Flying time: 11-14 hours indirect with Qatar or Emirates
Time difference: GMT+5.5 hours
Visa: A visa is required for visitors with a British passport, this must be obtained before arrival.
Currency: Indian Rupee
Best time to visit: From October to April is the best time to visit this particular part of India. After this period the monsoon season begins bringing high rainfall, increased temperatures and humidity.
Kerala
2 nights – Kochi (Cochin)
2 nights – Munnar
2 nights – Thekkady (Periyar)
1 night – Alleppey (Houseboat)
2 nights – Kumarakom
Kochi (Cochin)- 2 Nights
You will arrive into Kochi in the early hours, you will be
transferred to your hotel for the first day at leisure. In the evening you could go for a cruise in the harbour. The next morning you will head out for a walking tour of Fort Kochin taking in sights such as the Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets and the Dutch Palace. In the early evening you could also experience a cycle tour of Cochin with experts, this gives you a real insight as to how the locals live their every day lives.
Munnar- 2 Nights
You will then head inland, the journey from Kochi takes around 5 hours with stops on route. The journey is well worth it once you arrive into the hills that sit 1600 metres above sea level. It is surrounded by beautiful tea plantations, one of which you will be visiting to learn more and pick your own tea.
Thekaddy (Periyar)- 2 Nights
Travel south to experience Kerala’s incredible natural landscapes as well as its wildlife. On the way you will stop at a spice plantation to learn about the use of spice in Keralan cuisine and sit down to lunch with a local family. The next morning begins with the chance to take a soft trek along some of the national parks nature trails that cross a diverse range of habitats, you’ll be accompanied by a trained tribal guide who’ll point out various bird and wildlife species. Around 35 tigers reside in this particular national park, you could also spot elephant, wild boar and more.
Alleppey (Houseboat) – 1 Night
The highlight of any trip to Kerala is cruising along the famous backwaters on a houseboat. After boarding, you will wind your way through the maze of waterways and enjoy this truly relaxing way to travel. After 1 night your houseboat cruise comes to an end. You will then disembark and transfer to the shores of the beautiful Lake Vembanad by boat for your final 2 nights.
Kumarakom – 2 Nights
It is now time for some relaxation after experiencing the beauty of Kerala. Kumarakom is a lake side resort, the region is known for its local family-run homestays. You can join a tranquil sunset cruise on the lake before returning to the hotel for dinner, you will also have the opportunity to join a bird-watching tour. Whilst here you must visit the spa to experience the local Ayurvedic spa treatments.
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