Travel Updates & COVID-19 Read More

mobile-logo
Top
 

Spice Trails of Kerala

from

$1585

Visit Kerala and discover its many hidden secrets on this 9-day journey. From coconut palm-lined coasts and rolling hills of tea to diverse wildlife, a trip to Kerala is as easy and rewarding as a glide through its famous backwaters.

For tea lovers and those who are just beginning, this is your chance to soak up the wonderful culture of tea in Kerala which is one of the largest tea producers in the world. Visit a working tea plantation and factory for a close-up experience. Taste the different spices that has the food in this culture bursting with flavors and don’t forget to take in the atmosphere of serenity that is the MOST soothing and sought after.

Download Journey PDF
9 Days, 8 Nights: Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom & Alleppey

Inclusions

TRIP OVERVIEW

  •  Cochin City Tour
  •  Historic St. Francis Church
  •  Fort Cochin
  •  Chinese Fishing Nets
  •  Synagogue at Jewish Quarter
  •  Dutch Palace
  •  Kathakali Dance Performance
  •  Tea Plantation Tour
  • Lake Periyar Boat Ride
  •  Periyar Natioinal Park
  • Spice Plantation Tour
  •  Private Houseboat Lunch Cruise

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TOUR

Kerala Houseboat Cruise past the rice paddies and coconut groves on the Kerala Backwaters

A Dreamy Landscape

Unlike the hectic tourist epicenters of Jaipur and Delhi, relaxation practically oozes out of Kerala. As your boat glides along the backwaters, watch the farmers working on rice paddy fields, housewives washing laundry while coconut palms wave under a warm breeze.

See Animals In Their Natural Habitat

In the mountain range, the spectacular Periyar National Park is a tropical jungle filled with trails, lakes and abundant wildlife. It is easy to spot monkeys, water buffalo, elephants, Bengal tigers and even jaguars if you are lucky.

elephants_at_periyar
South Indian meals served on banana leaf

Locally Grown Kerala Cuisine

Food is flavored with delicate spices from local spice farms, generating gentle spikes of heat to enthrall your taste buds. Being next to Arabian Sea means a plentiful supply of fresh fish and crabs.

PEOPLE WHO VIEWED THIIS TOUR ALSO VIEWED

13 Days India
India: Great Wonders of the South
$2750
This trip is designed for travelers interested in exploring southern Indian culture. Discover the best places to visit, from the golden beaches of Goa to Kerala’s palm-fringed backwaters. Absorb the more calm, grounded, joyful and welcoming atmosphere as your experience southern hospitality as warm as the Indian summers themselves. Stroll on the sunny coast of the Arabian Sea and relax on a Backwaters houseboat boat cruise. Feast your eyes on varieties of ancient temples ranging from carved rock, rainbow-colored stucco to skyscraper temple towers. Excite your taste buds with French-Tamil…
Culture & Heritage
India
India Heritage Tours
Leisure Tour
India: Great Wonders of the South
$2750
7 Days
Heritage of Sri Lanka
$1385 $1108
Sri Lanka's tropical climate, sandy beaches and incredible cuisine are just among the many reasons to include this beautiful South Asian country on your travel bucket list. It has fast become a popular tourist destination for travelers around the globe. Immerse yourself in this tropical paradise and experience its unique adventures. One amazing week to take in Sri Lanka’s nearly 3,000 years of history and some of world’s most ancient cities! Visit the remnants of many once glorious cities, amazing palaces, historic temples and monasteries, hospitals and theaters intricately carved…
Culture & Heritage
Deals
Sri Lanka
Heritage of Sri Lanka
$1385 $1108
12 Days India
Ruins of South India & Goa
$2185
Step back in time to the ancient Dravidian culture and be mesmerized by beautiful palaces, ancient temples and historic ruins. Then be enchanted by the beaches of Goa and its stunning cathedrals. On this journey you will embrace the kaleidoscopic view of Indian and Portuguese cultures, sweetened with sun, sea, sand, spices and spirituality. This is one unique expedition you won’t want to miss!
Culture & Heritage
India
India Heritage Tours
Leisure Tour
The Ultimate Cultural Experience
Ruins of South India & Goa
$2185
13 Days India
Kerala Journey & Rejuvenation
Recuperate with 2 days of traditional Ayurvedic treatments and then discover the natural wonders and fascinating cultures of Kerala, a south Indian state on the tropical Malabar Coast. Journey into India's lush green southern landscapes and tropical coastal cities, to the tip of India where the Bay Of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean meet. Visit tea and spice plantations, and taste the fabulous and unique Kerala cuisine. An exciting and refreshing experience for both body and mind!
Culture & Heritage
India
Leisure Tour
Wellness Inspired
Kerala Journey & Rejuvenation

