Classic Tour: North Kerala - 09 Nights & 10 Days

Tour Route
Cochin » Athirampally » Wayand » Tellicherry » Calicut

Overview
This tour has been designed for those exploring the unexplored and enchanting highlights of the North of Kerala rich in its cultures and traditions and many stunning locations. On this tour visit some famous temples, visit ancient boat building yards, explore the bustling fish markets, enjoy some beautiful Kerala dances, drive-in beaches and stay in the vibrant port town of Cochin.

DAY 01: Arrival Cochin
Welcomed by Kerala Travel Centre representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Cochin. Often referred to as the spice capital of the world, Cochin's spice trade can be traced way back to the time of pharaohsand the pyramids. As you walk the streets of Cochin, you can feel the aroma of these spices wafting in the breeze. Check into your hotel, relax for a while, and as the dusk falls, go on an enchanting sunset cruise to glimpse the city silhoutted against a starlit sky. Overnight at the Koder house. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 02: Cochin
Today you can 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 Koder House.(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 03: Cochin - Guruvayoor - Athirampally
(85 km / 2 h)Drive to Athirapally enroute visit Guruvayoor, the temple town near Thrissur. One of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres in Kerala, the main attraction in Guruvayoor is the Sree Krishna Temple. Though non hindus are not permitted inside this temple exploring the streets leading to the main temple entrances is quite fascinating. The charm of Athirampally and Vazhachal waterfalls cannot be described in words. Perched high above the sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's fames rain forests. the Athirampally waterfalls provide a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. Relax amidst the scenic attractions of Vazhachal. Overnight at the Rainforest. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 04: Athirampally - Wayanad
(261 km / 6 ½ h)Drive to Wayanad set in the picturesque Western Ghats and mountains at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. Littered with tropical rain forests, dense hills, rolling paddy fields, spice plantations and valleys, Wayanad is a hitherto undiscovered location offering breathtaking views. Today you can visit the Edakkal Caves. It is a pre-historic rock shelter formed naturally out of a strange disposition of three huge boulders making one to rest on the other two with its bottom jutting out in between and serving as the roof. Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway. (Fullboard) (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 05: Wayand
Today you visit the Wayanad sanctuary where one can find animals like sloth bears, sambhar (wild deer), elephants, monkeys, tigers, reptiles, deer, panthers, and many species of rare birds.Afternoon drive to Kuruva Island, an uninhabited island, a cluster of them infract, in the middle of the expansive Kabini river. The island’s preservation and the eco tourism around it is managed by the participation of the local population living around it and the forest department.The guide  practically helps you to navigate your way around the island. Also they are knowledgeable about the general environment and the ecology of the island. He can even take you to the ‘less trodden’ paths you would have otherwise unnoticed or skipped. Though touring Kuruva Island is known to be safe, the company of an experienced guide can be a bit reassuring especially when there are not many visitors around.Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway. (Fullboard)(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 06: Wayanad
In the morning you can go for a guided trek in the Wayanad sanctuary.Later visit the 3000 year old Thirunelly temple located near the Papanashini stream. This temple is devoted to Vishnu.Spend the rest of the day at leisure.Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway. (Fullboard)(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 07: Wayanad - Tellicherry
(160 km / 4 h)Drive to Thalassery (or Tellicherry as the British christened it during the times of the Raj), a vibrant fishing town in the north of Calicut which is famous for the 3 C's- Circus, Cricket and Cakes. It is known for being the first British settlement in Kerala and needless to say Cakes and Cricket were both introduced here by the British. Tellicherry is famous all over today for its bakeries and cakes. It is also rich in culture and traditions of the North of Kerala. Check into the majestic Ayesha Manzil.Built in 1862 by an English gentleman called Murdoch Brown, this mansion by the sea still retains its colonial charm. Visit the bustling fish markets in Tellicherry. Overnight at the Ayesha Manzil. (Full board) (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 08: Tellicherry
Today you can visit the bustling fish markets of Tellicherry or visit the ancient fort built by the British. You could also drive to the fascinating Muzhipillangad Beach which is Kerala’s only drive –in beach where you can drive along miles of virgin white sands or laze on the beach and be mesmerized by the beauty of the place.In the evening take part in a cookery demonstration by Faiza your hostess, who is renowned for her ‘Mopilla’ cuisine. Overnight at the Ayisha Manzil. (Fullboard)(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 09: Tellicherry - Calicut
(70 km / 2 h)Drive to Calicut (Kozhikode), once the erstwhile capital of powerful Zamorins and a historical town. Calicut was a significant port for trade and commerce in the early centuries and the quality cotton, ‘Calico’, is believed to have originated here. Today you can enjoy a relaxing full body Ayurveda massage at the resort. In the evening visit Hindustan Kalari Sangam, which imparts training in ‘Kalaripayattu’ the martial art of Kerala. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight at the Kadavu Resort.(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY: 10 Calicut - Departure
Departure transfer to Calicut airport for your return flight.(Vehicle for Transfer)

Place	Nts	Resort	Room Type
Cochin	2	Koder House	Junior Room
Athirampally	1	Rainforest	Luxury Room
Wayanad	2	Tranquil	Standard Room
Tellicherry	2	Ayesha Manzil	Standard Room
Calicut	1	Kadavu	Deluxe River-view Room

Tour	1 May 11-30 Sep 11	1 Oct 11-19 Dec 11	20 Dec 11-15 Jan 12	16 Jan 12-30 Apr 12
Standard	-	-	-	-
Superior	£ 1218	£ 1464	£ 1716	£ 1464
Deluxe	-	-	-	-

Prices are per person based on 2 people occupying a 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 in Cochin, Guide prices, Ayurveda massage, all entrance fees, cookery demonstration, train/internal flight fares, assisted airport transfers. Price Excludes: 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.

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 where you can try the mouth watering fish food.
• 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.

Wayanad

• You could visit the 'Meenmutty' and 'Soochipara' water falls in this region.
• Most temples in Kerala are not open to non Hindus. However you can visit the 'Valliyarukavu Bhagavathi' Temple – which is the principle shrine of tribal community of Wayanad region.
  

Calicut

• Visit the Beypore boat building yard which has been building boats of all sizes since early centuries. One of the highlights is that the carpenters build massive boats with precision, without the use of any drawings.
• If you are a food enthusiast, you will love Calicut. The region is famous for its 'Mopilla' cuisine and its 'Biriyanis' (dish comprising of rice and meat). You could try authentic Biriyanis at the Paragon and Sagar Hotel. Calicut is also the best place to try a 'falooda'- a dessert made of noodles, jelly, ice cream, takamaria seeds and nuts.
• Try the sweets at what is appropriately called the sweetmeat street where a number of Gujarati (North Indian community known for their sweetmeats amongst other things) shops near the beach offer a large variety.