SPICE LANDS OF KERALA
Holiday Highlights
  • SPICE LANDS OF KERALA
  • 9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS
  • FLY FROM MAJOR UK AIRPORTS
  • ALL YEAR ROUND DEPARTURES
Overview
Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Kovalam - Cochin
What's Included
• 08 Nights Hotel stay 4* or 5*
• Meals as per mentioned in Itinerary.
• Assistance at the airport.
• Transfers/Sightseeing as per itinerary by Air-Conditioned Car
• One time entry Fee at the Monuments.
• Services of English-speaking guide during sightseeing tours.
• Drivers allowances, toll taxes and Govt. Service Tax
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive Cochin

Flight details

TBA

Arrival/Departure time

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Arrive at Cochin International Airport. Following immigrations, baggage collection and customs, Tamarind Global representative will meet you at the EXIT of ARRIVAL TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.  On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Check in at 1400 hrs.

Cochin, is a captivating city situated on the south-western coast of India. This bustling metropolis is a major port city and commercial hub of the region, with a rich history of trade and cultural exchange dating back to ancient times. One of the most striking features of Cochin is its diverse population, which is a melting pot of different religions, languages, and cultures. This cultural diversity is reflected in the city's architecture, cuisine, and way of life. Cochin is renowned for its beautiful beaches, tranquil backwaters, and historical landmarks, such as the Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, and St. Francis Church. The city's economy is thriving, with major industries including tourism, information technology, and seafood exports. Cochin is also home to several prominent educational institutions and research centers, making it a hub of innovation and intellectual activity.

In the evening proceed for evening visit to a traditional Kathakali school to enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is a traditional dance from Kerala and is performed only by men.

Overnight stay in Cochin

Meal: No Meals

DAY 2
Cochin – Munnar

Following breakfast at the hotel, start the tour of Cochin including visit to the Dutch Palace (Closed on Friday), also known as Mattancherry Palace, is a historic building located in the Mattancherry neighborhood of Cochin. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later renovated by the Dutch in the 17th century, hence its name. It is known for its stunning architecture, with a mix of European and traditional Kerala styles. It features a central courtyard with a small temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Krishna. The palace also has a collection of beautiful murals depicting scenes from the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as portraits of the former rulers of Cochin. Today, it serves as a museum and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the palace's rich history and admire its impressive architecture and art collection. The palace is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Cochin and is an important part of the city's cultural heritage. Also visit the Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday & Saturday), St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica followed by visit to Spice market. See the Chinese fishing nets, which dot the harbour as you drive along the coastline. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved. Also visit Jew Street which is famous for its antiques.

Post sightseeing, start your drive to Munnar (Approx. 140 Kms. /04 Hrs.).On arrival in Munnar, check in at the hotel. 

Overnight stay in Munnar

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 3
Munnar

Following breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Munnar. 

Today, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Munnar. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum in the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea (Closed on Monday), which showcases some of the exquisite and interesting aspects of the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machinery.

Also visit Mattupetty, located about 13 km from Munnar. Mattupetty is known for its dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides.

Later visit the Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake… the mountain slopes here are thick with undulating, evergreen tea plantations. The shimmering blue lake is the most photographed part of Kundala. Take a stroll in the tea estate, and enjoy the refreshing mountain breeze. Here you can view the entire process of making tea, right from plucking of tealeaves to their processing.  

Spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight stay in Munnar

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 4
Munnar - Thekkady

Following breakfast, start your drive to Thekkady (Approx. 140 Kms. /04 Hrs.).On arrival in Munnar, check in at the hotel.

Thekkady, nestled in the Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala, is a popular tourist destination that boasts of a stunning wildlife sanctuary, also known as the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with its breathtaking scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and pristine lakes. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, with lush forests, rolling hills, and serene lakes. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide range of wildlife, including majestic elephants, tigers, bison, sambar deer, and a plethora of bird and butterfly species. Visitors to Thekkady can indulge in a variety of activities, such as boat rides on the Periyar Lake, trekking, bamboo rafting, and wildlife safaris. The town also boasts of several spice and tea plantations, where visitors can learn about the region's famous spices and teas and even purchase some to take home.

Later in the afternoon experience Spice Plantation tour. Walk amidst the rows of vines creeping upwards on trellises. The correct time to pluck the peppercorns is when they are beginning to redden, just before they are completely ripe. Try your hand at it, but be sure to wash up before touching your eyes or nose! Walk past the rows of mats on which the plucked peppercorns are left to dry. The scent of pepper mingles with the fresh mountain air. This is the starting point of the centuries old spice trade and that delicious flavour which makes such a difference to foods worldwide.

