Kerala Explorer

Welcome to India! We’re delighted to have you with us.
When you arrive in Cochin late at night, our friendly representative will greet you and help you with your luggage. They’ll escort you to your car and ensure you’re comfortable.
At the hotel, while your room keys are being prepared, our representative will give you a brief introduction to your tour and provide you with all the necessary documents. Enjoy your stay at The Trident hotel for this night!

Overnight at The Trident – a 5* Oberoi Group Hotel (Superior Room) (No Meals)

Good morning! After a delicious breakfast, get ready for an exciting day in Cochin.
We’ll start with a guided tour of the historic Fort Cochin area, where the city’s true character shines. This part of town has remained much the same for a thousand years, with narrow roads and charming old buildings. You’ll see an interesting mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and English influences blended with the tropical Malabar Coast vibe.
We’ll visit the fascinating fishing community and watch the unique Chinese Fishing Nets in action. These ancient cantilevered nets are lowered and lifted with long bamboo poles using a simple but effective mechanism.
Next, we’ll explore the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. This beautiful building surrounds a courtyard with a Hindu temple and features stunning murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and other legends. You’ll also see the coronation hall and various royal artifacts.
We’ll then stroll through Jew Town, known for its rich spice trade. The narrow streets are filled with the aromas of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, and cloves. This area is bustling with activity as spices are loaded onto carts.
In the evening, enjoy a special treat with a Kathakali dance performance. These all-male dancers, with their elaborate makeup, masks, and costumes, will bring episodes from great Indian epics to life with their powerful and stylized gestures.
You’ll spend the night at The Trident, a 5-star Oberoi Group Hotel, in a Superior Room. Have a restful night!

Overnight at The Trident – a 5* Oberoi Group Hotel (Superior Room) (B)

Good morning! After breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Periyar, passing through the lush Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. The journey will take about 3 hours and covers 180 kilometers.
Upon arrival, we’ll check into the lovely Poetree Sarovar Portico.
Our first adventure in Periyar is exploring the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India’s 16 Project Tiger Reserves. This sanctuary, established over a century ago, includes a 55 sq km reservoir and surrounding protected forests, making it one of the world’s most impressive wildlife sanctuaries.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the major spice plantations in Kerala. You’ll find a variety of spices like pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, and curry leaves. Walking through the plantation is a treat for the senses, with the fragrant air and vibrant scenery.
We’ll also stop by the Sahyadri Organic Tea Factory in Peermade. This recent venture allows you to see the tea production process from specially designed vantage points.
You can enjoy nature walks, bird watching, and sampling different spices. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh tea and spices to take home!
We’ll spend the night at the Poetree Sarovar Portico in a Club Room. Rest well and get ready for more adventures tomorrow!

Overnight at Poetree Sarovar Portico (Club Room) (B)

Rise and shine! Today is going to be an adventure-packed day in the heart of Periyar. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we’ll head out for a short trek into the forest. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of birds like darters, cormorants, kingfishers, and the impressive great hornbills. You might also spot monitor lizards sunbathing on the rocks by the lake. If you’re lucky, you could see some of the forest’s more elusive inhabitants like pythons, king cobras, flying lizards, flying squirrels, flying snakes, and even flying frogs!
Next, we’ll visit some fascinating tribal villages nearby, home to the Manan and Oorali tribes. The Manans are skilled fishermen and some still collect honey from large hill bees, a risky but traditional practice. The Ooralis build tree dwellings that serve as watchtowers to protect their crops from wild pigs and elephants.
After our trek, we’ll board bamboo rafts for an exciting rafting experience through the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This three-hour adventure offers stunning views of the forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Keep an eye out for animals like elephants, gaur, and sambar along the water’s edge.
We’ll head back to the boat landing by about 5 pm, accompanied by an armed guard and guides. Tea, snacks, and a packed lunch will be provided along the way.
We’ll spend another night at the Poetree Sarovar Portico in a cozy Club Room. Have a restful night and get ready for more fun tomorrow!

