Kerala
One of 50 "must see places in a lifetime" as per National Geographic Traveller, Kerala is rich in natural beauty.
The range of hills on the East and a long coastline on the West shelter a narrow piece of tropical land that is rich and green, with flowing rivers and canals and the unique ecosystem of the backwaters. Paddy in the fields, richly laden plantations of pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, rubber, arecanut and coconut on the hillside; animals in the wild; a rich bird life; the mesmerising temple music of Panchavadyam, and mouth watering sea-food … God's Own Country is an apt name.
Recommended Itinerary
DAY 01 – FLIGHT
Fly to Kochi (all flights are indirect with a change of plane en route)
DAYS 2, 3 & 4 - KOCHI (COCHIN)
Arrive Cochin in the morning and transfer to the Fort House (or stay at Xandari Harbour/Brunton Boatyard) in the Dutch quarters of Fort Cochin; enjoy a Kathakali performance in the evening. During your stay you will visit the Pardesi Synagogue, the Dutch Place and St Francis Church. A tuk tuk ride of the spice markets is arranged and there is a day trip to a fishing village with a traditional lunch there. There is the option of a cooking demo with a family and a meal with them.
DAYS 5 & 6 - MUNNAR
Take a four-hour drive up the hills to the tea country of Munnar, stay at Ambady Estate (or at Windermere/Spice Tree); visit the Eravikulam Sanctuary (if open), home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr; see the Tata Tea Museum. Enjoy a jeep excursion to Kolukkumalai, to see the highest tea factory in the world, in picturesque surroundings. You can enjoy a day hike here; a picnic lunch has been arranged.
DAYS 7 & 8 - MADURAI
To Madurai, descending the ghats, through the plains of Tamil Nadu with vineyards, paddy fields and busy market towns; stay at the Heritage, a charming hotel in ethnic style; visit the famous Meenakshi Temple – the original being 2000 years old - a grand spectacle of Dravidian architecture; see the going to bed ceremony of the goddess in the evening.
DAYS 9 & 10 - PERIYAR
Drive up the ghats again to reach the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread around a lake and home to wild elephants, Indian gaur (bison), dhole, spotted deer, the protected lion-tailed macaque and a rich birdlife. Stay a couple of nights at Cardamom County (or Spice Village). Take a boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot animals on the banks. An exciting day awaits you with a nature walk, spice gardens visit and bamboo rafting with lunch in the wilderness.
DAYS 11 & 12 – FARM STAY
Spend the next two days staying with a family, with their home located in the midst of rich plantations. Your hosts will take you around the village, the local school, to get a glimpse of a society that is a hundred per cent literate with a social development index comparable to developed countries.
DAY 13 - RICEBOAT
Board a private rice boat today for the night; cruise along the Vembanad Lake to admire the bird and village life along the banks, as fresh food is cooked on board. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique feature with their own ecosystem.
DAYS 14 & 15 - BEACH
There is the option of a canoe ride in the morning. Then transfer to your beach resort, Marari Sands (or upgrade to Beach Symphony/Marari Beach Resort); at leisure for a couple of days. All resorts have excellent Ayurveda facilities.
DAY 16 - RETURN
Transfer to Kochi airport for the return flight.
Extensions
BEACH / BACKWATERS
Stay on at your beach resort for a few more days or add a few days at a backwaters resort.
OOTY / WAYANAD
An extension to the north is possible with a ride on the Toy Train on the Nilgiri Hills and stay in Wayanad, rich in natural beauty with wildlife sanctuaries around. There are options for some interesting homestays here.
KOVALAM / KANIAKUMARI
You could head south to the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, visiting its heritage quarters, see the beautiful wooden palace at Padmanabhapuram, visit the tip of India at Kaniakumari, and spend some days at Kovalam, one of India’s finest beaches.
Gallery
Testimonials
“We had a wonderful time in Kerala. Near perfect. Your team did a great job…. All of the arrangements, connections, guides, drivers, etc. worked out flawlessly….. We also really enjoyed the homestay, our hosts were gracious, the food was terrific, and the farm and activities both relaxing and fun…. Thanks for everything, Harji. You were so helpful and responsive. We would recommend you without reservation.”