Kerala Private Tour 10 Nights/11 Days€¦ · Pallivasal tea estates. This will be your first glimpse of Munnar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. At a height of 1,500 metre, set

Kerala Private Tour 10 Nights/11 Days The following itinerary explains in more detail about this unforgettable holiday to this wonderful part of India.

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• We take care of all travel with return international flights from the UK

• Two-night stay in Kochi with the fantastic opportunity to explore Kerala’s most dynamic city

• Two-night stay in beautiful Munnar with an enlightening tour of the magnificent tea and spice plantation

• Two-night stay exploring the unique spice capital of Thekkady, the only gateway into the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Your visit includes the unforgettable opportunity to see the stunning wildlife by boat

• Enjoy the memorable experience of a complimentary elephant ride with beautiful views

• You will discover the wonderful dances of the Kathakali and martial arts of the Kalaripayattu

• Set out in Agatha Christie style on an air-conditioned houseboat for one-night


• Invaders of the backwaters will be wined and dined on board with all three meals and one free bottle of wine

• Complimentary one hour boat ride across Poover Lake along estuaries, mangroves and beaches

• Three-night hotel stay around the paradise beaches of Kovalam and one full body Ayurvedic massage

• Sightseeing & transfers by a private air conditioned Sedan car

• For certain excursions, the services of a dedicated English speaking local guide will be available

• Benefit from the expertise of an English speaking chauffeur throughout the trip and during selected excursions

• Applicable entrances and camera charges for each monuments and sightseeing places

• Breakfast and dinner included with each hotel stay

• Quench your thirst with a one mineral water bottle per person each day

Inclusions

KOCHI Welcome to Kochi, the most fascinating city of Kerala. On arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure or start exploring with private car and chauffeur at your disposal until 19:00hrs.

Day 1

Itinerary exclusively designed for Citrus Holidays

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Kochi is the magnificent entry to Kerala and has been featured in National Geographic Travellers “50 greatest places of a lifetime.” Spread over several islands and historically rich in culture with booming industries, the city is a fantastic beginning to exploring the vivacious diversity of Kerala. OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Unlock Kochi’s history by embarking on a morning sightseeing tour that will take you into the heart of this magnificent and beautiful city. The Dutch, British, French and Portuguese have all left an outstanding imprint with beautiful architecture. You will visit Fort Cochin, which has been a cherished sea port for centuries, Vasco Da Gama Square and Santa Cruz Basilica. Continue to St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest European church, built

Day 2

by Portuguese Franciscan friars. Vasco da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon. Proceed to the VOC Gate, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and marvel at Mattancherry Palace’s murals depicting the Ramayana and Puranic legends. Intriguingly, the only traces of China’s influence are the gigantic nets, ‘cheenavalas’ from 1350. According to Diplomat Ma Haun, “The fishermen are tourist-friendly and will happily let you join them.” And his observation still rings true today. You will learn about their very unusual fishing method, operated from the shore. In the afternoon, experience your very own pièce de résistance with a cooking class from a renowned local TV personality. At lunch, enjoy the flavours of Keralite cooking. OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI



Day 3

COCHIN – MUNNAR Check out after a hearty breakfast and drive to Munnar over rugged hills, rolling oceans of tubby green tea bushes, through luscious grasslands, before passing the Pallivasal tea estates. This will be your first glimpse of Munnar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. At a height of 1,500 metre, set amidst mountains once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar is a bustling hub of tea plantations. Prepare to be captivated by its dense carpet of tea, sprinkled with Acacias and Red Gum trees, and delighted by its freshly brewed cuppas. OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

MUNNAR Continue with a full day sightseeing of Munnar, watching the mountain goats in the Rajmalai Wild Life Sanctuary. Then head to the the Kannan Devan Hills, the perfect getaway with panoramic views of the Munnar Tea Estates and the lake. After lunch you will proceed to Mattupetty, with the rare chance of seeing a herd of wild elephants on the way to Mattupetty Dam. Next up is the Tea Museum’s photographs and machinery during the revolution of the industry, which includes the original tea roller, the ‘Rotovane,’ and the ‘Pelton Wheel’. OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

MUNNAR-THEKKADYAlong the way you will also explore Thekkady. After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the spice capital and check into your next hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure. Feel free to walk through the spice market in the Kumily Village. Make sure you leave room in your suitcase for the finest cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace! Do not miss this rare opportunity to experience Thekkady on elephant back. Once you have finished your ride on these maginficent giants, lined up is a captivating evening of culture. First up is the Kathakali, a mixture of art, music, dance and drama,



Day 4

Day 5 with majestic costumes, elaborate makeup, and mythological stories. Kalaripayattu is the oldest form of martial arts, with elaborate movements and the sounds of slashing swords.OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY

THEKKADY After breakfast, spend a morning at leisure. In the late afternoon, board the wildlife viewing boat cruise at the scenic Periyar Tiger Reserve. Amidst the hazy mountains of the Silent Valley, lies Thekkady, the opening to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a place where congestions are caused only by elephant crossings. Catch rare sightings of tigers playing under smouldering sun sets or watch kingfishers fluttering along the rivers. The sanctuary is an open-air collection of natural bio diversity and endangered wildlife. OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY



