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Discover Kerala
Culture heritage, Nature, Spice /tea gardens – lagoon:
Gallery
Duration
Duration

7 nights 8 days

Region
Region
  • kerala
Activity
Activity

Culture and Overland Tours

Season
Season

Oct to March

Difficulty level
Get in Touch with our Trek Expert
Monday - Saturday: 10 Am to 6 Pm (GMT +5:30)

Description

Kerala nestled on the spice trail of Malabar Coast between sea and mountain of western Ghats.  Has become the attraction of the traders from worldwide since the centauries who left their foot prints and which are still present in the form of legacy you will discover during your trip.

Kerala has its all from culture heritage to bustling bazar of art and craft, lush green valley’s covered by tea estates, spice gardens are the charms of worldwide kitchen and its virtue has important role in Ayurveda treatment, national parks where flora and fauna is flourished, back water cruise along coconut fringed canal allure the tourist from worldwide, here hospitality is warm and welcoming.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Arrive at Kochi airport. Reception at airport by representative of Himalayan Frontiers. Transfer to hotel. Distance between airport and hotel is 30 kms which will take almost 45 minutes. Check in time from 12 noon onward. Cochin is situated between the Oman’s sea and many small islands. It has been a Portuguese, then Dutch prosperous territory on the silk and spices road. It is a kind of magical place. Visit the Church of St. Francis, the synagogue (closed on Friday and Saturday) , the Dutch Palace, famous fishing nets named Chinese fishing net. If time remain visit Mattencherry palace to admire the magnificent wall fresco. Night in hotel.

Early in the morning possibility to visit the Fish market. After breakfast visit the main port from where boats depart to the foreign destination. Stroll in a magical place where you will walk through the old streets of old towns built by the Portuguese almost five centuries ago. Afternoon to discover yourself the neighbourhood of antique dealers and wholesalers of spices. In the evening before dinner possibility to attend the optional famous Kathakali show. Night in hotel.

Leave to Munar. On the way take short stop at water fall as it is quite attractive due to its white splashy flow. Next stop is to visit the spice garden where you will learn the multiuse of the spices. Continue to Munar, a breathtakingly beautiful, a haven of peace and tranquillity – the idyllic destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 1600 meters, Munnar was the favoured summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species, flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air. Munnar has all these and more. You will enjoy to explore the ever green tea slopes and cardamom plantation is a treat for a naturalist with a vast variety of evergreen trees under the shade of which the cardamom is cultivated. Afternoon visit Tea Museum to discover the tea processing systems which applies to produce different species of black tea. There can be tea degustation possibilities which is subject to availability. Night in hotel.

Rajamala national park, Pothamedu and Nyayamakad for tea slope and natural beauty. Morning departure to spot the natural habitat of the Niligiri Tahr (if you are lucky) at Rajamala national park . Visiting Time: 0700 - 1800 hrs. Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon. Later drive to Pothamedu for 6 km from Munnar to enjoy the excellent view of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations on its rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery. After Lunch if time permit visit Nyayamakad with its enchanting surroundings is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. Tea Factory: Where different varieties of tea such as hybrid, organic and decaf tea are produced. Back to Munar, night in hotel.

Road goes over the hills of Nil Giri, enroute visit spice garden accompanied by naturalist who will explain you the use of spice in kitchen and in the ancient’s method of treatment “The Ayurveda”. Check in the hotel. Afternoon you will drive to the starting point of the boating in Periyar Lake. Boating start at 3h30, you are requested to not be late. Enjoy boat safari (boat ride) on the Periyar lake exposes one to the realms of natures and provides a chance to spot the wildlife as elephants, monkeys, deer, wild boar, bison etc. By evening you will take short visit to the bazaar where you will find a wide choice of spices to shop. Night in hotel.

Departure for Allepey by a winding road lined with rubber trees, spice plantation and tea, to reach the Allepey. While cruising you will spend a day at the peaceful rhythm through endless canals between land and sea, Possibility of visit the village in the middle of rice fields and coconut plantations to discover the authentic culture of Kerala. Sip of tea on desk, on board meal cooked by your crew and observing the life around water cannel is life time memory. Night in private floating house boat.

After breakfast at the boat board, you will have short navigation to reach the vehicle, you will disembark and will drive to join the village tour to visit local homes, meeting with local people, participating with their day to day activities such as coir making, Coconut palm weaving, Toddy tapping, Village walk, net cast fishing etc. Such activities has to book in advance to get the seat available. After lunch spend the day at your own rhythm. Night in hotel. Note: If you are late due to xy reason to join the above guided tour , In that case you will visit the Kumarakom Handicrafts Museum: To discover the rich traditions of Kerala through the handicrafts and displayed artefacts.

