Back water, Kumarakom

Luxury Kerala Experience with CGH Earth

Tour Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Private Tour
Experience Kerala's backwaters, Spice plantations, beaches, history and cuisine, with CGH Earth's. We welcome you in a traditional Kerala style and begin our journey of Kerala experiences. Witnessing the mythological depiction by Kathakali dancers is first to begin with and is spell bounding. We further cruise through Cochin harbor and share a jovial moment on the boat. Enthralling walk through the jungle and a boat ride in Thekkady will grip all your senses. You will jaunt your way through beautiful spice plantations which tops the list of attractions in a lush green Kerala. Alleppey famously known for its backwaters, you get to sail through an air-conditioned deluxe houseboat with a chef onboard serving you wholly. Your holiday wraps up at Marari Beach. 
Book Online

Tour Highlights

This journey through God’s Own Country, where you experience the best that Kerala has to offer. You begin with a trip down history, exploring the heritage town of Fort Kochi. Followed by a rendezvous with nature’s wonders in Thekkady, a serene backwaters experience in Kumarakom, an exclusive Houseboat cruise and signing off with sun and sands on the beaches of Mararikulam. A lifetime of unforgettable experiences awaits.

Tour Itinerary at Glance

Day 1: Arrive Cochin
Day 2: Cochin
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 3: Cochin/ Thekkady (Drive: 195 Km/ 5 Hours)
  • Breakfast
Day 4: Thekkady
  • Breakfast
Day 5: Thekkady / Kumarakom (Drive 140 Kms / 4.5 Hrs)
  • Breakfast
Day 6: Kumarakom
  • Breakfast
Day 7: Kumarakom/ Alleppey (Backwater Cruise)
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 8: Alleppey/ Marari (Drive: 35 Km/ around 40-45 Minutes)
  • Breakfast
Day 9: Marari
  • Breakfast
Day 10: Marari
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 11: Marari/ Cochin (Drive: 80 Km/ 02 Hours) & Cochin/ Onward Destination
  • Breakfast
  • - Breakfast
  • - Lunch
  • - Dinner

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance

  1. Whats included in this tour
    • All sightseeing and transfers by Air-conditioned transportation
    • Hotels as mentioned or similar
    • Entrances fees
    • Harbor Cruise in Cochin
    • Kathakali Dance performance -Cochin
    • Boat Ride at Lake Periyar –Thekkady
    • Spice Plantation tour- Thekkady
    • One bottle of Indian wine as welcome gift 
    • All currently applicable taxes, including GST @ 5%
    • Services of English-Speaking escort throughout the tour for sightseeing as per the itinerary 
    • Daily breakfast as per the itinerary 
    • Welcome & Farewell dinner 
    • Lunch & dinner onboard House- Alleppey 
    • Jungle Walk- Thekkady
  1. Whats not included in this tour
    • International airfare & departure taxes
    • Insurance & visa fees
    • Tips/gratuities
The tour package booking terms and conditions

Before you book a trip with “Bestway2india.com”- An online trading entity of Bestway Tours and Safaris Pvt Ltd , please take the time to read and understand the booking terms and conditions & additional special conditions which apply to certain trips ,themes and promotional offers. These booking conditions form the basis of your contract with “Bestway Tours & Safaris Pvt. Ltd, Suite 403, Suncity Trade Tower, Sector 21, Gurgaon (National Capital Region), Haryana – 122016, (India) , A company incorporated under Indian companies ACT 1956 vide registration number 55-51646

By asking us to confirm your booking, you confirm that you have had the opportunity to read and have read these booking conditions, Essential trip information, Inclusions & Exclusions and cancellation & refund policy and agree to be bound by them.

These booking conditions only apply to holiday arrangements which you book with us on https://www.bestway2india.com (An online trading entity of Bestway Tours & Safaris Pvt Ltd) and which we agree to make , provide, or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract with you. All references in these booking conditions, to “holiday”, “booking”, “contract”, “package”, “tour” or “arrangements” mean such holiday arrangements unless otherwise stated.

Essential Trip Information

  • The prices are Per Person on twin sharing basis.

  • The price is only valid for the mentioned departure date.

  • Please note that smoking is prohibited in public and all parts of the hotels except in designated areas and bedrooms, where smoking is permitted.  Should you desire a smoking bedroom, please let us know.  The fulfillment of this request is subject to availability of smoking rooms and is not guaranteed. 

  • Unless specified, check-in at hotels in India is at 14:00 Hrs and check out is at 12:00 Hrs

  • Our liability does not arise in case of Force Majeure (political disturbances, natural phenomenon etc.)

  • Reporting time at the International at the airport is generally 3 hrs prior to departure of the flight.

  • Check-in counters of most flights close approximately 45 minutes before departure and boarding gates close about 15 minutes prior departure.

  • Reporting time at the Domestic airport is generally 2 hrs prior to departure of flight

  • For booking domestic air seats we need names as per passport.

