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11 days from $4334 pp roundtrip airfare
Discover the distinctive landscapes, cultural heritage and relaxed character of Kerala, often known as “God’s Own Country”, on a journey combining historic cities, hill country, wildlife-rich landscapes, backwaters and the coast. From Cochin to the tea-growing hills of Munnar, the natural surroundings of Thekkady, the waterways of Alleppey and the peaceful setting of Poovar, this tour showcases some of southern India’s most memorable contrasts.
Book Solo. Travel Together. This option is designed for customers booking individually, with your own private room included in the price, while travelling as part of a regular Lumle small-group tour. Your group may include couples, friends, family members and other customers travelling individually. The number of other solo travellers on your departure is not guaranteed, and you may be the only customer travelling individually within the group.
Begin in Cochin, where historic neighbourhoods, colonial influences and Kerala’s distinctive culture provide an engaging introduction to the region. Discover sights such as Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church and the famous Chinese fishing nets, alongside the cultural and culinary experiences specifically included in your itinerary.
Travel into the hills to Munnar, surrounded by tea-growing landscapes and mountain scenery, before continuing to Thekkady and the surroundings of Periyar. Enjoy the nature and wildlife experiences specified in the itinerary, with opportunities to appreciate the area’s forests, waterways and biodiversity. Wildlife is encountered in natural environments and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Continue to Alleppey for a memorable journey through Kerala’s famous backwaters aboard a traditional-style houseboat, passing waterways, palm-fringed landscapes and local communities. Your journey concludes in Poovar, where time by the coast and backwaters provides a relaxing finale to your exploration of Kerala.
Combining cultural discovery, hill landscapes, nature, backwaters and time by the coast, this journey offers a varied introduction to Kerala’s heritage, landscapes and way of life.
This option is designed for customers travelling individually, but the tour itself is not exclusively for solo travellers. You will have your own private room while travelling as part of a regular Lumle small group of 1–20 passengers. Your group may therefore include couples, friends, family members and other individual travellers.
This option is offered on selected guaranteed departure dates. Once your booking is confirmed, Lumle will not cancel your holiday simply because a minimum number of participants has not been reached. As with all holidays, operation remains subject to our Booking Terms & Conditions and circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
Price for individual travellers: The price displayed for this selected departure is per person based on one person occupying their own private room. Prices for the same or a similar tour displayed elsewhere on our website may be based on different departure dates, availability or occupancy arrangements and may therefore differ.
Day 1 : DEPART NEW YORK – YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS
Day 2 : ARRIVE IN COCHIN – THE GATEWAY TO KERALA
Day 3 : DISCOVER THE HISTORICAL CHARMS OF COCHIN
Day 4 : COCHIN TO MUNNAR – JOURNEY THROUGH THE HILLS
Day 5 : MUNNAR – NATURAL LANDSCAPES & TEA COUNTRY
Day 6 : MUNNAR TO THEKKADY – SPICE COUNTRY & KERALA TRADITIONS
Day 7 : THEKKADY – NATURE WALK, SPICE PLANTATION & PERIYAR LAKE
Day 8 : THEKKADY TO ALLEPPEY – KERALA'S BACKWATERS
Day 9 : ALLEPPEY TO POOVAR – COAST & BACKWATERS
Day 10 : POOVAR – A DAY AT LEISURE
Day 11 : POOVAR TO TRIVANDRUM – FAREWELL TO KERALA
Your unforgettable adventure begins at NEW YORK, where you board an overnight flight to the captivating land of Kerala, India. As the plane ascends, leave behind the familiar and prepare to embrace a world of vibrant cultures, lush landscapes, and extraordinary experiences. The anticipation of discovering Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” makes this a truly exciting beginning.
Overnight: In flight
Welcome to Cochin (Kochi), a fascinating introduction to Kerala's history and culture. On arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel.
After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you time to relax after your journey or explore the local surroundings independently. No sightseeing or activities are included for the remainder of the day.
Overnight: At the hotel
Begin your day with a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin, discovering the city's distinctive history and cultural heritage. Explore Fort Cochin and visit some of the area's notable landmarks, including Santa Cruz Basilica and St. Francis Church, subject to local opening arrangements and access at the time of your visit.
Continue to the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), known for its historic interiors and murals, and the Jewish Synagogue in the historic Jew Town area. You will also see Cochin's famous Chinese fishing nets and learn about this traditional fishing method. Visits and access to individual sites are subject to their opening hours and local arrangements.