For Inquiry

Cost

Dates Availability Price
No fixed departure dates available yet.

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What's Inside the Package?


Inclusions

checkAir-conditioned transport (car or minibus, depending on group size)

checkVisits as per the itinerary

check4 star hotels with double or twin room

checkBreakfast included

checkOne night on a houseboat, including meals

checkEnglish-speaking local guide

checkBoat ride fees on Periyar Lake (subject to authorization)

checkKathakali dance performance

Exclusions

closeInternational and domestic flights

closeEntrance fees for visiting monuments

closeStill and video Camera r fees

closeMain meals (lunch and dinner), except for the dinner and lunch included during the back water cruise

closeVisa fees

closeTravel insurance

closeTips/gratuities

closeBeverages (including bottled water)

closeCosts incurred due to flight cancellations, lost luggage, accidents, illness, repatriation, etc.

Highlights

  • Colonial-era synagogues
  • Chinese Fishermen's nets and the fragrance of spices
  • Munnar: A charming hill station and gateway to national parks
  • Tea plantations and the natural beauty of the Western Ghats
  • A guided tour of spice gardens led by a naturalist
  • Cruises on Periyar lake and backwater canals
  • Village walks to meet the local people
  • The unique charm of Kumarakom, with its coconut groves, lush green paddy fields, 
  • South Indian culinary specialties—can be served traditionally on banana leaves
  • Optional Kathakkali dance performance and Ayurveda massage

General Information

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Itinerary / hotels are sub to change in case of strike, civil war threatens, you may be will lose expected places you have prepared for but will explore unexpected and for sure will not disappointed.

In case of Vehicle break down another mode of transport will be managed at the earliest possible, In that case you are requested to keep patience. And co-operate with the situation.



The Company cannot be made liable for the consequences of weather condition, flight cancellations, war or threat of civil war, strikes, industrial action, political unrest or any other force majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstance. The company reserves the right to use alternate transport, or vary the itinerary if breakdown, sickness or any other force major. Any additional that result, such as extra hotel accommodation, flight or road transport will be on your charge and must be paid directly at the spot. 

Please understand, there are certain hazards involved in your culture holidays which you must accept at your own risk. The company will not be liable for any illness major or minor injury, death sustained during neither the trip, nor it will be liable for any uninsured losses of your property and other losses during the trip. It is strongly advised that clients take out insurance to cover the unexpected and cancellation charges: 



Road in Kerala are in good condition except some stretches may be less wide in certain hill area of Ghats. 


Accommodation is based on 4-5 star categories of hotels and one night is to experience the floating house boat while on back water cruise. 

Kerala breakfast is salty, one should not hesitate to try once during your trip. Main course of meals is not included. Including the meals in the package will limit you to not let choice to savour the different delicacies.

You will relish the savour of Kerala delicacies. Cooked in Coconut oil and freshly harvested spices. Masala Dhosa, Idli and south Indian Thali is the specialties of Kerala.

Main meals are not included, however you will be spoiled for choice among a wide variety of dishes. Our guide will help you to select the restaurant that best suits to your budget and tastes. On average, a meal will cost you between 8 to12 USD (or euros) in a mid-range restaurant, but you can go beyond depending on your budget. We strongly advise you to avoid the deep-fried street food, even if these dishes may appear appetizing. Already peeled fruits should avoid as well.

4-1: Bottle water is not included in the price; mineral water is available everywhere throughout the trip. The guide will take care of purchasing it for you during the journey. Please note that you will be not allowed to use your water bottled bought from outside of hotel premises, you will be advised to consume from hotel itself


Sub. to the number of persons in group, for 2 persons + guide Dezir or Sedan, 3-4 persons + guide Toyota Innova, 5 persons and above Tempo travellers or mini bus. All vehicle will be with air condition facilities.


Sub. to the number of persons in group, for 2 persons + guide Dezir or Sedan, 3-4 persons + guide Toyota Innova, 5 persons and above Tempo travellers or mini bus. All vehicle will be with air condition facilities.


While flying airline is the responsible of your bag, if any dispute occur related to your baggage should be directly solved between you and airline. 

During the tour luggage will be transported by  car, Minibus, buses subject to the group size, Yours  bags should strong enough solid to adopt  such mode of transport ,  Himalayan Frontiers will not be responsible for any damage happen during  the trip. During the trip you will be responsible of your own baggage. 



