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Overview
Described as “Gods Own Country”, the lush tropics of Kerala is a haven for the mind and body. Whether you are cruising along the canals of Kerala’s backwaters listening to the music of an amazing variety of tropical birds or if you are experiencing an unforgettable, traditional Ayurvedic massage, Kerala is sure to invigorate your soul and revive your senses. Kerala’s history is closely linked with its commerce, which, until recent times, revolved around its spice trade. Celebrated as the Spice Coast of India, ancient Kerala played host to travelers and traders from across the world including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British. The influence of the traders can be appreciated through the delectable cuisine of Kerala which will tempt your palette as you are enticed by the aromatic scents of the incredible assortment of the famous dishes of Kerala. This journey to Kerala is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the serenity of this coastal paradise while at the same time be intrigued and entertained by the experiences available to you.
Tour Highlights
- This unique journey begins in Kochi, otherwise known as Cochin, a major city in South India which borders on the Arabian Sea.
- Take a tour through Cochin which offers a chance to stroll through the quaint city where you will see daily life in this tropical part of India.
- Visit a tea plantation in Munnar where we learn about the cultural, historical, and economic significance of tea in South India.
- Embark on an exciting voyage aboard the famous houseboats of Kerala where we spend the night gazing at the stars as we float along the backwaters of this incredible land. This journey to Kerala is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the serenity of this coastal paradise while at the same time be intrigued and entertained by the experiences available to you.
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Fly to Kochi
After breakfast transfer to domestic airport to board your flight for Kochi. Upon arrival our representative will greet you at Kochi Airport and then transfer to the hotel.
Cochin the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. A root-conscious people of Kerala have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.
Cochin Sightseeing – Paradesi Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried.
By Evening, enjoy Greenix Show which is a kaleidoscope of Indian classical art forms and martial arts. Showcasing quintessentially magnificent vignettes of Kerala’s rich cultural traditions, Kaleidoscope Kerala is essentially an exclusive, uniquely choreographed repertoire of live classical dance and music performed in a heritage theatre with legendary ritualistic folk invocations and martial arts. It is a medley of many authentic dances of Kerala, especially the sheer splendor of a magical rendezvous with the languid, mellifluously lyrical and graceful Mohiniattam, dance of the enchantress – exquisitely devotional for some, sublimely sensual for others; the rigorously codified majestic spectacle of Kathakali, Kerala’s trademark dance drama instantly recognizable for its dazzling regalia and trance-inducing rhythms, the stunningly totemic and surreally oracular manifestation of the divine in the folk tradition of Theyyam, among a breathtaking mélange of inimitable performing art forms accompanied by soul-stirring ensembles of pristine musical genres, dominated by the mesmerizing roll of the ‘demonic’ drum, chenda.”Return to your hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Fragrant Nature KochiFragrant Nature Kochi
Bazaar Rd, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682001, Indiahttp://www.fragrantnature.com/HotelsKochi+91 484 221 3600Fort Kochi. Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cradle of the ancient Spice Route. Sanctuary for seafarers and adventurers. Start your day by walking down the streets of history. Explore the eateries, taste their eclectic cuisine. Survey the emporiums and antique markets. Ponder the mechanism of the Chinese Fishing nets. Blend with the dynamics of the spice markets. Listen to the multilingual rhythms of a cosmopolitan conversation. Photograph colonial-era buildings. Let your soul go supine in historic churches, synagogues and grottos.
Fragrant Nature, Kochi—a boutique 5 star hotel—features contemporary styled rooms with magnificent views of the harbour. Located in the erstwhile office of East India Company, the majestic facade with a clock tower is a landmark. The hotel features period trompe-l’œil art work by two popular English artists in the lobby—emphasising importance of art element in the boutique design. Loose yourself to the breathtaking luxury, underlined by world-class hospitality and service. Explore a range of cuisines at the famed specialty restaurant—a dining experience conjured with choicest flavours. Watch your stress and little niggles seep away with the luxuriant Ayurvedic massages at the state-of-the-art Spa—its leading highlight.
It’s more than superlatives. It’s more than what you see. It’s about you. Simply be you.
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Day 2:
Kochi
After breakfast proceed to visit Kumbalangi, a village located outside Cochin and is identified as the first model fisheries village in India. On arrival at the village board a country boat to reach mainland and you can see the village folk engaged in different activities for their livelihood, may be a woman in her village provision shop, a farmer in his paddy field, a fisherman spreading his net, a kid with a fishing net ….it goes on. Later enjoy a sumptuous lunch which will tickle your taste buds. After lunch take a ‘tuk-tuk’ ride through the narrow country roads and you will be dropped to the car parking point.