Overnight at Poetree Sarovar Portico (Club Room) (B)

Good morning! Today, we’re off to the enchanting Cardamom House. After breakfast, we’ll begin our scenic 4-hour drive covering 200 kilometers to reach this beautiful retreat nestled in the Western Ghats.
Cardamom House is perched on a hillside overlooking a stunning 400-acre lake, which fills during the monsoon season. Owned and managed by Dr. Chris Lucas, a retired English physician, the house boasts a dedicated team of six Indian staff members who ensure every guest feels pampered.
Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your comfortable room, which features either twin or double beds, modern western-style en-suite bathrooms with solar-heated hot water, and potable water from deep bore wells. With a staff-to-guest ratio of one to two, you can expect personalized attention and top-notch service throughout your stay.
Meals at Cardamom House are a delightful experience, prepared with the freshest produce sourced daily from local markets. The variety of delicious dishes served will surely be a highlight of your visit.
Enjoy your overnight stay at Cardamom House. Rest well and get ready for more adventures tomorrow!

Overnight at Cardamom House (Twin Bedded A/C) (B)

Good morning! Today is all about enjoying the serene beauty and traditional charm of Athoor village. After a delightful breakfast at Cardamom House, we encourage you to take a leisurely stroll through this picturesque village that seems frozen in time.

Wander at your own pace, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and observing rural life as it unfolds around you. You’ll pass a Hindu Temple nestled under a majestic Banyan tree, offering a glimpse into the spiritual heart of the village.

As you continue your walk, you’ll see lush banna plantations, vibrant fields of chili and groundnuts, and endless rows of coconut trees. The villagers, whose lives revolve around agriculture, are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Some of the staff at Cardamom House are from Athoor and will be happy to introduce you to the locals and assist with the Tamil language.
Athoor is truly an unspoiled gem, offering a unique window into traditional Indian village life. Take your time to soak it all in and enjoy this authentic experience.
You’ll spend another night at the comfortable Cardamom House. Enjoy the tranquility and get ready for another great day tomorrow!

Overnight at Cardamom House (Twin Bedded A/C) (B)

Good morning! Today, we’re heading to the beautiful hill station of Munnar. After a delicious breakfast at Cardamom House, we’ll embark on a scenic 3-hour drive through the vibrant Cardamom Hills, covering 140 kilometers.
Along the way, we’ll make a few stops to interact with the locals and walk through the countryside, giving you a chance to explore traditional and ethnic lifestyles. The journey takes us through extensive tea and spice plantations, filling the air with delightful fragrances.
Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats, is a nature lover’s paradise with its lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates. It’s beautifully situated at the confluence of three rivers: Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala, and is a major center for Kerala’s tea industry.
We’ll have two days to leisurely explore the untouched beauty of Munnar at our own pace. Nearby, Anaimudi, the highest peak in southern India at 2,694 meters, offers incredible views. Enjoy nature walks and visit nearby tribal villages, where the friendly locals will charm you with their traditional homes and lifestyles. The surrounding forests are rich in wildlife, including the rare Nilgiri tahr mountain goats, elephants, tigers, deer, and bison. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of species supported by the evergreen vegetation.
For those seeking peace, a connection with nature, and an immersive journey through a living museum, Munnar offers it all in a heavenly setting.
Tonight, we’ll stay at the Spice Tree Resort in a Classic Room with a Jacuzzi. Relax and enjoy the tranquility of this stunning location.

Overnight at Spice Tree Resort (Classic Room With Jacuzzi) (B)

Good morning! Today, we have an exciting day ahead as we explore the enchanting town of Munnar. After a delightful breakfast at Spice Tree Resort, we’ll set out on a tour of the area, discovering its major highlights.