You will be guided by a professional English speaking guide, Language guide can be provided by paying extra charges (sub. to availability). Drivers and guide will be there to assist you at their best. They are chosen for their knowledge of local culture and ability to communicate with foreign clients.


This is mandatory for all clients travelling on any tour/ trek / expedition or independent itinerary arranged by us. You are responsible for obtaining adequate insurance covering expenses of unexpected / unforeseen circumstances as mentioned in liability paragraph, such loss or damage of baggage, medical expenses, war or threat of civil war, strikes, industrial action, political unrest or any other force majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstance, helicopter (air or ground) rescue, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment of the itinerary.


There is a tradition of  tipping in India but it’s not mandatory, you may not leave a tip if you don't want to or are not satisfied by the services of your service provider, infect it’s  a gratitude to your service provider.  In other hand much of field team members are hired for Particular seasonal and short lasting period, tipping is a bonus to the local team which add into their seasonal economy and   plays major role in carrier of all the assisting teams that includes drivers and hotel staff, Tipping became a tradition hence is very difficult to deviate from the system.


Preparation of relief of sun burn, Lip salve, Anti septic cream, Antihistamine cream (for relief of insect bites), Anti diarrhoea (flagyl or any other), Anti headache (aspirin, paracitamol, zimalgin), Anti vomiting (avomin), For stomach-ache (Baralgan, trigan or other diagnose) Dettol, wash proof Dettol plaster, Bandage and cotton, Balm, Anti cramp spray, Scissor and knife are must in the medical kit. According to your physical condition, you are requested to consult your doctor to complete your medical kit.


India is ranked in zone 2 on the risks scale (maximum of 3) above all during the Monsoon (from June to September). To travel in zone 2 requests an anti-paludal treatment which will be a part of the topics to consult with your doctor before your departure. Kindly take into account that all the mosquitos are not vectors and sting only during the night, and think to bring a mosquito repellent, it can be helpful while staying in house boat and sailing through backwater canal.  



No vaccine is mandatory. However, you have to be up-to-date for classical vaccines. The typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B are strongly advised. Hepatitis A passes on water and hepatitis B transmits by sexual relations or saliva.

Vaccine against Japanese encephalitis is recommended if you travel in rural farming areas and under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.  

Vaccine against yellow fever in only obligatory if you have travelled before in some countries of Africa and South America.



Due to mild temperature, it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. For protection against freshness (in months of December – January) in morning and evening a layered clothing is better than a few thick ones, so choose your cloths accordingly. Cloths should be preferable be made from natural materials which allow the body to breath better. You will be offending people if you walk around in skimpy or tight fitting clothes. Although there are normally opportunities to wear shorts, it is strictly forbidden to be with short in any religious places as temples. We would advise women to wear shirts or loose trousers, men should not wear singlet.


during winter season morning and evening are fresh (in months of December – January)  hence required light Pull over, Raincoat ( occasionally required ) light polar, light clothing, Sun hat, short and long sleeves Shirts , Loose trousers at least one pair of worm trouser or jean paint, ( wearing short is not allowed at holy spot ), swimming suite, a pair of sport shoes, sandal, few pairs of socks, Sunglasses / Spare glasses or contact lenses, toilet kit, a small sewing kit, Safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, Camera with spare cards and batteries, battery Charger, day sac, personal medical kit as per your medical advisor. Anti-mosquitos spray. fanny pack to keep safely your important doc as passport, insurance paper, credit cards, money, wooden pencils and pen, English – Hindi dictionary and a note book.



Many metropolitan cities is India are not that much conservative, but still in certain part of cities and in rural it is better to dress conservatively, One should not try to attract attention towards themselves due to their dressing style, while entering to religious site one should take off shoes, don’t dress short and half sleeves and are required to cover the head. Mobile are required to be in silent mode, hugging and kissing will shock the people hence restricted in public, To be respected, respect always local culture..


When visiting the public or religious sites, please ensure that you will respect local rules, customs, and cultural norms. Avoid causing offense to the local population by entering temples or sacred places with shoes, dressing tight-fitting or overly revealing attire. If you expect to be respected one has to give first than expecting.


There will be connectivity of foreign mobile phone only if you will activate the roaming services before leaving your home country. At most, of the places you will find WIFI in hotels, you can use your WhatsApp where Wi-fi facilities are available.


Use of any general satellite phones (Thuraya / Irridium or any others) is strictly prohibited / forbidden in India, It is illegal and is an offence. 

