September, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 September, 2020 | 28 September, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 October, 2020 | 08 October, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 October, 2020 | 17 October, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 October, 2020 | 28 October, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 November, 2020 | 08 November, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 November, 2020 | 17 November, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 November, 2020 | 28 November, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
02 December, 2020 | 08 December, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
11 December, 2020 | 17 December, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available | |
22 December, 2020 | 28 December, 2020 | USD $1099 | Available |
1. Visa Overview:
All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad.
All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through Online application link, in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa.
The duly signed physical copy of the application form completed in all respect and submitted successfully is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to the Indian Mission/ Post, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be seen at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions.
The applicants are also requested to visit the website of the Indian Mission concerned for detailed information about Indian visa. (For more information about India Visa)
2. Food
When the Moghul Empire invaded during the sixteenth century, they left a significant mark on the Indian cuisine, according to the Texas A&M University. Indian cuisine is also influenced by many other countries. It is known for its large assortment of dishes and its liberal use of herbs and spices. Cooking styles vary from region to region.
Wheat, Basmati rice and pulses with Chana (Bengal gram) are important staples of the Indian diet. The food is rich with curries and spices, including ginger, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, dried hot peppers, and cinnamon, among others. Chutneys — thick condiments and spreads made from assorted fruits and vegetables such as tamarind and tomatoes and mint, cilantro and other herbs — are used generously in Indian cooking.
Many Hindus are vegetarians, but lamb and chicken are common in main dishes for non-vegetarians. The Guardian reports that between 20 percent and 40 percent of India's population is vegetarian.
Much of Indian food is eaten with fingers or bread used as utensils. There is a wide array of breads served with meals, including naan, a leavened, oven-baked flatbread, and bhatoora, a fried, fluffy flatbread common in North India and eaten with chickpea curry.
3. Transportation on Journey:
Luxury Holidays will provide luxury private vehicle throughout the trip.
4. Group Leader during the journey:
Luxury Holidays will facilitate you with the trained travelling guide in your group. The most significant thing that makes this tour enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful leader(s) and crew members. Our trip will be led by only the best and most professional leaders. All of Luxury Holidays leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities, Luxury Holidays only employ local staffs who have adequate knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of their local regions.
5. Payment of the Due Balance:
The rest amount of your trip can be paid in our office after your arrival or via online payment before your arrival in Nepal (Online payment). If you choose to settle your holiday balance by credit card a handling charge of 4% on the outstanding balance is made. There is no handling charge for payment by bank transfer.
6. India Travel Group Size:
Luxury Holidays don’t require a minimum and maximum size of group for any private tours to India. If travelers like to travel in India with friends, families, colleagues are welcome to choose any tour packages at your convenient time frame. We will be happy to organize a small group like minded people to give them an unforgettable experience and opportunity to interact with each other in a fun-filled environment. Generally, there will be several separate groups. Each group will have a maximum of 20 people with its own experienced English speaking guide.
7. People in each room:
There will be two people accommodated in each room during the tour. If you prefer a private accommodation, you'll find the option for "single supplement".
8. Vouchers:
If you have purchased a voucher for the tour, please inform us which tour date suits you as soon as you are certain. We need time to purchase your domestic air ticket and make other arrangements so please confirm your spot on a tour at least 2 months prior to the commencement of the tour. Your booking on a particular tour date is subject to availability of spots. Also, please send us your redemption code and voucher number through this link (Voucher Redemption).
9. Booking your international flight:
If you don't have a regular travel agent then you can check for international flight options at one of these sites.
www.makemytrip.com, www.kayak.com, www.vayama.com, www.expedia.com
They usually have good offers.
10. Clothing:
Indian clothing is closely identified with the colorful silk saris worn by many of the country’s women. The traditional clothing for men is the dhoti, an unstitched piece of cloth that is tied around the waist and legs. Men also wear a kurta, a loose shirt that is worn about knee-length. For special occasions, men wear a sherwani, which is a long coat that is buttoned up to the collar and down to the knees. The Nehru jacket is a shorter version of a sherwani.
11. Weather:
India is situated in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan.
The climate in India varies from a tropical monsoon climate in the south to a temperate climate in the north. If you are thinking of Visiting Delhi (the capital of India) then best to visit it in October, November, February and March. That's when the nights are cool and the days are filled with a little sunshine. May, June and July are very hot with temperatures over 45 degrees (113 Fahrenheit). It is a dry heat and is sometimes accompanied by dusty desert winds. Most of the rain falls between July and September but they are not the tropical rains you'll experience in India's coastal cities.
12. Insurance:
We do not hope that there may arise any serious problem for you in your journey, but if you get caught by serious illness, then we will do our best to take you to the nearest hospital possible. So, it is good for you to have insurance which will cover your cost. Be Insured. (See the travel insurance page for more information)
12. Trip Extensions/ Add on trips:
If you like our service and you want to extend your trip, then we can further organize your trip to Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. Please contact us.
For more information about India Trip click here.
Note: During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or other factors, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is however very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered. If alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect.