The ‘Spice of Kerala’ tour begins with your arrival in Kochi (colonial name Cochin), situated on the south west coast of the Indian peninsula. It is also known as the gateway to Kerala. The Arabs, the British, the Chinese, the Dutch and the Portuguese have all left their mark on Kerala, evident in the city of Cochin, having had an influence on the development of this harbour town right up to the modern day. This wonderful maritime city is made up of the old town of Cochin, the heritage city of Fort Kochi, Ernakulam and Mattancherry.

The tour takes you to Periyar in Thekkady. The very word conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady are one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq Km, and provides access to tourists up to a certain point. You can either opt for a boat safari or walk into the jungle with a guide. Wildlife that can be spotted here include wild elephants, bison, tigers, among others.

The entire district is full of picturesque plantations and hill towns that provide great opportunities for trekking and mountain walks. A visit to a spice plantation, the organic farms and the wildlife sanctuary of Periyar provides the essence of Thekkady.

You will then visit the unique village of Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake. The bird sanctuary here is a favourite harbour for migratory birds and as such it is an ornithologist’s paradise. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities and traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer a superb experience. A sunset cruise on the Vembanad Lake to explore village life around the lake is a memorable experience.

Offer Starting from : £ 995 per person *

Supplements may apply peak periods, city sold out dates, and high seasons.

Supplement for superior hotels from £ 145 Per person

PACKAGE COST INCLUDES:

• Economy class flights UK to India
• Accommodation at above mentioned or similar hotels as per the chosen Option
• Daily breakfast at all hotels
• All transfers / visits / excursion as per the program by air-conditioned vehicle.
• Services of English speaking local guide for sightseeing as per itinerary.
• Guides are not allowed in the houseboat.
• During visit to the Spice Plantation at Periyar, the care taker of the area will give a brief of the area.
• Half day backwater cruise by Motor Boat.
• Entrances at the Monuments (01 visit).
• All road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges & interstate taxes
• Escorted arrival/departure transfers at airport as per itinerary
• Government service Tax  (Subject to change)

PACKAGE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages camera/video fee at monuments, medical expenses, porterage, airport departure tax etc
• Meals other than those specified above
• Any international/domestic airfare
• Any airport taxes
• Transport during days at leisure

MONUMENT CLOSURE DAYS

 Cochin –  St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi (closed on Sunday during mass)

Jewish Synagogue (closed on Friday afternoon & Saturday)

Dutch Palace (closed on Friday)

SPECIAL REMARKS:

Check-in time & check-out time at all hotels is 1200 noon Except at Spice Village, Zuri, Trident, Brunton Boatyard where check in time is 1400 hrs and check-out time is at 1100 hours