India is vast and there is so much to see. But in 7 days you can still capture some of the cultural and social highlights of Southern India – experience its colourful, aesthetic and vibrant delights; we have got you covered!
You’ll start in Kochi where you’ll witness a live Kathakali Dance performance – a dance form that evolved here; indulge in a Muziris Heritage tour and visit places of worship. Then you are off to Munnar, to visit a tea museum where you will discover the art of tea making which Munnar is famous for. A change of view, we will take you on a boat ride in Alleppey where you’ll spend your night in the waters (yes!) as you experience being on one of India’s largest inland lakes with its own distinctive ecology that supports a significant natural habitat – all this in Kumarakom. Finally, you will head back to the airport for your onward journey.
Read MoreWe have handpicked an assortment of Hotels, with the minimum transfer time to get to them from the city & to reach attractions – giving you more time to enjoy the hotels, the attractions & cities.
Ideal For – Adventure seekers/ Solo travellers/ couples/ friends / families with teenagers / small groups consisting of friends and family.
As this journey is available throughout the year, it is ideal for those who have busy schedules and are uncertain about the period of their holidays.
Highlights at glance
- You will kick off in Kochi, sightseeing the old port Muziris for a heritage tour.
- Continuing in Kochi, you will visit a Jewish synagogue, churches and the Dutch palace.
- Then to watch a live Kathakali dance theatre performance.
- Off to Munnar, the hill estate, we will take you to a tea factory to see how tea is processed.
- In Alleppey, experience a boat ride like no other, locally named as Kettuvallam and spend the day on your own enjoying the views or reading your favourite book.
- Another highlight of your stay here, is your stay in the waters of Alleppey where you’ll be staying in your own private cruise.
- If you are a bird lover then Coconut Lagoon will give you many days of happy bird spotting which is also India’s one of the largest lakes.
01st & 02nd Nights: Kochi
Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) sits on the south western coast of India, in the multi-faceted and scenic state of Kerala. is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as ‘God’s Own Country’. Kerala’s strategic importance goes back many centuries and it’s believed it was first visited by Arab and Chinese traders. Fine sandalwood and spices have since lured the Portuguese and the British to Kerala: the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. Kochi is flanked on the west is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
On arrival at Kochi international airport, and after clearing customs and immigration, our representative will receive and transfer you to your hotel.
Upon your arrival at Kochi international airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred to your designated hotel for check-in.
In the evening, you will watch a live performance of Kathakali. This genre of classical dance form has its roots in Kerala. Associated with storytelling like other Indian classical dance arts, the story in ‘Kathakali’ is also communicated through impressive gestures of face and hands complimented by music and singing.
Kathakali is distinct because of the very exaggerated facial make-up or masks that amplify the facial expressions while the style of dance and movements reflect the age-old martial arts and athletic conventions prevalent in Kerala. Kathakali is greatly followed and admired.
In the morning, you will be taken to Malabar Coast: a gateway to many faiths and cultures. Historically, Muziris – the name of an ancient port city here – traded in precious goods. The earliest Jewish settlers came here, Christianity and the first mosque came to be in Muziris. A flood damaged Muziris, conceding its trading position to Cochin. However, it is still a great testament to the inter-faith existence as its numerous places of worship will show you. After lunch you go on a tour of Kochi’s highlights: including Cheenavala: the place where fishing nets were introduced during Kublai Khan’s era and are still only found here in Kochi.Your final stop: Fort Cochin; built during a colonial past.
03rd & 04th Nights: Munnar
The famous hill station of south India is Munnar. Munnar means three, in reference to the three mountain streams that flow through the city, namely: Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.
At about 1600m above sea level, this is a picturesque place with its English country cottages. More importantly, you will enjoy the lush verdant landscape of: virgin forests, savannah, rolling hills, scenic valleys, numerous streams, huge splashy waterfalls, sprawling tea plantations. You can look forward to a tea factory to visit and great walking trails here. If you come to Munnar during ‘kurinji season’, the colourful blue hues of the Neelakurinji blooms (a rare plant that only blooms once in 12 years) will make your stay all the more memorable.
After breakfast you will take a 4 hour drive to Munnar, a distance covering 130 kms.
Upon arrival, check in at the Spice Tree Hotel. You will have the time to unwind and chill in your room, perhaps exploring the hotel and its facilities. Talking to the hotel staff is a great way to get first hand details about Munnar, if you feel like doing that.
Come early evening, you can either venture on a nature walk through the plantation or indulge in a tea testing session.
The next morning, we will arrange a morning Yoga and Meditation session with an experienced yoga practitioner, giving you the chance to either experience yoga – if it is your first time – or the opportunity to discover and add some different techniques or exercises to your repertoire.
After breakfast, you will visit a tea plantation and the Tea Museum in Munnar town. On returning to Spice Tree, the rest of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure. If you’re feeling energetic then why not explore one of many walking trails through the soaring evergreen forests of this 60 acre estate and you could see cardamom cultivation and processing, if you like.