1. Mattupetty Dam: Our first stop is the picturesque Mattupetty Dam, a must-visit spot in Munnar. Surrounded by lush greenery and offering magnificent views, the dam’s crystal-clear waters are truly mesmerizing. Take a cruise on the reservoir for an exhilarating experience, with occasional sightings of elephants, gaur, and sambar adding to the excitement.
2. Eravikulam National Park: Next, we’ll explore the breathtaking Eravikulam National Park, spread across 97 square kilometers of high rolling plateau. Home to the largest population of endangered Nilgiri Tahrs, as well as a variety of other wildlife and over 120 species of birds, the park is a nature lover’s paradise. It also offers fantastic trekking opportunities and other adventure activities.
3. Tea Museum: Our journey continues with a visit to the Tea Museum, inaugurated by Tata Tea to preserve the history of tea plantation in India. Marvel at exclusive artifacts like the ‘Pelton Wheel’ used in power generation, the original tea roller, and an ancient rail engine wheel. The museum is a tribute to the unsung heroes who made Munnar a major tea plantation center in Kerala.
4. Top Station: Prepare to be amazed at Top Station, the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Western Ghats and the valley of Theni district. If you’ve ever dreamt of touching the clouds, this is the place to be.
5. Echo Point: Our last stop is Echo Point, located 13 kilometers from Munnar town. Let your voice echo across the lush mountainsides as you take in the breathtaking scenery. Trekking and nature walks are popular activities here, offering a chance to connect with nature.

After a day filled with adventure and exploration, we’ll return to the comfort of Spice Tree Resort for another relaxing night in a Classic Room with a Jacuzzi. Rest well and get ready for more memorable experiences tomorrow!

Overnight at Spice Tree Resort (Classic Room With Jacuzzi) (B)

Good morning! Today marks the beginning of a serene journey to Kumarakom. After enjoying a delightful breakfast at Spice Tree Resort, we’ll embark on a scenic 3-hour drive covering 157 kilometers to reach our destination.

Upon arrival in Kumarakom, we’ll check into the beautiful Lake Song Resort, where tranquility awaits. Settle into your Punnamada Room and take in the serene surroundings.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, indulging in whatever activities your heart desires. Whether you choose to relax by the lake, explore the resort’s amenities, or venture out to discover the charms of Kumarakom, the day is yours to savor.

Tonight, immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of Lake Song Resort as you unwind and recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

Enjoy your overnight stay in the Punnamada Room, and get ready for more memorable experiences tomorrow!

Overnight at Lake Song Resort (Punnamada Room) (B)

Good morning! Today is all about relaxation and exploration in Kumarakom. After breakfast at Lake Song Resort, the day is yours to enjoy as you please.

You can unwind by the lake, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or indulge in an optional Ayurvedic body massage at the resort for rejuvenation.

For those seeking adventure, explore tribal villages, visit the water bird sanctuary, or take a serene ride through backwater channels.

As the day winds down, reflect on your experiences and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of Lake Song Resort.

Enjoy your overnight stay, and get ready for more unforgettable moments tomorrow!

Overnight at Lake Song Resort (Punnamada Room) (B)

Good morning! Today, we bid farewell to Lake Song Resort and embark on a memorable journey aboard our houseboat.

Crafted from eco-friendly materials like bamboo and coconut fiber, the houseboat offers all comforts, including beds, a kitchen, and western toilets. Get ready to savor traditional Kerala cuisine, featuring local delights like fresh fish and prawns.

As we cruise through the tranquil backwaters, passing remote villages and coir-making communities, each moment is filled with wonder. Encounter friendly villagers, toddy shops, and fishermen casting their nets.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of rural life, experiencing the untouched beauty of Kerala’s countryside.

Tonight, we’ll spend the night on the Spice Coast Cruise, drifting along in our cozy Single Cabin Houseboat, dining under the stars.

Overnight on the houseboat with meals included.

Overnight Spice Coast Cruise (Single Cabin Houseboat) (B, L &D)

After a leisurely breakfast onboard our houseboat, it’s time to bid farewell to the serene backwaters of Alleppey.

We’ll disembark at Alleppey and transfer directly to the airport in Cochin for your onward flight.

As our journey comes to an end, we hope you take with you cherished memories of Kerala’s breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality.

Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

NO HOTEL QUOTED FOR THIS DAY (B)