Tour Plan

Hotels
Dates & Prices

9 Days and 8 Nights
Culture & Heritage
India
India Heritage Tours
Leisure Tour
1

Meet Up at Cochin (COK)

Upon arrival into Cochin, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Find serenity in peaceful Cochin as you gaze out over the warm tropical waters of the Arabian Sea.
2

Cochin | City Tour

Over its long history, both European and Chinese traders have left their mark on Cochin. Explore the historic St Francis Church, Fort Cochin and stroll down the harbor to see little fishing boats and the famous Chinese fishing nets. Visit the Paradesi Synagogue  in the Jewish Quarter.  The Dutch Palace offers the best murals and exhibits of Indian mythology.
This evening, enjoy the Kathakali dance performance followed by dinner. This highly sophisticated and dramatic dance-drama is known for its elaborate makeup and extravagant gestures that convey the story.
Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast  Enjoy local authentic cuisine during your dinner at one of our travel tours. Develop new friendships with other members along the way.  Dinner

KATHAKALI DANCER
Story telling with intricate gestures, elaborate costumes and striking makeup.

CHINESE FISHING NETS IN COCHIN
14th century technology transfer!

DELICIOUS KERALA CUISINE
Fresh Local Seafood.

3

Cochin – Munnar | Tea Plantation

After breakfast, we take a scenic drive to the beautiful hill station of Munnar.  The region is filled with lush green surroundings, streams, lakes, waterfalls, and plantations of tea and spices.
We will tour a tea plantation to learn about tea, from growing, harvesting to processing into the most widely consumed beverage in the world (next to water).  A tea tasting awaits before we leave.
Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast

TEA PLANTATION TOUR GUIDE
How to transform tea leaves on the bush to your cup of tea.

TEA PLANTATION WORKERS
The workers only pluck young tender leaves for high quality tea.

4

Munnar – Thekkady | Periyar National Park

Relax on a boat on Lake Periyar inside the National Park with other park visitors. Periyar National Park is also a wildlife reserve, home to many endangered species such as the lion tailed macaque, nilgiri tahrs and more. Keep your camera ready for wildlife sightings with the backdrop of lush tropical forests and sprawling grass lands.
Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast

PERIYA BOAT RIDE
Nature lovers will enjoy spotting local wildlife.

Look out for elephants and other wildlife during jungle safari. Cheers with your family and friends!

WILDLIFE RESERVE
Look out for elephants and other wildlife in Periyar National Park.

5

Thekkady | Spice Plantation

Enjoy a private tour of a Kerala Spice Plantation where you can see how pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and nutmeg are grown. Taste various spices, tropical fruits and inhale the fragrant air.
In the evening, some hotels offer in-house activities for your enjoyment, for example a cooking demonstration, cultural dance program, yoga class or nature walk. Be sure to ask the hotel front desk.
Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast

VISIT A SPICE PLANTATION
See how pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, nutmeg, and giant lemons are grown.

SPICE MARKET
Buying fresh nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and other spices grown locally.

6

Thekkady – Kumarakom

After breakfast, we depart for Kumarakom. Perched sleepily amongst a tangle of lush tropical waterways known as the Kerala backwaters, Kumarakom is technically a cluster of islands on Lake Vembanad - one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. It’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast

ECO FRIENDLY HOTEL
Enjoy its lush expansive grounds by the water.

AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS BY BOAT
Chai and more at your 5-star hotel.

7

Kumarakom

A day of leisure for you.
Suggested Add-ons: Enjoy an authentic Ayurveda massage or therapies. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. It spreads across 14 acres and is a favored haunt of migratory birds.
Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast

AYURVEDA MASSAGE
Revitalizing the body and easing stress (optional add-on).

8

Kumarakom | Alleppey Houseboat Lunch Cruise

For the greatest pleasure in Kerala, let’s enjoy a private Houseboat  cruise and lunch on the backwaters to Alleppey. A never-to-miss experience cruising slowly through a maze of canals observing scenes of everyday life in villages, paddy fields, and see coconut palms, fishermen and locals on a typical day.
Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast   Have fun on one of our travel tours with everything include lunches that are prepared and convenient for you. We take the stress away from our guests and allow your more time to really enjoy themselves.   Lunch

HOUSE BOAT CRUISE
Glide through the famous Kerala backwaters.

9

Kumarakom - Cochin (COK) | Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

After breakfast, the tour comes to an end. Please inform us of your international or India domestic flight details in order to schedule your transfer to Cochin Airport.
Bon voyage from God’s Country!
Breakfast the most important meal of the day. We select fabulous hotels with both local authentic and western breakfast so you are well prepared to enjoy your travel tours.Breakfast
Overview
Hotels
Dates & Prices

Hotels

We carefully handpick our hotels to ensure they provide you with the best comfort and experience. For Private Tours, you may request a specific hotel as one of the customizable options.
Destination Comfort Class  Premium Class  Luxury Class 
Cochin Abad Dutch Bungalow
Munnar Abad Copper Castle
Thekkady Abad Green Forest Resort
Kumarakom Abad Whispering Palm
* Hotels mentioned are subject to availability at the time of reservation.

Accommodation Classification

  • COMFORT ⭐⭐⭐- 3-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations
  • PREMIUM ⭐⭐⭐⭐- 4-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations
  • LUXURY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- 5-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations
Overview
Tour Plan
Dates & Prices

Dates & Pricing 

Private Tour, daily departure except Thursday

Year Tour Date Comfort Premium Luxury
2020 Oct 1 to Dec 20 $1,585 $1,745 $2,645
2021 Jan 10 to Mar 31 $1,585 $1,745 $2,645
2021 Apr 1 to Sep 30 Call Call Call
2021 Oct 1 to Dec 20 Call Call Call
2022 Jan 10 to Mar 31 Call Call Call

Private Tour Price Details

  • ‣ Prices are in USD and are inclusive of all applicable taxes but do not include airfare.
  • ‣ Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply during applicable major holidays.
  • ‣ Special rates for single travelers or larger groups, and ultra-luxury hotels are available on request - please inquire.
  • ‣ Note that tour prices vary according to season. If your tour straddles two seasons then each portion will be priced according to that season.

Deposit

  • ‣ A deposit of $300 per person is required upon booking and full payment to be made 60 days prior to departure date.
  • ‣ Monthly installment plan is available - please inquire.

Flight Add-On

  • ‣ We work with all major airlines for the best routes and competitive pricing.
  • ‣ The nearest airport is COK(Cochin International Airport).
  • ‣ Contact us for more details and pricing.
 

Inclusions

  • ‣ Airport Transfers, Meet and Greet
  • ‣ Hotel Accommodations
  • ‣ Daily Breakfast and Selected Meals (See tour plan for details)
  • ‣ English-speaking Local Guide
  • ‣ Entrance Fees to Monuments & Attractions per Itinerary

Exclusions

  • ‣ International and Domestic Air Fare
  • ‣ Travel Insurance
  • ‣ Medical Expenses
  • ‣ Visa Fee
  • ‣ Gratuity
  • ‣ Personal Expenses
Overview
Tour Plan
Hotels