Later, enjoy a Kerala culinary experience hosted by a local cook or chef, providing an introduction to regional ingredients, flavours and traditional cooking methods. The experience may include a combination of explanation, demonstration and opportunities for participation; the format and level of hands-on involvement can vary depending on the dishes being prepared and the arrangements of the host. Some ingredients or elements of the meal may be prepared in advance. Following the experience, enjoy the meal provided as part of the activity.
Overnight: At the hotel
After breakfast, leave Cochin and travel by road to Munnar, one of Kerala's best-known hill stations. As you journey into the Western Ghats, the scenery gradually changes from the lowlands to rolling hills, valleys and the tea-growing landscapes for which Munnar is renowned.
On arrival in Munnar, check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the surroundings. No sightseeing or activities are included for the remainder of the day.
Overnight: At the hotel
Begin your exploration of Munnar with a visit to the Rajamalai area of Eravikulam National Park, renowned for its mountain scenery and as an important habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy the surrounding landscapes and the opportunity to observe local wildlife in its natural environment. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and visits are subject to park opening, seasonal closures, weather conditions and local access arrangements.
Continue through the Kannan Devan Hills, enjoying views of the rolling landscapes and tea-growing countryside along the route. Later, visit Mattupetty Dam, set among hills and forested surroundings, with time to appreciate the scenery. Wildlife may occasionally be seen in the wider area, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Overnight: At the hotel
After breakfast, leave Munnar and travel by road to Thekkady, a region known for its spice-growing traditions and natural surroundings. On arrival, check in to your hotel.
Later, enjoy time in Kumily, where local shops and markets offer a variety of spices and regional products. There will be an opportunity to browse and make purchases independently if you wish. Any purchases are at your own expense and are not included as part of the tour.
In the evening, attend a Kathakali cultural performance, showcasing Kerala's distinctive traditions of storytelling, expressive movement, costumes and music. This is followed by a Kalaripayattu martial arts performance, offering an introduction to this traditional martial art associated with Kerala. Performance content, duration and venue arrangements may vary according to local schedules and operational arrangements.
Overnight: At the hotel
Begin your day with a guided nature walk in the Periyar area, following designated trails through the surrounding natural landscape. Accompanied by a local guide, the walk offers an opportunity to learn about the area's flora, fauna and ecosystem, with the possibility of seeing birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The route and duration may vary according to local, weather and operational conditions, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Continue with a visit to a spice plantation, where you will learn about the cultivation and use of spices associated with Kerala, which may include cardamom, cinnamon, pepper and other locally grown varieties. The spices seen and plantation experience may vary according to season and local growing conditions.
Later, enjoy a boat cruise on Periyar Lake, offering views of the surrounding forest and landscape from the water. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, and there may be opportunities to observe animals and birdlife from the boat. Wildlife is encountered in its natural environment and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The cruise is subject to local availability, weather, water conditions and operational arrangements.
Overnight: At the hotel
After breakfast, leave Thekkady and travel by road towards Alleppey (Alappuzha), renowned for its network of backwaters, canals and waterways. En route, travel through Kuttikanam and the surrounding hill landscapes before continuing towards the Kerala lowlands.
On arrival in Alleppey, board a traditional-style Kerala houseboat for an overnight journey through the backwaters. Cruise along waterways surrounded by coconut palms, paddy fields and local communities, offering a glimpse of everyday life along Kerala's waterways. The exact cruising route and duration are determined locally and may vary according to water levels, weather, navigation restrictions and operational conditions.
Meals will be prepared and served on board as specified in your itinerary, featuring local Kerala-style dishes. Houseboats generally cruise during permitted daytime hours and remain moored overnight in accordance with local regulations and operational arrangements.
Overnight: On board the houseboat
After breakfast on board and disembarking from your houseboat, travel by road from Alleppey to Poovar, a peaceful coastal destination where backwaters, waterways and the Arabian Sea come together.
On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may choose to relax at the hotel, explore the local surroundings independently or arrange an Ayurvedic treatment or massage where available. Any treatments, activities or other services arranged during your leisure time are optional, payable locally and are not included in the tour price.
Beach and water access in the Poovar area can vary according to the location of your accommodation, tides, weather, sea conditions and local arrangements.
Overnight: At the hotel
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Poovar, giving you the flexibility to spend the day as you wish. You may choose to relax at your hotel, explore the local surroundings independently or simply enjoy the peaceful coastal setting.
