The Kerala Experience
Starting price :
$2171
Duration :
9 Nights / 10 Days
Start city :
Cochin
“The Kerala Experience“ is a thoughtfully curated 9-night, 10-day journey through Kerala—affectionately dubbed “God’s Own Country”—that blends cultural, natural, and wellness immersion. Starting in Cochin (Kochi), travelers explore colonial heritage, cruise serene backwaters on a traditional kettuvallam (houseboat), witness lush tea and spice plantations in the Cardamom Hills, and venture into the wild at Periyar National Park before concluding with a three-night holistic Ayurvedic retreat
- Cochin’s Cultural Mosaic :- Explore the historic St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, built in 1503), the iconic Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Palace, and the centuries-old Jewish Synagogue in atmospheric Fort Kochi
- Tea & Spice Highlands :- Wind through the rolling vistas of Munnar and Cardamom Hills, where verdant tea estates and aromatic spice gardens intertwine, offering spectacular views and sensory experiences
- Backwaters & Houseboat Cruise :- Glide across tranquil canals and Vembanad Lake aboard a traditional rice-barge–turned–houseboat, enjoying local village scenes and freshly prepared onboard meals
- Wildlife in Periyar :- Encounter wildlife—elephants, tigers, monkeys—on guided treks and boat safaris through Periyar National Park, one of Kerala’s premier wildlife reserves and spice-growing regions
- Ayurvedic Retreat & Wellness :- Unwind during a comprehensive three-night Body & Mind Relaxation program, tailored to rejuvenate through traditional Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, and meditation
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival Cochin
Upon leaving the aircraft at Airport, follow the signs for passport control and baggage collection.
Complete the immigration formalities, collect your checked luggage, and clear customs.
Then proceed to the arrival area and you will be greeted by our company representative and
assisted with transfer to your hotel.
Hotel: The Brunton Boatyard
Overnight : Cochin
Day 2 | Cochin
Today you will enjoy a tour of Cochin. In the morning, you will be driven to Fort Cochin to visit The St
Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India, Vasco de Gama the first European traveller to
India was originally buried here.
Visit the Chinese fishing nets. Then take an autorikshaw ride to Mattancherry. The Dutch Palace at
Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals. Visit the Jewish Synagogue (Friday and Saturday
closed) at the heart of what is locally called Jew Town.
Afterwards, visit broadway -the famous wholesale market. Broadway is the final word in wholesale
shopping in Cochin; you name it and you get it here.
Visit the Ernakulam South Railway station as well, one of the busiest train station in Kerala. In the
busy evening hours, you will see thousands of passengers busily moving around to catch their train
after the day's work.
Then return to your hotel where you can relax and perhaps enjoy a spa treatment or massage.
Optional: Learn Kerala cuisine with Nimmy Paul (followed by a meal) OR visit to a local theatre to see
a performing art show.
Hotel: The Brunton Boatyard
Overnight :Cochin
Day 3 | Cochin – Periyar (170 KMS / 04 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Periyar. En route enjoy lunch at Kanjirappally Estate Bungalow, a 125 year
old Heritage home now inhabited by a Syrian Christian family. Enjoy typical Syrian Kerala cuisine with
the family. Continue the drive to Periyar.
In the evening, witness Kalaripayattu (martial arts) performance at a local theatre.
Hotel: Spice Village
Overnight :Periyar
Day 4 | Periyar
Today you will take a guided nature walk tour. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist
deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. The Nature walk is the right programme to
feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.
In the evening proceed for the spice plantation tour with a naturalist. Learn about the cultivation,
harvesting, and processing of spices. You will get first hand information on the various spices like
cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, clover and nutmeg. Visit Kumily spice market.
Hotel: Spice Village
Overnight :Periyar
Day 5 | Periyar – Kumarakom (140 KMS / 3.5 HRS)
Drive to Kumarakom – The Backwater region of Kerala.
You will board houseboat and lunch on arrival on board.
Cruise around the backwaters on Vembanad Lake. Houseboats, popularly known as 'Kettuvalams' are converted from traditional rice barges. While cruising you will see glimpses of village life around
the backwater area.
Disembark houseboat and drive a short distance to your resort and check in at your hotel.
Hotel: Coconut Lagoon
Overnight :Kumarakom
Day 6 | Kumarakom
Day 7 | Kumarakom – Mararikulam (30 KMS / 45 minutes)
Morning free at leisure.
Later drive to Mararikulam and check in at Marari Beach resort
Marari Beach is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and serene beach experience. The
beach offers a tranquil setting for long walks, and visitors can indulge in traditional Ayurvedic
wellness treatments for a rejuvenating experience.
Hotel: Marari Beach Resort
Overnight :Mararikulam
Day 8 | Mararikulam
Day 9 | Mararikulam – Cochin (60 Kms / 1.5 HRS)
Morning free at leisure. Later, drive to Cochin and check in at your hotel.
Hotel: Brunton Boatyard
Overnight :Cochin
Day 10 | Leave Cochin
You will be transferred to airport to board flight for onward destination
Inclusions
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis for 09 nights
- Daily breakfast at hotels.
- All transfers, sightseeing and transport services using AC Toyota Crysta Car
- Meeting and assistance at the hotel and airport by our representative
- Services of English speaking guide as per program during the visits
- Applicable monument entrance fee during visits
- An auto rickshaw ride in Cochin to visit mattancherry
- A cultural dance show in Cochin
- Syrian Kerala lunch at Kanjirapally estate bungalow
- Kalaripayattu martial art show in Periyar
- A guided trek in Periyar forests and spice plantation visits
- An interactive Cooking demonstration at Spice village Periyar
- Houseboat cruise with lunch on backwaters
- All presently applicable taxes
Exclusions
- Visa Charges, Airfare or Airport taxes, camera, video charges , expenses of personal nature like tips, drinks, laundry etc.
- Any peak period supplements
- Any Mandatory Christmas and New Year Eve Supplements
- Anything not mentioned in price inclusions column
Add-ons
- We offer a choice of add on activities / optional experiences in our trips. Should you wish to explore more and dive into the local culture, kindly ask our experts.
Spotlight Of Tour
Duration : 9 Nights / 10 Days
Starting price : $2171 Per Person
Route : Cochin – Periyar – Kumarakom – Mararikulam – Cochin