"Land of the Gods" - Tropical Paradise of Kerala
Description:
Please note that the cost of the tour is indicated for groups of 7 people! The cost of the tour depends on the number of participants:
1-2 people - the cost of the tour $ 2600, regardless of the number of participants;
3-4 people - the cost of the tour $ 800 per person;
5-6 people - the cost of the tour is $ 620 per person;
7-10 people - the cost of the tour is $ 430 per person;
12-20 people - the cost of the tour is $ 370 per person;
For groups of 6 people, the start date of the tour can be any, depending on the wishes of the participants!
Day 1. Arrival in India. cochin
Arrive in Delhi on this day or the day before. Meeting with a guide in Delhi, flying to Cochin or meeting with a guide at the airport of the city of Cochin. Hotel check-in. Take a few hours off.
Beginning our unforgettable tour of South India!
Kochi is a bright, original city, the second capital of Kerala with unique nature and culture. It was here that the first colony of Europeans in India was founded. Here for many centuries was the center of the spice trade: to the top loaded ships transported them from the port of Kochi around the world. Today in Kochi preserved the architecture and atmosphere of colonial Europe, of course, flavored with Indian flavor.
On our tour of Kochi:
We're waiting today. Walk through the old colonial quarters: Mattancheri and the Jewish Quarter (Jew Town), which preserves the imprint of past eras. Visit the ancient synagogue (Pardesi Synagogue), witness to the centuries-old history of the Jewish community. Inspection of the Mattancherry Palace, striking with its architecture and rich decoration. Walk through the area of Fort Kochi, known for its colorful streets, numerous spice shops and a picturesque promenade overlooking the bay, where the remains of the oldest colonial fort built by the Portuguese (Fort Kochi) are preserved. Visit St. Francis Church, where the ashes of Vasco da Gama once rested. Visit the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, impressive for its beauty and grandeur. Ancient Chinese fishing nets. This is a special kind of fishing that is not found anywhere else. In the evening we will visit the original performance at the Katakhali Theatre. The plots of the performances are taken from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and the roles are performed by men dressed in massive costumes. For dinner you can try fresh seafood. Night at the hotel.
Night at the Cochin Hotel.
Day 2, Cochin-Munnar.
In the morning we will devote further acquaintance with Cochin, exploring its secluded corners and enjoying its unique atmosphere.
After lunch we will leave the coast and go to the heart of Kerala – the Southern Mountains. We are waiting for a picturesque road that will take about 4 hours. The first city on our way will be Munnar. This place is famous for its fresh air, breathtaking panoramic views, picturesque waterfalls and endless tea plantations, drowning in the greenery of mountain nature. Night at the comfortable Munnar Hotel.
Day 3. Munnar.
Today we have to get up early and arrive at the tea plantation at dawn. It is difficult to describe in words the feeling of peace and tranquility of the sights that open before you in the early morning. Tea plantations in the rays of the rising sun flow smoothly from hill to hill, filling all the surrounding space with their juicy greenery. We are waiting for a simple trekking through the hills, where we will enjoy magnificent views, clean air and take many stunning photos. After the walk, enjoy a light homemade breakfast and a cup of aromatic tea.
We will continue our tour with a visit to the ancient English tea processing factory, which still works today. In addition to the beautiful nature, we will see the interesting English Church of Christ and the market streets of Munnar.
Night at the Munnara Hotel.
Day 4. Munnar - Kumily
After a leisurely morning in Munnar, we will go to the Tekkadi region (about 4 hours away) and stop in the town of Kumili.
Kumili is one of the most beautiful places in the green mountains of Kerala. Getting here from Munnar, we will see a lot of beautiful things on the way. This track is a landmark in itself!
In Kumili, we will see coffee plantations and spice plantations, take a jeep to places with the best views of the mountains, drive to the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu and ride through various plantations.
Night at the Kumily Hotel.
Day 5. cumily
Today we will go to the Periyar National Park, where we will have an unforgettable encounter with wildlife. We will take a fascinating group boat ride along the picturesque lake, where we can watch the birds and, if lucky, see wild elephants gracefully strolling along the shores. Also in our program - exciting trekking in the jungle, which will give you a lot of vivid impressions.
We will devote the rest of the day to rest in Kumili. Do you like elephants? We will visit the Elephant Junction. If you wish, you can visit the elephant center (where, for an additional fee and if possible, you can ride elephants, feed them and even bathe), as well as the spice, coffee and tea market, where you can buy fragrant souvenirs. If you want to relax and recuperate, you can visit one of the many Ayurvedic salons and enjoy traditional treatments.
And in the evening we will have a show with the traditional fight of Kerala.
Night at the Kumily Hotel.
Day 6, Kumili-Aleppi.
Today we leave the Southern Mountains and enter the waters of Kerala (about 4 hours).
The area around the town of Aleppi is known as the backwaters of Kerala, a network of lakes, rivers, rivers and canals. They live more on the water than on the land. Locals build houses on the shore, children get to school by boat, churches and cafes are also available only by boat, everywhere you can see Indian women washing in the canals and greening on rare pieces of land rice.
We will settle in the traditional Kerala houseboat, and we will continue our journey right there. We will observe the life of the backwaters, relax and enjoy lunch, dinner and breakfast with traditional dishes.
Night in the cabins on the houseboat.
Day 7, Aleppi-Varkala.
Today we leave the Backwaters area and move to Varkala, one of the best places in India for a seaside holiday, yoga or a course of healing and relaxing Ayurvedic treatments.
On the way, if possible, we will also try to visit the ashram of Amma, the famous Indian saint.
Next - check-in to the Varkaly hotel, rest, the sea and a great dinner. There are so many delicious cafes in Varkala that it is even difficult to choose!
And the sunsets in Varkala are simply amazing, and today we will definitely see one of them!
Night at the Varkala Hotel.
Day 8, Varkala.
Today is the last day of our tour with a guide. As part of the program, we will take an easy walk along Varkala: visit a fishing village to get acquainted with the lives of local residents, walk along the busy central street where you can buy souvenirs and taste local delicacies, and look at the ancient Hindu temple of Janardhan Swami, which is more than 2000 years old.
We will get acquainted with the beaches of Varkala: the long and secluded Wild Beach, Papanasam, where Indian priests conduct puja rituals, the lively Central Beach, popular among Europeans, and the beautiful Black Beach, known for its healing sand. You will also have plenty of time to relax on the sea and sunbathe.
In the evening there will be a farewell dinner with a guide, during which you can share your impressions of the trip and ask any questions you are interested in.
Night at the Varkala Hotel.
Day 9, Varkala.
It's a free day. The guide will leave the group, orienting on all issues.
Night at the Varkala Hotel.
Day 10. Varkala.
Departure from the hotel is scheduled for this day (up to 11 hours). But you can extend the rest outside the tour.
The price includes:
The price includes: meeting at the airport of the city of Cochin; moving in a comfortable air-conditioned car; soft drinks; services of a Russian-speaking guide; a walk on a houseboat, a night on a houseboat with 3 meals a day; taxes and fees; entrance tickets to all the listed attractions, except for a performance at the Katakhali Theater and a visit to the elephant center (visit at will).
The cost of the flight Delhi-Cochin, Trivandrum-Delhi is not included in the cost of the tour. But we will definitely advise you on choosing the best route, help you buy tickets, organize a transfer from / to the airport.