South India Escape

Day 1 : Fly to Kochi

Fly overnight to Kochi.

Day 2 : Arrive & Explore

On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 : Kochi

Enjoy a traditional breakfast with a local Indian family before embarking on a city tour of Kochi. Visit the Dutch Fort – which houses collections of costumes, jewellery and portraits of Indian royalty, followed by St. Francis Church, the Santa Cruz Basilica and the Jewish Synagogue. Later, see the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets on the harbour before watching a colourful Kathakali performance.

Day 4 : Journey to Munnar

Drive to Munnar, situated at an altitude of 1,600m. As a former hill station, Munnar is filled with tea plantations, and winding lanes and gardens, making it a popular resort town. Upon arrival, visit a local tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum.

Day 5 : Explore the Munnar Hills

Tour Mattupetty Dam and the surrounding lake area. In the afternoon visit Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in the Western Ghats and Southern India at an altitude of 2,695m. The nearby Eravikulam National Park is home to Asian Elephants, Bengal Tigers and the largest surviving population of the Nilgiri Tahr, also known as the Nilgiri Ibex. It is unique to the Western Ghats as well as Tamil Nadu and the Kerala states. Due to Nilgiri Tahr mating season, the Eravikulam National Park may be closed from February to April. Alternate touring will be easy walking through Munnar hillside areas.

Day 6 : Travel to the Backwaters

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom visiting Kothamangalam town en route. Here you will tour a rubber plantation as well as a coffee and pepper plantation before enjoying lunch with a local family. Continue to Kumarakom, located among the maze of lagoons known as the Kerala Backwaters.

Day 7 : Kerala Backwater Cruise

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary before boarding your overnight houseboat. Relax as you sail the backwaters and discover the tranquil life along the lagoons and lakes. Take in the breathtaking views of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural areas of Kerala.

Day 8 : Relax in Mararikulam

Disembark your houseboat in Alleppey and explore Alleppey town before proceeding to Mararikulam where you will check into your beachside hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free at your leisure to spend by the swimming pool or at the beach.

Day 9 : Discover the Malabar Coast

Visit Kumbalangi Village, where you will learn about traditional fishing techniques using the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, palm thatching and the process of toddy tapping. Enjoy lunch at the village before travelling to Cherthala to learn about coir production. Return to Mararikulam this afternoon.

Day 10 : Marikulam and Kochi

Enjoy a free morning. After a late check-out, you will be transferred back to Kochi for your farewell dinner.

Day 11 : Fly Kochi to UK

Fly to the UK arriving home later the same or following day.

Tour includes:

Prices are fully inclusive from the UK based on London Heathrow departures
Flight Upgrades available on request
Land only from £1,890 (Kochi-Kochi)
Single room option from £790
Tipping paid locally US$55

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