05th Night: Alleppey
Your next stop is Alleppey, the exciting embarkation point for a day cruise of a houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam. In times gone by, a Kettuvallam was functional; used to transport rice and spices. Today, it provides a leisurely ride complete with basic necessities.
Alleppey – fringing the coast of Kerala and winding far inland – is a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. The landscape represents a unique geographical formation. Alleppey is locally called Alappuzha and its beach with a 137-year-old pier extending into the sea and an old 17th-century lighthouse built by the Portuguese add to the scenery. It is also famously known for its boat races, marine products, and coir industry.
After breakfast, you will drive to Alleppey (covering 170 kms over 4 hrs) to Kottayam Jetty for a backwater cruise on your private houseboat, locally known as a Kettuvallam. The Kettuvallam, or ‘tied together boat,’ is made with Jak tree lashed together with coir rope and reinforced with coconut fibre and boiled cashew shell goop. These large boats have been used for decades as a means of transport goods in Kerala. But today you will board one, complete with comfy chairs, bamboo and palm thatched canopy for shade, even one or two small bedrooms with an ensuite washroom. Enjoy the ride in the backwaters here, in the warmth of the sun…while a cook conjures up a sumptuous meal and a small crew keeps the impressive boat going.
06th Night: Kumarakom
After breakfast onboard your Kettuvallam, you will head for the jetty. After disembarking, we will transfer you to Coconut Lagoon – a resort with rustic Keralan homes situated in a quiet cove in Kumarakom, in the district of Kuttanad, Kerala. Coconut Lagoon can only be accessed by boat! It is about a kilometre’s ride from the jetty to the resort. After check-in you will have a chance to relax and take in the sprawling resort and its facilities. Located amidst coconut groves and backwater canals and by the Vembanad Lake, one of India’s largest lakes – this is a prized wetland site and home to an ecosystem of unique plants, birds and animals.
In tranquil seclusion, you can opt to spend your day as you desire. Birdwatching is a great option, given the abundance of birdlife here, such as the darter, egret, cormorant and brahminy kite. Migratory birds from the Himalayas have also been sighted here. The butterfly garden may interest you as well, amidst over 50 species of dragonflies and damselflies! The backwater offers rides to explore the labyrinth of routes as well as the sunset ride with a flute accompanist to add to the ambience, upon the waters. You could also choose to go on a guided kayaking trip as well on the lake.
Day 7: Kumarakom - Kochi - Onward Journey
Your tour in south India comes to its end as you check out from Kumarakom and head for the Cochin Airport. This transfer will be a 1 ½ hour road trip. We will ensure that you reach well in time to check in for your flight, taking you home or for your onward destination.
Please do contact us for an attractive and customised quote, to give you the optimum itinerary for a complete experience.
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 2,000
1-2 persons
$ 3,000
3-4 persons
$ 4,000
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Villa Escondite – Colombo
Villa Escondite is well hidden from the tourist trails, located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka.
Plush
Accommodation
$ 3,000
1-2 persons
$ 4,000
3-4 persons
$ 5,000
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Villa Escondite – Colombo
Villa Escondite is well hidden from the tourist trails, located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka.
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 1,000
1-2 persons
$ 2,000
3-4 persons
$ 3,000
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Villa Escondite – Colombo
Villa Escondite is well hidden from the tourist trails, located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka.
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
- Airfare is quoted on the basis of the best available average fare which is subject to change. This fare can be low or can be higher at the time of booking. Exact fare will be advised at the time of booking.
- Standard check in time is 1400 hrs and check out time is 1200 noon at most of the hotels.
- Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday.
Included:
- Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis at hotels in their base category (unless otherwise specified) mentioned or in similar category with meals as indicated (B, L, D stand for breakfast, lunch and dinner respectively)
- Services of Private Chauffeur driven air conditioned Toyota Innova for all transfers, drives and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Entrance fee to places of visit / monuments, national parks
- Services of a local stationed English speaking guide
- Live Kathakali dance performance in Cochin
- Day Cruise by houseboat in Alleppey
- Meeting / assistance at the time of arrival and departure at airport / railway station and during check in/out at hotels in major cities
- Mandatory Government service tax
Not Included:
- Any Airfare, any insurance fee (supplement given for domestic sector)
- Anything not mentioned in inclusion above.
- Any Visa fee (India Visa is a must for all the visitors before boarding on their flight except nationals of 11 countries who enjoy ‘visa on arrival’. For more details visit Indian Visa https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/)
- Services of accompanying escort.
- Any optional tour.
- Any expenditure of personal nature like tipping, table drinks, laundry, tip, telephone calls, soft/ hard drinks, still/video camera fee (if any) etc. However, supplements for the same have been quoted above.
- Anything ordered from room service at any hotel including mineral water (other than what is being offered by the hotels on their compliment).
- Any sudden increase in price due to steep hike in fuel cost, change in government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control like acts of god, natural calamity, law and order situation, riots etc. and any forced change in itinerary for any unforeseen situation or reason beyond our control.
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
3 hours
Colombo Street Food Experience
Experience Colombo through its colourful, aromatic, multicultural cuisines on this 3-hour evening walking tour.