Luxury tour to South India,
to Kerala
Travel in comfort in renowned boutique hotels, through the beautiful landscape of Kerala: this is what we offer you here. We have added to this, a special look at the economic capital of the country: Mumbai.
On top of this beautiful programme, we recommend a few more days on one of the most beautiful beaches in southern India or a fitness stay with Ayurvedic treatments for which Kerala is a specialist. This is your luxury trip to South India. Do not hesitate to ask us to customise it.
Luxury tour to Kerala
10 days / 9 nights
Stopovers at Mumbai - Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Backwaters
Day 1 • Mumbai
You are greeted upon arrival at Mumbai International airport.
We take you to the hotel in your chauffeur-driven car.
Day 2 • Mumbai
Full day sightseeing of the economic capital of the country. You will discover the famous Gateway of India which commemorates the visit of King George V in December 1911. Opposite stands the iconic Taj Mahal Palace. You will thereafter visit the Dhobi Ghat, the city's giant open-air laundry and meet the 'Dhabbawallahs' who are responsible for delivering thousands of lunch boxes across the city. After more visits in the afternoon, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station, you will go for a stroll on Marine Drive. Running along the Arabian Sea, this is one of the city's most popular sunset walks.
Day 3 • Mumbai - Kochi
In the morning, transfer to Mumbai airport for the flight to Kochi, the economic capital of the state of Kerala.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to stroll through the lanes of old Kochi or along the Arabian Sea.
Day 4 • Kochi
Spend the day visiting the 'museum city'. It houses the Dutch Palace as well as the Synagogue dating from 1568 and St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India where Vasco da Gama was buried in 1524 before being repatriated to Lisbon fourteen years later. Located along the Arabian Sea, large Chinese fishing nets have been spread out, probably the remains of a Chinese expedition before the arrival of the Europeans. In the evening, you will attend a show of Kathakali, the traditional dances of Kerala inspired by Hindu mythology.
Day 5 • Kochi - Munnar
In the morning, you will depart to the mountains of Kerala and the city of Munnar that once housed the summer residence of the British governor. It remains a little known but charming place because of its location: at an altitude of 1524 m above sea level in the middle of 24000 hectares of plantations, mostly of tea. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and rest of the day free to take a stroll through the tea and cardamom plantations.
Day 6 • Munnar
Full day sightseeing of Munnar and its tranquil surroundings where plantations of tea, coffee and cardamom form natural green carpets. You will explore the tea museum, take a stroll in the plantations to meet the tea pickers before going to the city to visit the small Christ Church, built in the 19th century by the British planters. End of the day at the Madupatty dam.
Day 7 • Munnar - Thekkady
In the morning, continue your journey to the Periyar Reserve. It stretches across the Eastern Ghats between 900 and 1800m in one of the most beautiful protected areas in South India. To reach it, you will cross a beautiful region of tea and rubber plantations.
Day 8 • Thekkady - Kumarakom
In the morning, depart for Kumarakom, the gateway to the 'Backwaters' region situated on the shores of Lake Vembanad. On arrival, check into the hotel and rest of the day free to explore the lakeside environment and enjoy a beautiful sunset from the pool.
Day 9 • Backwaters
In Allepey that you will reach around lunch time, you will embark on a 'Kettuvallom', a traditional Kerala boat, for the discovery of the extraordinary 'backwaters': all along the coast of Kerala, sometimes sinking far enough inland, a series of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals dictate a special way of life to the local people. You will cruise along those fascinating routes.
Day 10 • Allepey - Kochi
After breakfast on board, you will disembark and visit Allepey before driving back to Kochi. You will reach the airport on time to board your international flight for your onward journey.
This tour is a suggested itinerary only and can be booked as is or used as a starting point to create your own tailor-made tour of India.
IDEAS FOR CUSTOMISING YOUR LUXURY TOUR TO KERALA
- Add a few days to your trip to get a beachside holiday along one of the most beautiful beaches in India and/or enjoy Ayurvedic treatments for which South India, and Kerala in particular, is famous.
- An extension to Madurai, in Tamil Nadu, is possible. The city is famous for the pyramidal towers of its temples.
- The best time to visit: all year round with a preference for the period November to February.
OUR OFFER
Please contact us for a tailor-made offer, excluding international flights.
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