Second:  Some new devices of mobile phone such as I phone  which has facilities of auto connectivity to GPS  through satellite like (type of Garmin in Reach) when you are out of reach to the cell tower or line ,off sight radio communication. Such mobile phone /  I phone  which has facilities of auto connectivity to GPS  through satellite, we request to deactivate such services from your devices before leaving your home country and do not activate  it till you reach back home. 

Any individual found to be in possession of an unauthorized satellite phone in India or found using such services  which are forbidden by law, he / she will be liable to prosecute or can be imprisoned without any bail by Indian law and enforcement agencies.

We, The Himalayan Frontiers as your DMC will have no role and no right to intervene between the persons found guilty and the competitive authority. Matter will be directly under the supervision of the competitive authority of India.


Throughout the trip electricity will be available at every town / places but power cut can be noticed but smooth supply is assured by back up of generators. You may need to recharge your mobile battery during the day as in vehicle there are limited distributors,  to facilitate the recharging the battery we recommend you to bring a high-capacity portable power bank to charge your mobile phones or camera battery if it happen to face such situation.

The voltage is 220V, and the outlets are almost the same as in Europe. In some locations, the power outlets feature wide sockets, so we advise you to bring an adapter.


Before any administrative procedures, please check that your passport is valid for more than 6 months after the date of return, be sure it has minimum 3 blank pages left in good condition.


To visit India you need Indian visa, E visa or ETV Visa is applied online and is more convenient and faster to obtain than classical visa, for classic visa you need to take appointment at VFS or send the documents by post which take more time than ETV. ETV can be obtain from one month to one year with options of multi entry. Following are the official website to apply the ETV:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

To apply for visa you will complete online visa application (form), upload the copy of passport that you are travelling with, Identity photo of particular size required of Indians standards -JPEG format, visa fee must be paid online by credit card. Once uploading of required documents is complete, you will get mail back with document of granted visa within 48 hours or earlier.  Once Visa granted mail received, you must print it and present it with your plane tickets when boarding and on arrival at the Indian immigration service.



Those who wish to extend their tour to any destination in India or neighbouring country as of Nepal, Bhutan and to Srilanka, Please contact us in advance, such arrangement should be done prior to your arrival in respective destination.



Clients arriving in India earlier than scheduled or departing after the planned program will incur additional days or nights beyond the original itinerary. In such cases, surcharges will apply for the extra days/nights, calculated based on the rates of the hotel to be used in the respective city. Please note that check-in and check-out times are subject to the hotel's specific policies; for instance, standard times such as check-in at 12:00 PM and check-out at 12:00 PM, or check-in at 2:00 PM, etc., may apply.


Generally hot and humid. Hence the best time to traveling south India is from autumn to beginning of spring.

Winter Temperature Max:  28° C, Minimum: 18° C
Summer temperature Max: 38° C, Minimum: 32° C (Monsoon period)


Exchange rate is vary from time to time, you need to check the latest forex table.

Facilities to get exchange of foreign currency is available on arrival at airport in Delhi However in every cities and in most of the hotels, private money exchanger in cities and in bank such facilities are available and you can withdraw from the ATM as well. There are certain shop where you can pay by credit card those wish to buy the souvenir.



Those who cancel their trip, following the terms and conditions norms as per the time period we will refund the advance or full payment made to book the trip by deducting the applicable taxes as of GST, bank charges, file charges and other applicable taxes and charges. For foreign client’s differences of currency buying has to be borne as per the present exchange rates.


For foreign nation participants additional charges will be add on to buy the foreign currency, (hence buying the currency charges has to be borne by clients) bank transfer (wire transfer) charges and other administrative paperwork to be completed which is quite long exhausted process, we request you to understand and co-operate with. We will do our best possible to deal such cases respecting the present circumstances.


Clients has to bare the 3.8% of bank charges on total amount those wish to pay by credit cards. Therefore please add 3.8% on the total amount of the tours/Treks. In other hand those who wish to pay your payment of tour/trek by bank transfer, the bank transfer charges will be borne by you, for more detail please consult your local bank where you hold your bank account.


Pre-travel conditioning is very desirable, as more you are prepared the more you enjoy the trips. For all the cultural tours minimum physically fitness is required. One has to in good health and able to resist curvy road drive of Ghats even road in Kerala are very much better, While visiting the monuments you will be walking in and outside of the premises of monuments, in national park, tea / spice garden which may cause fatigue to certain persons therefore pre-travel conditioning is important. 


The environment is fragile and it is our special concern and endeavour to protect and preserve the existing ecology. We are also sensitive to local cultures and traditions and make special efforts to sensitize all our clients on this matter.


As an option one can opt to integrate these activities to rejuvenate yourselves before heading back to your home country.

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