Homestead Tour: All Kerala - 13 Nights & 14 Days

Tour Route
Cochin » Kumarakom » Kanjirapally » Kothamangalam » Wayanad » Tellicherry » Cochin

Overview
A tour that encompasses the best of Southern and Northern parts of Kerala while giving you the opportunity to stay at homestays where you can experience Kerala at its most rustic.

DAY 01: Arrival Cochin
Welcomed by a Kerala Travel Centre representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Cochin. Cochin is place that never ceases to amaze. Whichever direction you look, there's always a little piece of history lurking around, reminding you of various cultures and people that have influenced it's past. In the afternoon you can go on a sightseeing tour exploring 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 marketand the 15th century Chinese fishing nets. In the evening go on a sunset crise and watch from your vantage point in the estuary as the Marine Drive comes alive waith a million lights.Overnight at the Koder House.(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 02: Cochin - Kumarakom
(70kms/2.5hrs)Drive to Kumarakom, the enchanting backwater region of Kerala and check into the Philipkutty's farm, a beautiful homestead by the lake. 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 Philipskutty's Farm House. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 03: Kumarakom
Today you have the option to take a boat ride and witness the enchanting lifestyles of the people living along the backwaters or spend the day at leisure in the resort. Overnight at the Philipskutty's Farm House.

DAY 04 : Kumarakom - Kanjirapally
(80kms/2hrs)Drive to Kanjirapally and check into the Chamundi Hill Palace which is the ancestral house of the local rulers which sits atop a hill offering a fascinating view of the surrounding areas. In the afternoon you can go on a rubber plantation tour and witness how they tap the rubber. Overnight at the Chamundi Hill.(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 05: Kanjirapally
Day at leisure. Enjoy a full body Ayurveda massage today. Overnight at the Chamundi Hill Palace. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 06: Kanjirapally - Kothamangalam
(130kms/3.5hrs)Drive to Kothamangalam and spend the afternoon at leisure in a century old estate bungalow set in over 100 acres of multi crop plantation. Apart from exploring the estate you could also visit the local bird sanctuary. A cookery demonstration involving authentic Kerala cuisine is also available. Overnight at the Mundackal Estate Bungalow. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 07: Kothamangalam
In the morning, drive to the Kodanad elephant orphanage where you will have the opportunity to get close to the elephants and participate in their bathing and feeding. Elephant rides will also be possible. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the Mundackal Estate Bungalow. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 08: Kothamangalam - Calicut - Wayanad
(By Flight then drive for 80kms/3hrs)Drive to Cochin airport and fly to Calicut. Drive through winding roads in the hills covered with thick forests, coffee, rubber and tea estates, crop plantations to Sulthan Bathery. Check into a plantation estate tucked in a 400 acre coffee and spice plantation. Rest of the day at leisure in the beautiful estate. Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 09: Wayanad
Either take a day to relax or 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. The Edakkal Caves, a pre-historic rock shelter are also another highlight of the region. Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway

DAY 10: Wayanad
Day at leisure. Overnight at the Tranquil Plantation Hideaway.  (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 11: Wayanad - Tellicherry
(160kms/4hrs)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. In the afternoon/evening you can visit the colourful and entrancing Theyyam dance in Kannur. Overnight at the Ayesha Manzil. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 12: Tellicherry
A visit to the bustling fish markets of Tellicherry or the ancient fort built by the British are highlights of the region. You could also drive to the fascinating Muzhipillangad Beach which is Kerala's only drive–in beach. In the evening take part in a cookery demonstration by Faiza your hostess, who is renowned for her 'Mopilla' cuisine. Overnight at the Ayesha Manzil. (Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 13: Tellicherry - Cochin
(By Train)Drive to Calicut railway station and travel by train to Ernakulam. On arrival, transfer to fort Cochin and check into your hotel. You could spend your last day shopping in Ernakulam - the bustling metropolis side of Cochin. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise along the harbour. Overnight at the Malabar house.(Vehicle at disposal)

DAY 14: Cochin - Departure
Departure transfer to Cochin for return flight. (Vehicle for Transfer)

Place	Nts	Resort	Room Type
Cochin	1	Koder House	Junior Suite
Kumarakom	2	Philipkutty’s Farm	Waterfront Villa
Kanjirapally	2	Chamundi Hill Palace	Deluxe Room
Kothamangalam	2	Mundackal Estate Bungalow	Standard Room
Sulthan Bathery	3	Tranquil	Standard Room
Tellicherry	2	Ayesha Manzil	Standard Room
Cochin	1	Malabar House	Deluxe 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	£ 1689	£ 1947	£ 2123	£ 1947
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: Full Board at all Home stays except in Cochin, chauffeur driven AC car, Ayurveda massage, cookery demonstrations, sunset cruise, dance performance in Cochin, guide charges,train fares,all entrance fees, assisted airport transfers. Price Excludes: International & Internl 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.
• 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.