13 Days
CLASSIC KERALA
CLASSIC KERALA
DURATION
13 Days
FITNESS LEVEL
Plan smarter, travel better
BEST SEASON
Find your perfect getaway
TOUR TYPE
Guide,Group,Self-Guided
ACCOMODATION
Stay in style
MEAL PLAN
CP / MAPI
LANGUAGE
English, French, German
START CITY
Kochi
END CITY
Kochi
IDEAL SIZE
Expert tips, perfect trips
TRANSPORTATION
Easy and affordable travel
TRIP STAFF
Your travel partners
Leave the world behind and immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of nature in Kerala. Breathe in the rich aroma of spices, listen to the soothing ripple of its backwaters, and witness the vibrant colors that paint every corner of this beautiful land.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Take a cultural tour of Fort Kochi, which includes a visit to St. Francis Church.
- Explore the wildlife and observe birds on a tour of Periyar National Park.
- Embark on a luxury boat cruise through the scenic backwaters of Kerala.
- Experience the daily life of Kerala’s backwaters aboard a traditional rice boat.
- Unwind at a wellness retreat located on the serene shores of the Arabian Sea.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Kochi, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. For over 600 years, Kochi has drawn traders, explorers, and travelers to its shores, becoming home to the first European colonies in colonial India. This rich history has created a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Nowhere else in India will you find such a captivating mix of cultures—giant Chinese fishing nets, a 400-year-old synagogue, and a thriving traditional art scene, including the renowned Kathakali dance performances.
Upon arrival in Kochi, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. For over 600 years, Kochi has drawn traders, explorers, and travelers to its shores, becoming home to the first European colonies in colonial India. This rich history has created a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Nowhere else in India will you find such a captivating mix of cultures—giant Chinese fishing nets, a 400-year-old synagogue, and a thriving traditional art scene, including the renowned Kathakali dance performances.
Upon arrival in Kochi, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. For over 600 years, Kochi has drawn traders, explorers, and travelers to its shores, becoming home to the first European colonies in colonial India. This rich history has created a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Nowhere else in India will you find such a captivating mix of cultures—giant Chinese fishing nets, a 400-year-old synagogue, and a thriving traditional art scene, including the renowned Kathakali dance performances.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Scheduled international flights
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Kathakali Dance Performance in Kochi or Thekkady
- Activities and excursions as detailed
- All accommodation
- 24-hour support while you travel
- Transfers and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
The Cost Excludes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
Upon arrival in Kochi, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. For over 600 years, Kochi has drawn traders, explorers, and travelers to its shores, becoming home to the first European colonies in colonial India. This rich history has created a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Nowhere else in India will you find such a captivating mix of cultures—giant Chinese fishing nets, a 400-year-old synagogue, and a thriving traditional art scene, including the renowned Kathakali dance performances.
Upon arrival in Kochi, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. For over 600 years, Kochi has drawn traders, explorers, and travelers to its shores, becoming home to the first European colonies in colonial India. This rich history has created a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Nowhere else in India will you find such a captivating mix of cultures—giant Chinese fishing nets, a 400-year-old synagogue, and a thriving traditional art scene, including the renowned Kathakali dance performances.
Upon arrival in Kochi, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. For over 600 years, Kochi has drawn traders, explorers, and travelers to its shores, becoming home to the first European colonies in colonial India. This rich history has created a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Nowhere else in India will you find such a captivating mix of cultures—giant Chinese fishing nets, a 400-year-old synagogue, and a thriving traditional art scene, including the renowned Kathakali dance performances.
Day 1 : ARRIVAL TO KOCHI
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be escorted by car to your accommodation in the historic Fort Kochi area. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax and explore at your leisure.
Day 2 : KOCHI
In the morning, your private guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi, where you’ll visit St. Francis Church (the original resting place of Vasco da Gama), Santa Cruz Cathedral, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Dutch Palace. You’ll also explore the vibrant markets and see the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
In the evening, head to the Greenix Theatre to experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a classical dance-drama of Kerala.
Day 3 : KOCHI – THEKKADY
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Thekkady in the Cardamom Hills.
Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and enjoy some leisure time. You may choose to explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve or take a scenic boat trip on Periyar Lake.
Day 4 : THEKKADY – PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK
Begin your day with a walk through Periyar National Park, guided by a tribal expert, where you’ll learn about the local flora, fauna, and birdlife.
You will also have the chance to visit a spice plantation and gain deeper insights into Kerala’s rich heritage.
Day 5 : THEKKADY – KUMARAKOM
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Thekkady before being transferred to Kumarakom, an emerald peninsula renowned for its intricate network of canals and lakes that wind through lush paddy fields. Upon arrival, relax and unwind in the comfort of your accommodation.
Day 6 : KUMARAKOM – VEMBANAD LAKE
After breakfast, embark on a three-night journey aboard the luxurious Oberoi Vrinda. Sail along the main waterway of Vembanad Lake, cruising into the Alleppey canal, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet local fishermen. The boat will anchor for the night on Vembanad Lake, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful sunset and the evening’s entertainment.
Day 7 : VEMBANAD LAKE – BACKWATERS
Today, return to the Alleppey canal, where you’ll transfer to a traditional rice boat to explore the narrower sections of the backwaters. As you cruise, observe traditional life along the water and stop at Karumadi to visit the half-statue of Lord Buddha.
In the evening, return to Vembanad Lake for a delightful dinner followed by a captivating performance.
Day 8 : VEMBANAD LAKE – BACKWATERS
Today, the boat will take you to Chambakulam, where you’ll board another rice boat for an excursion along the smaller backwaters. During the journey, you’ll visit St. Mary’s Church and Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram, a 100-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Chambakulam snake boatyard.
In the evening, return to your mooring spot on Vembanad Lake for dinner.
Day 9 : VEMBANAD LAKE – MARARIKULAM
After breakfast, you’ll sail past Pallathurathy before disembarking for your road transfer to Mararikulam, where you’ll check into your next accommodation.
Day 10 : MARARIKULAM
Spend two days at your leisure in Mararikulam.
Nestled on the shores of the Arabian Sea, the resort is renowned as one of the top Ayurveda and wellness retreats in the world. Take time to relax and rejuvenate in the spa, unwind on the beach, participate in morning yoga sessions, cycle through local villages, and explore nearby temples and bird sanctuaries.
Day 11 & 12 : MARARIKULAM
Today will be a day of leisure.
Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can suggest activities tailored to your interests before your departure.
Day 13 : DEPARTURE
Today, you will be guided to the airport for your onward journey.