After lunch drive back to hotel & free for independent activities & shopping.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Fragrant Nature KochiFragrant Nature Kochi
Bazaar Rd, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682001, Indiahttp://www.fragrantnature.com/HotelsKochi+91 484 221 3600Fort Kochi. Queen of the Arabian Sea. Cradle of the ancient Spice Route. Sanctuary for seafarers and adventurers. Start your day by walking down the streets of history. Explore the eateries, taste their eclectic cuisine. Survey the emporiums and antique markets. Ponder the mechanism of the Chinese Fishing nets. Blend with the dynamics of the spice markets. Listen to the multilingual rhythms of a cosmopolitan conversation. Photograph colonial-era buildings. Let your soul go supine in historic churches, synagogues and grottos.
Fragrant Nature, Kochi—a boutique 5 star hotel—features contemporary styled rooms with magnificent views of the harbour. Located in the erstwhile office of East India Company, the majestic facade with a clock tower is a landmark. The hotel features period trompe-l’œil art work by two popular English artists in the lobby—emphasising importance of art element in the boutique design. Loose yourself to the breathtaking luxury, underlined by world-class hospitality and service. Explore a range of cuisines at the famed specialty restaurant—a dining experience conjured with choicest flavours. Watch your stress and little niggles seep away with the luxuriant Ayurvedic massages at the state-of-the-art Spa—its leading highlight.
It’s more than superlatives. It’s more than what you see. It’s about you. Simply be you.
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Day 3:
Kochi – Munnar
After breakfast drive to Munnar, the place where the unfolded green carpet is waiting for you. Munnar is breathtakingly beautiful, a haven of peace and tranquility – the idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country. Munnar is the gateway of Hills in South India. Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days On the way you can also watch the adorable waterfalls in Cheeyappara. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Relax for a while amidst the comforts of your room. Explore rest of the day along with the nature. Overnight stay at the Hotel/Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Fragrant Nature MunnarFragrant Nature Munnar
Bison Valley - Pooppara Rd, Pothemmedu, Munnar, Kerala 685612, Indiahttps://www.fragrantnature.com/HotelsMunnar+91-4868-257-800Experience highlands
The shrill whistle of a bird. Somewhere, a window opens. Voila! A stunning view of mist-clad mountains. Feel the chill of the magnificent heights. Drink in the crisp air. Hug your woolens tight. Watch the sun idle on the sweeping meadows. Gently calling you outdoors. Time to set your inner compass. Hike through the breathtaking scenery. Caress the dew-scaled tea-leaves. Engage in silent conversation with a timid Nilgiri Tahr. Witness the Neelakurinji bloom. Draw deep on the fragrance of nature. Discover your soul.
Fragrant Nature—a luxury 5-star hotel with the finest vantage views of the verdant mountains—is situated in a choice location of Munnar. Lose yourself to the postcard scenery, underlined by world-class hospitality and service. Fragrant Nature Munnar is styled similar to local planter bungalows with cozy fireplaces in every room. Our All-day dining restaurant showcases the best of North/South Indian & Arab delicacies with the choicest ingredients and exotic pairing. Watch your stress and little worries seep away with the luxuriant Ayurvedic spa massages at the state-of-the-art Spa—its leading highlight.
It’s more than superlatives. It’s more than what you see. It’s about you. Be you.
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Day 4:
Munnar
After the breakfast proceed for a morning sightseeing trip of Munnar; visiting the Eravikulam National Park where you can see the very rare mountain goats locally called the Nilgiri Tahr, as well Tata Tea Museum. Proceed to Mattupetty Dam site and Kundala which offers many alluring sights to relish. Kundala is a picturesque town located at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Stop by to see the colourful flowers in Blossom Garden. Overnight stay at the Hotel/Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Devonshire Greens Leisure HotelDevonshire Greens Leisure Hotel
Attukad Waterfall Road, Pallivasal P.O,, Munnar, Kerala 685612, Indiahttp://devonshiregreens.com/+91 85920 01044Welcome to Devonshire greens, a Premium luxury resort in Munnar that makes your holiday the most memorable among the best resorts in Munnar. Perched on the edges of mountains with scintillating view of relentless tea plantations and rich flora and Fauna, this mesmerizing holiday resort in Munnar enchants the tourists by its visually appealing sights.
Nestled in silence, enriching harmony in tune with nature with a variety of trees and birds, the resort occupies major tourist attractions. Offering stunning views along with unrivaled services and excellent food, Devonshire is exceptionally counted as the best among resorts in Munnar.
