Kerala, the Backwater & the Beach
Discover the magic of Kerala on an unforgettable journey through Kochi, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Periyar, and Mararikulam. Wander the historic streets of Kochi, marvel at colonial architecture, and watch the sun set over iconic Chinese fishing nets. Glide through the serene backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey, where emerald paddy fields and swaying palms create timeless village scenes.
Venture into Periyar’s lush wildlife sanctuary, spotting elephants and exotic birds amidst spice-scented forests, before concluding on the golden beaches of Mararikulam, the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. This tour promises a perfect blend of discovery and relaxation.
Experience the soul of God’s Own Country.
Kochi – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Periyar – Mararikulam
10 nights – 11 days
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Alleppey Houseboat Immersion: Spend a night aboard a traditional houseboat drifting through the peaceful backwaters and lagoons, witnessing village life and Kuttanad's lush paddy fields.
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Colonial Kochi: Explore the historic port city with a guided tour, featuring the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, the Dutch Palace, and an evening performance of the traditional Kathakali dance.
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Wildlife Haven: Enjoy a boat expedition on Periyar Lake with a wildlife expert, maximizing sightings of elephants and gaur, followed by jungle exploration for rich biodiversity.
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Spice Plantation Experience: Walk through fragrant plantations of cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper, learning about cultivation and enjoying a traditional Kerala cooking demonstration.
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Ultimate Tranquility: Conclude the voyage with three days of pure relaxation on the golden sands of Mararikulam, with optional indulgence in renowned Ayurveda treatments.
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Cultural Heritage: Visit the Jewish Synagogue, the oldest in the world outside of Israel, and St. Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India.
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Guests arrive at Kochi Airport and are greeted for an immediate, effortless transfer to their hotel. Kochi, the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," is a historic port where centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence blend seamlessly with vibrant local culture. The day is reserved for leisure, allowing guests to absorb the city's unique charm.
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Overnight: Kochi
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Meals Included: None
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Following breakfast, guests embark on a half-day, expertly guided city tour. The historical immersion includes the Dutch Palace, famous for its vivid murals of Hindu epics, and the Jewish Synagogue, a testament to Kochi’s ancient trade history, adorned with exquisite Chinese tiles. Guests visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India, and witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in action. The day concludes with an authentic performance of Kerala’s traditional, dramatic dance—Kathakali—in a local theatre.
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Overnight: Kochi
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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After breakfast, a scenic drive transports guests to the serene haven of Kumarakom (Drive: approx. 1.5 hours). Kumarakom is a retreat where tranquil backwaters meet lush greenery and the expansive Vembanad Lake. Guests check into their accommodation for an afternoon at leisure.
Optional Ayurveda treatments are available, offering a perfect introduction to South Indian wellness practices.
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Overnight: Kumarakom
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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The morning is dedicated to nature, with a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary alongside a wildlife expert. Guests stroll along the peaceful banks of Vembanad Lake, spotting cranes, herons, and kingfishers, the atmosphere defined by gentle bird calls and swaying palms. The afternoon is reserved for quiet leisure or optional indulgence in the hotel's Ayurveda facilities.
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Overnight: Kumarakom
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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Following breakfast, guests are transferred to the Kumarakom Jetty to embark on a traditional houseboat in Alleppey. This segment of the journey is the essence of Kerala travel. Guests drift through a magical landscape of lagoons and rivers, gliding through Kuttanad, the ‘Granary of Kerala,’ with its endless paddy fields. Lunch, tea/coffee, and dinner are served on board, allowing guests to witness local village life and soak in the profound rhythm of the backwaters.
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Overnight: Onboard Houseboat, Alleppey
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea/Coffee, Snacks & Dinner
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After a final breakfast on board, guests disembark and begin a scenic drive toward Periyar (Drive: approx. 3–4 hours). The journey pauses at rich spice plantations, where guests learn about the cultivation of cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper amidst the lush hillsides. Periyar National Park, a protected Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats, serves as the setting for the next phase of the tour. The evening concludes with a traditional Kerala cooking demonstration at the hotel, followed by dinner.
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Overnight: Periyar
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Tea/Coffee en route & Dinner
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Breakfast is followed by a privileged morning excursion on Periyar Lake with a wildlife expert. Guests glide silently on a sightseeing boat, with opportunities to catch glimpses of elephants, Indian gaur, and exotic birds along the serene banks. The afternoon is dedicated to an immersive walk through the spice plantations of Kumily, learning about the source of the region's famed cloves and nutmeg.
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Overnight: Periyar
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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Following a leisurely breakfast, guests check out and enjoy a final scenic drive to Mararikulam (Drive: approx. 4 hours). This coastal village offers a change of pace: three days are reserved for ultimate relaxation on the golden sands of the pristine beach. Guests have ample leisure time to swim, enjoy the sea air, or indulge in the optional, renowned Ayurveda treatments available at the hotel.
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Overnight: Mararikulam
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Meals Included: Breakfast (Daily) & Lunch (Day 8)
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After an early tea/coffee service, guests are transferred from Mararikulam to Kochi Airport for their onward international flight, concluding a journey defined by tranquility and deep cultural immersion.
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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Le Meridien Executive room
2 Nights
Delhi
Kanha Earth Lodge
AC Deluxe Bungalow
3 Nights
Kanha
King Lodge AC Deluxe Cottage
3 Nights
Bandhavgarh
Trident Nariman Point Premier Ocean View room
2 Nights
Mumbai
10 Nights
Total Number of Nights:
The Park
Luxury Room
2 Nights
Delhi
Tathastu Lodge AC Cottage
3 Nights
Kanha
Tathastu Lodge Villa room
3 Nights
Bandhavgarh
Marine Plaza Sea View room
2 Nights
Mumbai
10 Nights
Total Number of Nights:
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Accommodation as specified in the itinerary - 10nts
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All transfers, sightseeing, and excursions mentioned in the itinerary by air-conditioned Toyota Innova Crysta or similar (except National Parks, where a non-A/C jeep will be used).
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Services of local English-speaking guide during Delhi city tour.
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Monument entrance and Park fees during visits as per the itinerary.
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8 Game drives on exclusive basis with Wildlife Expert/Naturalist
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Meals included: 10 Breakfast, 7 Lunch, 6 Dinner, and 2 Tea/Coffee breaks.
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Delhi: A Metro ride during city sightseeing and cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk market.
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A tea and coffee break en route to Bandhavgarh and Kanha
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Lunch at a local restaurant in Delhi and en route to Nagpur
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Complimentary mineral water: 2 bottles (500 ml each) per person per day during the tour.
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Meet and greet at all airports by our representative.
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All applicable taxes included, along with basic porterage at airports and hotels.
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Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and beverages (unless specified).
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Camera/video fees at monuments.
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Tips and gratuities for drivers and guides.
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Visa fees and travel insurance.
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International and internal flights
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Any additional meals, services, or expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.
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