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KERALA - SOUTH WEST INDIA -
Waterways, Western Ghats (hills), rainforests & the Indian Ocean beaches
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| Private guided holiday | | | An excellent leisurely two week trip to this beautiful tropical Indian state which is full of waterways, game parks, forests, farms and unspoilt beaches. Private air conditioned vehicle and driver. |
| Country | India - Kerala | | Duration | 15 nights | | Best time to visit | October to March | | Accommodation | Small private hotels and beach lodges. | | Activities | Seeing Keralan culture, game viewing, bird watching, elephant rides, jungle walks, the Keralan waterways and the Indian Ocean. | | Places Visited | Cochin, Thekkady, Western Ghats, Kovolum and Kumarakom on the Indian Ocean | | Guide Price | From £1750.00 per person sharing |
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Day 1
Fly from London Heathrow to Cochin, India via Dubai on Emirates Airways in economy class overnight. Upgrades and stopovers are available. Day 2 (Cochin)
On arrival you will be met by your private guide and transferred (approx 45mins) to Cochin to stay at Malabar House for one night on a bed and breakfast basis in a deluxe room. The rest of the day is at leisure. This small peaceful hotel has nice, light airy rooms which surround the central gardens and swimming pool. (In the afternoon you may wish to use the excellent tailors in Cochin who will have your garments ready for your return at the end of the holiday).
Day 3 (Cochin- Thekkady)
Today you will be driven about 5 hours through the Western Ghats foothills with lunch en route, travelling past rubber, cinnamon, cardamom and pepper plantation and into the rainforest to Thekaddy (alt 5000ft) to stay at the charming Shalimar Spice Garden for 3 nights in an Elegant room on a bed and breakfast basis. This small friendly and extremely comfortable hotel is peacefully situated in countryside close to Thekkady. Guest cottages are situated in jungle garden and there is a nice swimming pool with a small ayurvedic spa. The hotel serves delicious Keralan food but there is also a good selection of alternative eateries nearby. Excursions to Lake Periyar, National Park game viewing (elephant ,antelope, bear and occasional tigers), escorted jungle walks, trekking, local village crafts and guided spice plantation visits are available. Half board basis is also available on request.
Day 6 (Thekkady - Kanam)
Depart after breakfast with your guide and descend to Kanam (approx 3 hours) to stay at Serenity House for 1 night on a bed and breakfast basis in a deluxe room. Beautifully positioned old colonial planter's house with exquisite rooms, a pool and gardens. The hotel also has a Mahout with a working elephant with whom you can walk and ride through the peaceful plantations and groves.
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Day 7 (Kanam – Kumarakom)
Today you will be driven to Kumarakom (approx 2.5 hours) to stay at Phillip Kuttys Farm in a villa on a full board basis for 2 nights. Accessed across the waterways, this small family run guesthouse provides a unique and very peaceful place to stayon Kerala's backwaters. There are 45 acres of working mango, nutmeg, coconut, bean, pepper and banana plantations for walking and exploring, and waterways excursions on rice boats. The waterfront cottages (villas), in traditional Keralan design, are ,open-plan and filled antiques. Delicious meals are taken in the central house and cooking demonstrations are available. Day 8 (Kumarakom)
A half-day morning cruise on board a riceboat and the rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight at Phillip Kuttys Farm.
Day 09 -13 (Kumarakom- Kovalam)
Today you will be driven south to Kovalam (approx 4.5 hour) to stay at Surya Samudra Beach Garden in a sea front room on a bed and breakfast basis for 5 nights. One of Keralas finest beach hotels with fabulous private garden cottage accommodation, excellent facilities, service and ayurvedic treatments. A serious chill. Your driver guide departs.
Day 14 (Kovalam -Cochin)
Return transfer to Cochin (approx 5 hours) in time for a swim and lunch at Malabar House. In the afternoon you will be taken on a private tour of Cochin to see the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church, spice markets and along the shores to view the Chinese fishing nets. In the evening you may have the option of seeing a a colourful Kathakali Dance Performance. Overnight at Malabar House on a bed and breakfast basis in a deluxe room.
Day 15 (Cochin – Onward Destination)
This morning you will be transferred to the international airport for the 0930 departure on Emirates Airways to London via Dubai, arriving 1730.
This is a suggested itinerary only and is entirely flexible. Arrangements can be tailored to your exact requirements. Request a Quote/More Information | 