Devonshire greens resort Munnar, one of the top resorts in Munnar, makes your holiday in Munnar the most memorable. Devonshire Greens resort, a premium luxury resorts in Munnar is exceptionally counted as the best among resorts and hotels in Munnar.
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Day 5:
Munnar – Thekkady (Periyar)
After the breakfast proceed to Thekkady which offers diverse attractions like Wildlife Sanctuary, Hill Station and Spice Plantation. Natures own little hideout nestled in the hills of Thekkady.
Afternoon proceed to the attractive Wild life Sanctuary. The place where you go for a Wildlife cruise to view a large variety of wildlife like Wild Elephants, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar Deer, Wild Bison, Wild Boar etc, and quite a lot of unique birds can also be spotted. Evening visit Spice plantation & drive back to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Greenwoods ResortGreenwoods Resort
K.K .Road, Kumily, Thekkady, Kumily, 685509, Indiahttps://www.greenwoods.in/+91 94465 74383Greenwoods is a luxury nature resort in Kerala located in Thekkady. Plan your visit to the verdant locale surrounded by dense forests and be settled comfortably in this premier Thekkady resort. Trek through the spice plantations, hill slopes and explore the naturally-endowed location. Wake up to the melody of birds, walk through the green orchards and enjoy discovering the serene, pure and unpolluted environs of Thekkady. Settle comfortably in Greenwoods, the premier 5-star resort in Kerala, plan your nature explorations and transform your visit to the green country as an exhilarating experience.
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Day 6:
Thekkady – Alleppey (Back Water Cruise on Houseboat)
After the breakfast proceed Alleppey boat Jetty to board the beautifully decorated houseboat and begin the enchanting backwater cruising. The backwaters of Kerala is a unique product of Kerala and is found no where else in the world. A glide in a “Kettuvallam” (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters is sure to rob your heart. You’re in a watery universe, so quiet, even you can hear your own blood pumping around your head. Sparkling greens, emerald backwaters, coir-laden houseboats and magical beauty heals your mind and body as you travel to surreal Kerala. Overnight stay in the Houseboat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Lakes And LagoonsLakes And Lagoons
Near Pallathuruthy Bridge, Kochupalam Road, Pallathuruthy, Alappuzha, Kerala 688003, Indiahttp://lakeslagoons.com/index.php+91 477 226 6842Lakes & Lagoons is the first & only ISO 9001 – 2015 certified Houseboat Tour Company in kerala. With a fleet of more than 25 luxury Houseboat, Lakes & Lagoons offer the best backwater cruise journeys. Situated in Alleppey – A real natural treasure house, visually splendid with the blue of the lake & the green of the palms & vegetation, active with the aquatic life & local villages engaged in everyday errands.
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Day 7:
Alleppey – Kochi – Delhi
Dis-embark from the house boat and then we will begin 2 hour drive to Kochi airport to board your flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport you are met by our local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Novotel New Delhi AerocityNovotel New Delhi Aerocity
Asset No 02 Gmr Hospitality District, Igi Airport New Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, Indiahttps://all.accor.com/hotel/7560/index.en.shtml+91-11-4608-0808The hotel is located adjacent to both international & domestic airport terminals and is well connected through the Airport Express Line, just 5 minutes away. The Novotel New Delhi Aerocity is near the business hubs of Gurgaon, New Delhi, and Cyber City. It is also located close to Delhi’s shopping malls, including DLF Promenade, Emporio, and Worldmark. A big complex of 670 rooms, Novotel and Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, is a preferred destination for both business & leisure travelers.
Novotel New Delhi Aerocity has Food Exchange, a Multi-Cuisine Buffet restaurant offering an exceptional culinary experience comprising Indian, Asian and European flavors coupled with an impeccable ambiance. Further, Quoin is a 24×7 Sports Bar. The ballroom and meeting spaces at Novotel and Pullman New Delhi Aerocity are known for Car launches, Product launches, Medical Seminars, Expos, and Exhibitions. Being one of the biggest ballrooms in Delhi NCR, it provides bespoke MICE offerings.
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Day 8:
Delhi – Home
In time you are met by an Explore India representative and transferred to international airport for your onward journey.
What’s included
- Accommodation as per the program in one double room
- Daily breakfast and dinner throughout the program plus 1 lunch
- Meet and assist along with escorted transfers
- Premium houseboat backwater cruise in Alleppey with full board
- Air Conditioned chauffeured driven vehicle
- Services of an Explore India experienced tour guides
- Kathakali dance show at Cochin
- Kumabalangi local Village visit with lunch
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Bottled water during sightseeing tours and all long drives.
What’s excluded
- Personal expenses, laundry, bar bills, phone bills, etc.