Any sightseeing, activities, spa or Ayurvedic treatments, meals or transportation arranged during your leisure time are optional, subject to availability and payable locally unless specifically stated otherwise. Beach and water access, including swimming conditions, can vary according to the location of your accommodation, tides, weather, sea conditions and local arrangements.
Overnight: At the hotel
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) International Airport for your return flight, bringing your journey through Kerala to an end.
Depending on your confirmed flight time and transfer arrangements, there may be some free time before departure. Any shopping or activities undertaken during this time are independent, at your own expense and subject to the time available; no sightseeing or shopping stop is included unless specifically stated in your itinerary.
Depart Kerala with memories of a varied journey through Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey and Poovar, combining cultural heritage, hill landscapes, nature, backwaters and the coast.
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Note | AVAILABILITY | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 14 Sep, 26 | Thu, 24 Sep, 26 | $4063 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 16 Nov, 26 | Thu, 26 Nov, 26 | $3657 | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
We carefully select accommodation to complement your journey through Kerala, with consideration given to location, comfort and the overall touring experience. The Superior Hotels shown below form the accommodation basis included in this package. Deluxe-category accommodation may be selected for an additional supplement where available.
Accommodation for individual travellers: The price displayed for this option is based on one person occupying their own private room at the hotels included in the main tour. You will not be required to share a hotel room with another traveller. The overnight houseboat stay in Alleppey has different accommodation arrangements and facilities from conventional hotels. Room type, configuration, size, facilities and views may vary between properties and are subject to the accommodation provider’s availability and allocation.
| Destination | Superior Hotels – Included | Deluxe Hotels – Supplement Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Cochin | Casino Hotel or similar | Brunton Boatyard or similar |
| Munnar | Siena Village or similar | Windermere Estate or similar |
| Thekkady | Silver Crest or similar | The Elephant Court or similar |
| Alleppey | Deluxe Houseboat | Deluxe Houseboat |
| Poovar | Poovar Island Resort or similar | Estuary Sarovar Portico or similar |
Please Note: The hotels shown above are those currently planned for this tour and are subject to availability. If a listed hotel is unavailable, alternative accommodation of a comparable category or standard may be used. Deluxe-category accommodation is subject to availability and an additional supplement. Hotel ratings, classifications and standards are not internationally standardised and may vary from those in your home country.
Houseboat accommodation: The Alleppey houseboat is a different style of accommodation from a conventional hotel, and facilities, space and services will therefore differ. Air conditioning is scheduled to operate approximately between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, subject to the houseboat’s operating arrangements and local conditions.
Check-in and check-out: Hotel check-in and check-out times vary by property. Rooms are available in accordance with each hotel’s standard check-in and check-out arrangements. Early check-in or late check-out is not included unless specifically confirmed and may incur an additional charge.
Internet access: Wi-Fi availability, coverage and speed vary between hotels and locations and cannot be guaranteed in individual rooms or throughout each property.
Accessibility: This itinerary includes road journeys, walking, boats, a houseboat stay and visits to locations where surfaces, steps and access arrangements may vary. It may therefore not be suitable for all mobility requirements. Please contact us before booking if you have reduced mobility or require assistance so that we can advise on the suitability of the arrangements before confirming your booking.
Contact details: Please provide an accurate mobile telephone number when booking and ensure that Lumle has your current contact details before departure. These may be used by Lumle or our local representatives where necessary in connection with your travel arrangements.
Flights and travel documents: Your confirmed flight arrangements and applicable travel documentation will be provided in accordance with your booking. Airline schedules, flight times, routings and operating carriers may be subject to change by the airline or other transport provider. Please refer to your final travel documents for your confirmed arrangements.
Travelling individually: This option is designed for customers booking individually, with their own private room, but the tour itself is not exclusively for solo travellers. You will travel as part of a regular Lumle small group of 1–20 passengers, which may include couples, friends, family members and other customers travelling individually. The number of other solo travellers on your departure is not guaranteed, and you may be the only customer travelling individually within the group.
Guaranteed departure: Once your booking is confirmed, Lumle will not cancel your holiday simply because a minimum number of participants has not been reached. As with all holidays, operation remains subject to our Booking Terms & Conditions and circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
Passport, visa and health requirements: It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the passport, visa, entry and health requirements applicable to your individual circumstances and travel arrangements. Requirements can change, so please check the latest official advice and requirements in good time before travel.
Booking conditions: Your booking, including any amendment or cancellation, is subject to Lumle Holidays’ Booking Terms & Conditions and the conditions applicable to the services included in your confirmed booking.
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