Tour Route
Kovalam » Alleppey » Kumarakom » Cochin
Overview
Experience the ultimate in relaxation with this 13 night tour that combines a week at the luxurious Leela in Kovalam with 6 nights in other CGH earth hotels. Start with a week at the Leela, enjoy an overnight stay on a houseboat, and spend 3 nights in a backwater resort ending with 2 nights in Cochin.
DAY 01 – Arrival Trivandrum – Kovalam (25 km /1 h)
Welcomed by Kerala Travel Centre representative at Trivandrum airport and drive to Kovalam, one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala and check into your hotel. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky headlands, of which the southernmost Lighthouse beach is the most famous. The Azure waters and favourable climate make Kovalam a favourite year-round destination for beach lovers. In the evening you could take a general Ayurvedic full-body massage. Overnight at the Leela. (Vehicle for Transfer)
DAY 02 – TO – DAY 07 – Kovalam
Days at leisure on the beach. Overnights at the Leela. (No vehicle)
DAY 08 – Kovalam – Alleppey (175 km / 3 ½ h)
Drive to Alleppey, embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats or 'Kettuvalloms' are luxurious boats with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it's the life along the coast that adds a touch of exotica to this experience. The locals' travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. As you cruise along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places, enroute. Overnight on board. (Full Board) (Vehicle for Transfer)
DAY 09 – Alleppey - Kumarakom (by boat)
Drive to Kumarakom, the enchanting backwater region of Kerala and check into your hotel. The labyrinthine network of rivers, canals, streams and lagoons which form the famed backwaters offer stunning views and is an ideal place to relax. Day at leisure. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon. (transfer by boat)
DAY 10 – Kumarakom
You could also go for optional adventure activities like canoeing, water scooter rides, boat rides etc. Those seeking relaxation can spend the day at leisure at the resort. Enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurveda general full-body massage. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon. (No vehicle)
DAY 11 – Kumarakom
Day at the leisure on the bank of the backwater. Overnight at the Coconut Lagoon. (No vehicle)
DAY 12 – Kumarakom – Cochin (72 Km / 2 h)
Drive to Cochin, A port town since early centuries, Cochin, also known as the spice coast of India, attracted traders and invaders from the world over. Needless to say, Cochin offers you some fascinating snippets of history and culture.Relax and unwind at the hotel. In the evening you could go for a relaxing sunset cruise. Overnight at the Brunton Boatyard. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 13 – Cochin
Today you could go for a sightseeing tour to explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin which include - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders. In the evening, visit an auditorium to watch the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Overnight at the Brunton Boatyard. (Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 14 – Cochin – Departure
Departure transfer to Cochin airport for onward flight. (Vehicle for Transfer)
| Place | Nts | Resort | Room Type |
|
| Kovalam | 7 | The Leela | Beach View Superior Room |
| Alleppey | 1 | Muthoot River Escapes | 01-Bedroom AC Houseboat |
| Kumarakom | 3 | Coconut Lagoon | Heritage Mansion |
| Cochin | 2 | Brunton Boatyard | Standard Sea Facing Room |
| Tour | 1 Apr 10-30 Sep 10 | 1 Oct 10-19 Dec 10 | 20 Dec 10-15 Jan 11 | 16 Jan 11-31 Jan 11 | 1 Feb 11-28 Feb 11 | 1 Mar 11-30 Apr 11 |
| Standard | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Superior | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Deluxe | £ 1160 | £ 2024 | £ 3066 | £ 2024 | £ 2090 | £ 2024 |
|
Prices are per person based on 2 people occupying 1 double/twin room. Prices may vary based on local market fluctuations. For single supplements please contact Kerala Travel Centre. Price Includes: B&B at all hotels except where cited on the itinerary, chauffeur driven AC car, sunset cruise, Kathakali performance, Ayurveda massage, all entrance fees, guide charges, assisted airport transfers. Price Excludes: International Flights - Please contact Kerala Travel Centre for booking flights. |
Kerala Climate and Weather
Being a coastal state surrounded by the Arabian Sea and because of its proximity to the equator, Kerala has a more or less consistent temperature pattern in the summers and the monsoons alike. The temperature hovers around 29�32 degrees (Celsius) throughout the year with varying levels of humidity.
Best months for travel to Kerala:
The months of October through to March are considered to be the most favourable months to travel to Kerala when the weather is sunny and pleasant.
The months of April and May are also favourable for travel but the humidity tends to be comparatively higher.
August and September are also good months for travel.
Monsoon Months in Kerala:
June and July are monsoon months in Kerala, the showers being heavy at first and then easing off gradually. Whilst these are not the best months for tours, interestingly, this happens to the best time for travellers seeking the therapeutic Ayurveda treatment which is said to be most effective in these months.
Special Experiences
Kerala offers a myriad of delightful, lesser known experiences which one does not get to enjoy on a regular tour which is packed with standard excursions. At the Kerala Travel Centre we have always been keen to showcase these special, off-the-beaten-track experiences that will make your Kerala holiday a memorable experience like no other.
We have compiled a partial list experiences which you could choose to enjoy on this tour. When in doubt, just ask your Kerala Travel Centre driver and he will point you the right direction.
Kovalam
- Travellers know Kovalam for being a great beach destination but few know that for those who love bikes, Kovalam has a few shops that hire out Enfield motorbikes.
- There is a Swiss bakery in Kovalam which offers some fascinating cakes.
- For veggie lovers, Kovalam has one of the best run vegetarian restaurants called 'Lonely Planet' (not the same as the guidebook).
Cochin
- Stroll down the beach in Fort Cochin to see the 15th century Chinese fishing nets. Whilst they are not as frequently used as before, you can see a demonstration of how the fishermen use these gigantic nets. It is also possible to take part in this experience along with the fishermen.
- The bustling fish markets adjacent to the fishing nets also make for an interesting visit.
- The sunset cruise in Cochin along the harbour is also a great experience where you pass other ships and boats of all sizes and can see the Cochin skyline and the Cochin shipyard which is more than 200 years old.
- Fort Cochin has a number of seafood restaurants ranging from the high end 'History' restaurant at the Brunton Boatyard to the all vegetarian 'Roti Dal' restaurant.
- Enjoy an enthralling Kathakali dance performance while you are in Cochin. Watching the dancers put on make up before the show is also quite a fascinating experience.
- Your sightseeing excursion in Cochin includes several fascinating highlights including the Jewish synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica and others. Apart from this, you could also try exploring the streets with their many shops both in Fort Cochin and in the bustling Ernakulam part of Cochin. Cochin is great for shopping especially for jewellery and garments. (Our drivers should be able to point you to select shops that do not hassle customers). If you are a cigar aficionado don't miss the 100 year old R.Baliga & Sons who stocks cigars of all types.
- If Henna and bangles are of interest to you, you can pay a visit to a small, yet vibrant shop selling bangles and other ornaments in Cochin.