- Any other sightseeing other than mentioned in the program
- Services other than in our inclusion
- Gratuities
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Recent Reviews
We want to let you know what a fabulous trip to India we had this past September. It was much more than we expected in every way! India is such a beautiful, interesting country and we hope to see more of it some day. I wanted to let you know how wonderful our guide Rajeev Sharma is. He went out of his way to accommodate all of us His knowledge of his country and his English were excellent. He is the best guide we've ever had in all our group travels. He's a real treasure for your company. It was nice to meet you in New Delhi and everyone appreciated you taking the time to do that You are a good representative for Explore India which we think is an outstanding travel company. Many thanks for your service to us and the wonderful, memorable holiday in India!
Margo & Peter Yee
Vancouver, Canada
I wanted to express our feelings and reactions to the recent trip to India. We thank you for the extraordinary efforts you made to give us a truly memorable experience. I had reservations about an organized group activity, since we have done a fair amount of travel, but usually on our own. My main objections to such a trip were: we would not have time to explore individually, and we would be stuck if we did not enjoy the journey. Let me say that neither situation developed. Our excellent guide for the majority of the trip gave us clear information on the sites of interest and allowed some time for personal exploration. Moreover, the experiences we encountered were so diversified, that even if a person chose not to be included in one aspect, he was presented with a wonderful alternative. What comes to mind here, is especially the evening dinner at a palace , or an evening of cooking instruction in Indian food. Even our flight to India was flexible, allowing for a personal extended week in Germany. The hotels and food were amazing, accommodating all types of needs, even vegan. City visits were exciting with rickshaw transportation, shopping, a visit to the famous slums of Mumbai and to Mother Teresa's Mission. Entertainment varied from watching distinctive dances to elephant and camel rides. And let's not forget the historic world heritage sites, especially the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. It took my breath away. This was the best-organized, most interesting trip imaginable.
Tim & Ilona Salley
Toronto, Canada
Dear Nazir, We had a wonderful trip and were very pleased with the quality of the tour. The staff was very professional and friendly. We really appreciated the friendliness and great care your clients received. We have already recommended your company to others and hope to return to India again. The highlights for us were the safari and visiting the Taj Mahal. One suggestion I have is to suggest clients bring candies or small gifts (pencils, pins etc.) or a book to give to the children in the villages. We have so many fond memories and new friendships from our voyage. I hope to use your services again soon. Namaste
Edward and Patrice Campagnaro
Summerland, Canada
I would not describe the past two weeks as a vacation, but rather an amazing adventure in your beautiful country. The people were extremely friendly, the food was wonderful and it will difficult, if not impossible to describe to our friends and family the sounds, smells and sites that made this trip such a success. It must be said that Jazur's knowledge and efficiency contributed significantly to the success of the trip in every respect, he was a first class guide - a real "keeper!". If the minor communication problem was the only issue, then I would consider the organization first class .The complexities associated with this venture must be enormous. One minor glitch shows you can't be super-human all the time. In conclusion, many thanks for a truly great adventure. We will certainly recommend your services to friends and family.
P & J Taggart
Vancouver, Canada
Dear Nazir, I wanted to let you know what a wonderful experience I had on our Explore India, Journey of the Senses tour, which began on Oct. 17. From the time we arrived in New Delhi until we left from Mumbai 2 weeks later I felt safe and even, pampered. All the hotels, transportation and food were of 5 star quality. I will remember the Taj Mahal chain of hotels, in particular, for their luxurious surroundings and amazing meals! Of course, the elephant and camel rides in the dessert, followed by specially prepared meals just for us were highlights, as well as our visits to a random village, a primary school, the Taj Mahal, the Ganges, a slum in Mumbai. The list goes on and on. I want to devote the next part of my email to writing about Shyaam Singh, our guide. He was a remarkable guide! He had extensive knowledge about every location we visited and he always shared his knowledge with respect and passion. He was able to answer all our questions, no matter how complex or trivial the questions were. Not only did he have a vast knowledge of history, but he also had a vast knowledge of present day India, from the local people and their customs and religions to geography to politics. He was always willing to answer any personal questions we asked him about his family and his life in general. We were all thankful that Shyaam discreetly made all arrangements for us so that everything ran smoothly. Shyaam was always able to organize our group and keep us on time for all our outings. We know he did a lot of work behind the scenes, remaining calm and controlled at all times. We all enjoyed Shyaam’s warmth and sense of humour. He was not only a remarkable guide, but a remarkable human being. He made our trip memorable and successful. I know that all the venues were selected by you, all the hotels, meals and travel arrangements were planned by you, but, your choice of Shyaam to be our guide made our tour truly wonderful. We all came to realize that a really good guide is integral to the success of a trip such as ours. Thanks again, Nazir, for a wonderful experience I will never forget.