Later experience boat ride at Lake Periyar.

Overnight stay in Thekkady

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 5
Thekkady – Kumarakom

Following breakfast, you will be driven to Kumarakom (Approx. 120 Kms. /3.5 Hrs.).On arrival in Kumarakom, check in at the hotel.

Kumarakom, a charming village nestled in the Kottayam district of Kerala, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a tranquil escape. This idyllic village is situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala and one of the largest freshwater lakes in India. The village is renowned for its picturesque backwaters, houseboats, and bird sanctuary. Tourists flock to Kumarakom to bask in the breathtaking beauty of the backwaters, take a leisurely ride on a houseboat, and immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine. The bird sanctuary is a major attraction, boasting a diverse range of migratory and local birds. Kumarakom is a serene and captivating village that offers visitors a chance to unwind amidst the natural beauty of Kerala. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled vacation, Kumarakom has something for everyone.

Spend rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in Kumarakom

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 6
Kumarakom – Kovalam

Following breakfast, start your drive to Kovalam (Approx. 175 Kms./04 Hrs.) . On arrival in Kovalam, check in at the hotel.

 Situated just 16 kilometers from the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is known for its stunning beaches, serene surroundings, and a variety of water sports activities. It's no wonder that Kovalam is often referred to as the Paradise of the South. The three crescent-shaped beaches in Kovalam - Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach - are the main attractions. But Kovalam has more to offer than just its beaches. The Vellayani Lake, Kovalam Art Gallery, and the Karamana River are other attractions that are worth exploring. The town is also famous for its Ayurvedic treatments and yoga centers, which attract a large number of wellness enthusiasts. And let's not forget about the food - Kovalam is a great place to sample traditional Kerala cuisine, which is known for its use of spices and coconut milk.

Overall, Kovalam is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a relaxing beach vacation in India. With its stunning beaches, serene surroundings, and a variety of activities to choose from, Kovalam is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun.

Spend rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in Kovalam

Meal: Breakfast

Day 7
Kovalam

Following breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sightseeing of Kovalam. Explore highlights of Kovalam- covering lighthouse, Vellayani Lake and Valiyathura Pier.

Lighthouse Beach is the most popular and offers breathtaking views of the lighthouse that stands at the edge of the beach. 

Vellayani Lake is the largest in Thiruvananthapuram district and is surrounded by lush greenery. It is a great spot for boating, fishing, and picnics.

Valiyathura Pier, historic pier was built by the British and is a popular spot to watch the sunset and enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.

Also visit the Napier Museum (Closed on Monday), built in the 19th century. This Indo - Saracenic structure boasts of a "natural" air-conditioning system, and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts… bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. Located near the Museum, the Shree Chitra Kala Art Gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich, and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of Art. Visit the Kuthiramalika Palace, built by the King of Travancore. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.

Spend rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in Kovalam

Meal: Breakfast

Day 8
Excursion to Kanyakumari

Following breakfast, start your tour of Kanyakumari. It is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The multi-colored sand is a unique feature of the beach here.

On your arrival in Kanyakumari, visit the Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple, located on the shore. It is dedicated to a manifestation of Parvati. Swami Vivekananda is said to have sat in deep meditation here. Visit the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial built in 1970. Also visit the Gandhi Memorial, built on the spot where the urn containing the Mahatma's ashes was kept for public viewing before immersion. 

Post visiting, return kovalam for overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Kovalam

Meal: Breakfast

Day 9
Departure

Following breakfast in hotel, you will be assisted by our representative with transfer to the airport for your flight to onward destination.

Flight Details

TBA

Arrival/Departure time

TBA

Meal: Breakfast

Price from
£1,299pp
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• 08 Nights Hotel stay 4* or 5*
• Meals as per mentioned in Itinerary.
• Assistance at the airport.
• Transfers/Sightseeing as per itinerary by Air-Conditioned Car
• One time entry Fee at the Monuments.
• Services of English-speaking guide during sightseeing tours.
• Drivers allowances, toll taxes and Govt. Service Tax
Enquire now
Enquire about SPICE LANDS OF KERALA
Price from
£1,299pp
Enquire now
Enquire about SPICE LANDS OF KERALA