Exploration Tour: All Kerala - 13 Nights & 14 Days

Tour Route
Calicut » Wayanad » Tellicherry » Cochin » Houseboat » Periyar » Kumarakom » Kovalm » Trivandrum

Overview
An all encompassing tour of Kerala which combines the best of the South and North of Kerala. Tour includes Vibrant Port Town, Sunset Cruise, Visit to Boat building yards, Martial arts demonstrations, Stay in a rainforest, Cultural dances, Short Train Journey, Stay in a Backwater Resort, Stay in a wildlife Resort, Jungle Treks, Houseboat Cruise and stay in a Beach resort.

DAY 01: Arrival Calicut
Welcomed by Kerala Travel Centre representative at the Calicut International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Calicut, the traditional capital of North Kerala, is a leading trade centre for spices on the west cost. Check into your hotel, relax and unwind. In the evening visit the 'Hindustan Kalari Sangam' a traditional martial arts centre where you can witness a 'Kalaripayattu' (the martial art of Kerala) demonstration. Overnight at the Kadavu resort  (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 02: Calicut - Wayanad
(80 kms / 3.5 h)Drive to Sultan Bathery in Wayand, 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 03: Wayanad
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 04: 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. Check into the majestic Ayesha Manzil. Enjoy the colourful Theyyam dance in the temple near the resort. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Ayesha Manzil. (Full board) (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 05: 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 06: Tellicherry - Cochin
(by Train/Road)By Netravathi exp.6345 Dep 07.32/ arr. 1405Drive to the railway station to board a train to Cochin and enjoy a short journey through a beautiful rail route. 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. In the evening you could go for a relaxing sunset cruise. Overnight at the Koder House.(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 07: 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 Old Harbour.(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 08: Cochin - Houseboat
(65 Km /  1.5 h)Drive to Alleppey, where you will 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: Houseboat - Kumarakom - Periyar
(145 Km / 3.5 h)Disembark from your houseboat at Kumarakom and drive to Periyar an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel.You could go on a spice plantation tour today where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. It is also possible to go for an Elephant ride today.Overnight at Elephant Court.(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 10: Periyar
Today you can enjoy a three hour escorted jungle trek. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight at Elephant Court.(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 11: Periyar - Kumarakom
(145 kms / 3.5 h)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.(Vehicle for transfer)

DAY 12: Kumarakom - Kovalam
(175kms/4hrs)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. The Azure waters and favourable climate make Kovalam a favourite year-round destination for beach lovers. Overnight at Travancore Heritage. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 13: Kovalam
Day at leisure. Enjoy a relaxing full body  Ayurvedic massage. Overnight at Travancore Heritage. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 14: Kovalam - Trivandrum -Departure
(15kms/0.5hrs) Departure transfer to Trivandrum airport for your return flight. (Vehicle for transfer)

Place	Nts	Resort	Room Type
Calicut	1	Kadavu	Deluxe River-view Room
Wayanad	2	Tranquil	Standard Room
Tellicherry	2	Ayesha Manzil	Standard AC Room
Cochin	2	Koder House	Junior Suite
Houseboat	1	Muthoot River Escapes	01 Bedroom AC Houseboat
Periyar	2	The Elephant Court	Patio Room
Kumarakom	1	Coconut Lagoon	Heritage Bungalow
Kovalam	2	Travancore Heritage	Heritage Premium

Tour	1 May 11-30 Sep 11	1 Oct 11-19 Dec 11	20 Dec 11-15 Jan 12	16 Jan 12-31 Jan 12	1 Feb 12-29 Feb 12	1 Mar 12-30 Apr 12
Standard	-	-	-	-	-	-
Superior	£ 1503	£ 1925	£ 2260	£ 1925	£ 1941	£ 1925
Deluxe	-	-	-	-	-	-

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, Ayurveda massage, train fares, guide charges, all entrance fees, 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

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.

Waynad

• 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 Wynad region.

Periyar

• In Periyar, we would strongly suggest the spice plantation visits and also the jungle trek.
• The Gavi sanctuary is worth a visit if you are staying for more than two nights in Periyar. Gavi is a one hour drive away from Periyar and is a great place for elephant sightings.
• Periyar has a few forest inspection bungalows. Those who are really adventurous can try these bungalows which are right inside the forest reserve.
• There are a large number of shops near the wildlife sanctuary selling handicrafts and other items. The handicraft shops are worth looking at as they make for excellent souvenirs. Please ensure you speak with your driver to point you to the appropriate shops.
  
  

Houseboat Cruise

• During a houseboat cruise, ask your captain to anchor the boat by one of the villages, where you could take a village walk along the backwaters which is an exciting way to get up and close with life along the backwaters.
• You could also go for canoe rides in the backwaters. Canoes can travel through narrower canals which houseboats cannot navigate.
• There is a boat building yard in a place called Champakkulam by the backwaters which makes the long banana boats used for Kerala's snake boat races.
  
  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 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.