Liz Nixon
Coldstream, BC. Canada
Dear Nazir, Thank you so much for your note. We had a wonderful time in India, and cannot say enough good things about our guide, Jishoy, and his team. Our driver Aneesh and his helper were incredibly competent, in the traffic jams, the winding roads, the wild traffic, and even fixed a puncture on a very narrow mountain road, with road construction going on all around. We felt very safe and well looked after during the entire trip. Jishoy was extremely well informed about India....the history and the culture, and shared stories about many aspects of Indian life. He was always kind, and very patient with us, and with everyone with whom we had contact. He also has a great sense of humour, and I think many of us would have liked to take him home with us😊. Everything went very smoothly and without any bumps...except for the bumps on the Indian roads:) I really loved your country. If I had any suggestions to make, it would be to stay longer in some of the areas......perhaps 2 nights in each stop, or even three. However, we would not have been able to cover the area we did, if we hadn't moved along as quickly, so I don't know what the answer to that challenge might be. Thank you to everyone who put this trip together, and again great tributes to our leader, Jish, who did everything in his power to make it a very special event for all of us. Sincerely yours, Margaret
Margaret MacKenzie
Salt Spring island BC, Canada
My mother and I wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for a wonderful and memorable trip to India. It was so beautifully planned – it is very clear you have put much thought and preparation into these trips. Rajeev was an excellent escort – he was very attentive and saw to our every need. He made a big fuzz over Mom for her birthday – which she said she didn’t want but I think secretly enjoyed!! In addition, he was such a comfort and help to poor Carol, who unfortunately had a medical emergency. The service was above and beyond, in every way! I would highly recommend Explore India to anyone looking for a well run, quality tour in India. We loved every minute of it!
Carolyn Kilbourne
Toronto, Canada
I was talking to my husband again about the trip and the two of us agreed that it was a very well-organized trip and excellent value for money . . . above expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend the trip to others. I celebrated my birthday in Agra and it was so lovely. There was a cake and Explore India even gave me a beautiful gift of a shawl! Thanks so much.
Eleanor Stadnyk
Delta, Canada
This is a quick e-mail to let you know how much my husband and I enjoyed our tour in India. Everything worked like clockwork. We were very well taken care of from start to finish. The guides were very informative. We loved our experience in India. Thank you again.
Sylvia Roscoe
Coquitlam, Canada
Thanks for your note. We had a wonderful time with Ravi and a real nice bunch of fellow travellers who all became friends. Ravi's knowledge base and teaching background really made it perfect for me I am nearly impossible to information overload. We were very impressed with the details and attention provided to even the smallest things, like the return trip to the airport, someone loading us on the bus, driven to airport then someone there making sure we got the 60 feet to security, very comforting and part of the Explore India service we will point out to our friends as we talk about our trip. The hotels were all superior quality and the destinations were well selected. There is likely no way to reduce the hours on the bus with the current itinerary, it may have seen a bit much at the time, but there is no real alternative in order to get to the selected destination, having been back for a day I actually enjoyed seeing the landscape. If you have anyone asking for a previous travellers recommendation you are absolutely free to give them my cell number, I promise I will give you a 100% positive recommendation. From start to finish this was a first class operation and we found it to be super value for money. Torben
Torben & Nancy Angelo
Calgary, AB
Check & Compare
You can read hundreds of online reviews of destinations and hotels, but with our up-to-date first-hand knowledge, we will be able to compare and contrast different options and ensure we find something that is just right for you.
You will travel to India like a member of our own family. Our deep love and passion for India and its people, we are a family owned and operated luxury travel company.
Planning a trip needs careful care and attention to detail and that is where Explore India comes in with the passion to make every tour a hassle-free and memorable one for each of our guests.
Be sure to take notice of our standard of accommodation, the specialized sightseeing trips, the seamless flow of the itinerary, the comfort of the coach you will travel in, the customized dining experiences, and much more.
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No company is big or small when you have 100% capability of exceeding guest expectations. A rating of 10 out of 10 does not adequately reflect the level of the experience and value of the tour that we provide to India especially for the first time visitors. Explore India’s success can be traced all the way back to those early days of learning what it means to be a host and to this day, our motto is to treat the guest like a member of the family. A sure testimonial to the business, given the fact that many Canadians have travelled not one, not twice, but three times with Explore India, the early teachings seem to have paid off, as touring to India with us is a sought-after experience in Canada and beyond.