Day 6 Day 7

THEKKADY-ALLEPPEY Your journey continues by crossing the captivating backwaters by traditional houseboat. After breakfast, depart for Alleppey. Set out in style on an enchanting one night cruise. While lounging in these floating villas, you will feel like invaders of the backwaters, with the vibrant sights of Kerala skimming by. Look out for the huge Chinese fishing nets, paddy fields, and locals making coir products, rustic buildings, ancient temples and dense coconut trees. Local fish plucked from the backwaters, grilled in spices and lemon will be served on board.OVERNIGHT ON THE HOUSEBOAT

ALLEPPEY-KOVALAM After breakfast, check out from the houseboat and proceed to the hotel at Kovalam. Kovalam is often tipped as the ‘paradise’ of South India, with its coconut trees and sweeping beaches, reflecting the meaning of its name –a grove of coconut trees. Kovalam is comprised of three beaches with restaurants serving the finest local seafood. There is a rocky promontory that has formed a fantastic bay of pristine water perfect for an afternoon dip. The beaches are divided by rocks, creating its famous crescent shape. Main activities include sunbathing, swimming, herbal body massage and cultural night entertainment. The lighthouse offers delightful views across to the Vizhinjam Mosque. OVERNIGHT IN KOVALAM

KOVALAM Spend a full day at leisure either sunbathing on the golden sand or withdrawing to the nearby beach cafes. Try surfing or head to Samudra Beach, which is a secluded cove, where your only company is a fisherman casting his net. Adrenaline junkies can opt for a thrilling ride on a catamaran. A complimentary hour long boat can be organised in the Poovar Lake, where you can find golden sandy beaches meeting the estuaries and mangroves. OVERNIGHT IN KOVALAM



Day 8 Day 10

KOVALAM After breakfast, continue another full day at leisure. Do not miss the Ayurvedic Massage. Included is a full body session at the hotel or a nearby spa. Book your slot. Overnight in Kovalam OVERNIGHT IN KOVALAM

KOVALAM-TRIVANDRUM AIRPORT After breakfast, check out from the hotel. A beautiful souvenir is the perfect way to end such a magical holiday. Take home a silk sari or handmade version, its motif conveying Kerala’s ever-lasting memories. BOARD YOUR RETURN FLIGHT HOME

Day 9

Day 11

Superior Package – As Seen on Travel Zoo

City Hotel Room Type Meal Plan No.of nights

Cochin/Kochi Fort Abode Deluxe Room Breakfast & Dinner 2

Munnar Aranyaka Resorts Deluxe Room Breakfast & Dinner 2

Thekaddy Pepper County Homestay Deluxe Room Breakfast & Dinner 2

Alleppey Air Conditioned Deluxe House Boat

Deluxe A/C Houseboat

All three meals 1

Kovalam Soma Palmshore Beach Resort Standard Sea Facing Room

Breakfast & Dinner 3

Upgrade to a Deluxe Package +199 per person


Cochin/Kochi Crown Plaza Deluxe City View Breakfast & Dinner 2

Munnar Swiss County/The Fog Resort Regalia/ Valley View Room


Thekaddy Greenwoods/Wild Corridor Aranya/Deluxe Room Breakfast & Dinner 2

Alleppey Air conditioned Deluxe House Boat

A/C Deluxe Houseboat All three meals 1

Kovalam Poovar Island Resort Land Cottage Breakfast & Dinner 3

Upgrade to a Heritage Package +299 per person


Cochin/Kochi Old Harbour/Tea Bungalow Kochi Superior Room/ Deluxe Room


Munnar Kolenkeril Plantation Bungalow Standard Room Heritage Type


Thekaddy Spring Dale Heritage Heritage Room Breakfast & Dinner 2

Alleppey Deluxe Houseboat Deluxe A/C Heritage Houseboat

All three meals 1

Kovalam Thapovan Heritage Home Eagles Nest/Beach House


Upgrade to an Ultra Deluxe Package +549 per person


Cochin/Kochi Taj Malabar Kochi/Brunton Boatyard

Superior Charm/Stand-ard Sea Facing Room


Munnar Tall Trees Standard Cottage Breakfast & Dinner 2

Thekaddy Shalimar Spice Gardens Elegant Room Breakfast & Dinner 2

Alleppey Premium House Boat Premium A/C Boat All three meals 1

Kovalam The Leela Kovalam/Vivanta By Taj Kovalam

Garden View Pavilion/Superior Charm


Where you’ll stay

• Additional meals not mentioned in the inclusions

• Room service, telephone calls, laundry charges and tips

• Advised to buy travel insurance as any costs incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc. are not included and will be the passengers responsibility

• Twin sharing accommodation unless otherwise stated

• Show and cooking class can either be done in Cochin or Thekkady upon availability

• Our endeavour is to confirm the listed hotels in the chosen packages, however in the rarest of cases where we are not able to confirm hotel(s), alternatives will be provided

Exclusions and terms


Lines Open 8:30am - 10:00pm

Kerala

Kochi

Kovalam

Munnar

ThekkadyAlleppey

Your route

IndianOcean

Documents

Kerala Private Tour 10 Nights/11 Days€¦ · Pallivasal tea estates. This will be your first glimpse of Munnar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. At a height of 1,500 metre, set