Tour Route
Calicut » Wayanad » Tellicherry » Athirampally » Cochin
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. Tour includes: Stay in a resort by the Waterfalls, Boat Building Yards, Martial arts demonstrations, stay in a rainforest, visit to prehistoric caves, Drive in beach,Sunset Cruise and stay in a vibrant port town.
DAY 01: Arrival Calicut
Greeted 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.Experience the healing touch of Ayurveda with a rejuvenating full body massage. 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
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 05: Wayand - 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 06: 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 07: Tellicherry - Athirampally
(250 kms / 6.5 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 a fascinating experience. 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 08: Athirampally - Cochin
(85 kms / 2 h)Drive to Cochin this morning and check into your hotel. 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 Old Harbour.(Vehicle at disposal)
DAY 09: 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 10: Cochin - Departure
Departure transfer to cochin airport for your return flight. (Vehicle for transfer)
| Place | Nts | Resort | Room Type |
|
| Calicut | 1 | Kadavu | Deluxe River-view Room |
| Wayanad | 3 | Tranquil | Standard Room |
| Tellicherry | 2 | Ayesha Manzil | Standard Room |
| Athirampally | 2 | Rainforest | Luxury Room |
| Cochin | 2 | The Old Harbour | Superior Room |
| Tour | 1 May 12-30 Sep 12 | 1 Oct 12-19 Dec 12 | 20 Dec 12-15 Jan 13 | 16 Jan 13-30 Apr 13 |
| Standard | - | - | - | - |
| Superior | £ 1263 | £ 1446 | £ 1584 | £ 1446 |
| 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, 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
This tour has been designed such that you can see the best of all the regions you are visiting and therefore includes all the major highlights in each area.
Apart from these, Kerala offers a myriad of delightful, lesser known experiences. At the Kerala Travel Centre we have always been keen to showcase these little, special and 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.
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.
