Enchanting Kerala

Welcome to India! On arrival at Kochi Airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel in Fort Cochin. Spend the afternoon exploring this historical area, famed for its colonial era architecture and iconic Chinese fishing nets. There are also galleries, cafes and boutiques in addition to beautiful old churches. In the evening you can wander down to the fishing nets where the local fishermen will let you have a go for a small tip. For a truly local experience you can buy fresh sea food from one of the nearby fishmongers, take it to a nearby shack to be cooked and then enjoy it as you watch the sun going down.

Overnight: Hotel, Kochi

After breakfast take a bespoke heritage walk around the local area. Fort Cochin is a maze of older style southern Indian houses and colonial era buildings which makes for an interesting walk. Along the way visit some of the most important landmarks which include Fort Immanuel, the Dutch Cemetery, Santa Cruz Basilicaand Saint Francis Church, believed to be the oldest European church in India.

We will then visit Mattancherry, the old bazaar district and home to the famous spice warehouses. We will also visit Mattancherry Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555. We will then explore Jew Town, home to an interesting synagogue as well as antique and curio shops. The area is also home to many heritage restaurants and cafés with excellent street views when it is time for a break.

In the afternoon relax and enjoy your bonus Ayurvedic massage. Ayurveda is a holistic form of medicine established over 3000 years ago in India and is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of exploring. In the evening don’t miss the opportunity to catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Overnight: Hotel, Kochi

After a leisurely breakfast we will depart for Munnar, which is a scenic 4 hour drive up into the Western Ghats mountain range and is 1600m above sea level. Check into the accommodation and enjoy the fresh air of South India’s largest tea growing region.

In the afternoon we will take a drive up to the Top Station (1880m) for picturesque views of the Western Ghats and out across to the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. There is a good chance we might see wild elephants wandering through the lush hills and jungles on our way. We will also check out Mattupetty Dam.

Overnight: Hotel, Munnar

Today we will take a trek through the beautiful tea plantations around Munnar, the best way to enjoy the beauty of the rolling verdant hills. The mountain scenery is breathtaking, and you’ll often be above the clouds or amongst the veils of mist. Be amazed at the variety of fresh local produce as we stop to admire the many tea and spice plantations.

Overnight: Hotel, Munnar

After breakfast we will take a spectacular 3-hour drive through the Cardamom Hills to Thekkady, along a route lined with plantations of tea, cocoa, tapioca, bamboo, coconut, banana, and of course cardamom. Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar National Park, which is home to tigers, elephants, primates and deer.

The afternoon is at your leisure to relax or wander the village and explore the local markets. You may also wish to enjoy an optional extra such as a guided hike or safari in the national park, a therapeutic Ayurvedic treatment or a traditional South Indian cooking class.

Overnight: Hotel, Thekkady

Take a scenic walk through the spice gardens before visiting the fragrant and colourful spice markets, which is a great opportunity to purchase spices.

In the afternoon we will take a wildlife cruise on Periyar Lake. This is a great opportunity for wildlife spotting, especially for deer, boar, otters and the many varieties of birdlife.

Overnight: Hotel, Thekkady

After an early breakfast we will depart for Alleppey (4 hours) where we will board our houseboat for a trip along the backwaters. Our houseboat has been made in the traditional rice barge or Kettuvalam style and is luxuriously fitted out with bedrooms, a dining room, open lounge and deck. A captain and cook are on hand to look after your every need. Spend the afternoon cruising the backwaters, drifting along coconut lined canals and past the small villages that line the banks. Enjoy the delicious South Indian food on board and the peace of sleeping on board a boat. For many people this is a highlight of their time in India.

Overnight: Houseboat, Alleppey Backwaters

After a delicious breakfast, you will be dropped at your home stay on a backwater island. Your home stay is with a local family in a picturesque village surrounded by lush rice paddies. The homestay is situated on a car-free island and the only way to get around is on foot, bicycle or by boat. Do all three or just chill in a hammock watching life pass by at a snail’s pace. You can also take the optional extra of trying out a South Indian cooking class.

Overnight: Homestay, Chennamkary (Alleppey Backwaters)

After a relaxed breakfast we will depart Alleppey for the drive back to Kochi (2 hours). Spend the rest of the day at your leisure or exploring Fort Cochin. Princess Street is one of the oldest streets in the city and is an excellent place to go for people-watching. It is also home to countless cafes, restaurants, bookstores, tea shops, art galleries and boutiques, making it a perfect place to enjoy good South Indian coffee or to do any last minute for souvenir shopping.

Overnight: Hotel, Kochi

After breakfast we will transfer you to either Kochi or Trivandrum airport for your onward flight. Thank you for travelling with Ekno Travels, we hope to see you again soon!

This morning join the locals and catch the ferry to Vypeen Island. The island is quiet with beautiful long beaches and a chilled-out atmosphere. Relax on Cherai Beach, explore the quiet backwaters and visit the 16th century Pallipuram Fort.

In the afternoon we will return to Fort Cochin by ferry. The afternoon is yours to try out a unique local experience (optional extra). Choose from a Kathakali dance lesson, a cooking class at a local’s home, an Ayurvedic spa treatment, a guided bike tour or a sunset boat cruise.

Overnight: Hotel, Kochi

Today we will head to the mainland area of Ernakulam where we will visit the Kerala Folklore Museum. This privately-owned museum offers a unique way to learn about the culture of Kerala with over 4000 artefacts and magnificent architecture, including the main entrance which is made from the remnants of a temple.

Whilst we are in Ernakulam, we will also visit the bustling Broadway Bazaar markets, where it is possible to find just about anything you could ever want. Enjoy a walk along Marine Drive promenade before catching a ferry back to Fort Cochin.

Enjoy your last night in Kochi by taking a final promenade from Mahatma Gandhi Beach to the fish markets.

Overnight: Hotel, Kochi

After breakfast we will transfer you to either Kochi or Trivandrum airport for your onward flight. Thank you for travelling with Ekno Travels, we hope to see you again soon!