  • Baggage allowance in internal flights with in India is 15 Kg per person 

  • We will be providing transport as per below:-

    • 2 to 3 pax we provide AC Toyota INNOVA SUV
    • 4 to 8 pax we provide AC Tempo Traveler
    • 9 pax to 14 pax we provide AC Mini 18 seater, coach
    • 15 Pax & above we provide 35 seaters deluxe large AC Coach

Booking Deposit, Cancellation and Refund Policy

The following booking deposit and cancellation policy applies. 

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

Expand All
  1. Day 1 - Arrive Cochin
    chinese-fishing-nets-cochin Namaste – Welcome to India! Upon arrival we are greeted the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. We are then transferred to Brunton boatyard in Fort Kochi, inspired from its colonial history. A former shipyard in British times, it has been converted to faithfully reflect the symbols and signs of a historical period known for its stately grandeur and good taste as expressed through its ambiance, amenities, service and food. The balance of the day free.  
    OPTIONAL: Cooking class at the house of Mrs. Nimmi Paul followed by lunch/ Dinner - USD 90

    We are welcomed at the home of the local culinary icon, Mrs. Nimmy Paul, (http://www.nimmypaul.com). Nimmy is recognized for her authentic recipes promoting healthy lifestyle as well as her knowledge of medicinal properties of spices and herbs used in everyday cooking. She has been widely featured in many international Journals. Nimmy will demonstrate and talk about nuances of traditional Kerala recipes. Lunch/ Dinner that follows will be a “Sadhya”-traditional banana leaf meal consisting of vegetarian preparations and payasam (sweets) along with favorite Kerala condiments.

  2. Day 2 - Cochin
    st-francis-church-cochin In the morning we explore Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, Kerala’s commercial capital with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. We visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India. Vasco De Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal. Next we visit the Roman Catholic Santa Cruz Cathedral built by the Portuguese in the 16th century; which is famous for beautiful paintings on its ceiling. We continue to the Jewish Quarter with its Old Synagogue and the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese. Later we take a boat cruise to visit Bolghatty Palace and observe the fascinating Chinese fishing nets in action. In the evening we enjoy Kathakali Dance Performance. This dramatized presentation of a play usually based on the Hindu epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas, is a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance.  We enjoy welcome dinner at our hotel.  Please note, Jewish Synagogue remains closed on Friday and Saturday & Dutch Palace remains closed on Friday. 
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  3. Day 3 - Cochin/ Thekkady (Drive: 195 Km/ 5 Hours)
    periyar-national-park-thekkady After breakfast we drive to Thekkady to check in Spice Village, modelled on the dwellings of the native Manan tribe of this region and exudes the raw spirit of unblemished nature. This CGH Earth experience is a seamless extension of the verdant landscape around and celebrates all things spice. The area is famous for its spice plantations. In the afternoon we will visit a spice plantation, where cardamom, pepper, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, all spice, and tea are grown. We will also see Ayurvedic medicinal plants and will have the opportunity to buy some garden-fresh spices. 
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
  4. Day 4 - Thekkady
    periyar-lake-thekkady Our day starts with a jungle walk at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the early morning, after which we return to our hotel for breakfast. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. Spread across 777 square kilometres it was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. In the afternoon we enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat by the water's edge. We are likely to see animals like boars, Sambars, wild dogs, Langur monkeys and wild elephants. The sanctuary is also a haven for water birds and we can see plenty of darters, grey herons, egrets and kingfishers. The evening is free to explore the local bazaar in Thekkady and purchase some of the famous spices grown in the area. 
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    OPTIONAL: Evening enjoy Kalaripayattu show - USD 15

    We enjoy KALARIPAYATTU SHOW which is the oldest form of martial arts and is celebrated as the mother of all martial arts. Legend traces the 3000-year old art form to sage Parasurama-the master and guru of all martial art forms who is credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea. Kung-Fu popularized by the monks of the Shaolin Temple traces its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma-an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master.  Chef Joe will teach and encourage you to try eating the traditional Indian way - with your fingers!  

  5. Day 5 - Thekkady / Kumarakom (Drive 140 Kms / 4.5 Hrs)
    backwater-kumarakom After breakfast, we depart for Kumarakom, a beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddies and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies situated by Vembanad Lake. Upon arrival, we check in our hotel. The remainder of the day is free.  
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
  6. Day 6 - Kumarakom
    bird-sanctuary-kumarakom Today we visit Kumarakom bird Sanctuary.  Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is among the most popular bird watching spots in the country. Spread out over 14 hectares, one comes across numerous rare avian species in these parts. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, one gets to see a variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, ranging from places like the Himalayas to Siberia. The remainder of the day is free.  
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
  7. Day 7 - Kumarakom/ Alleppey (Backwater Cruise)
    houseboat-alleppey Today we we board our traditional houseboat and begin our journey through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes relaxing in the tranquility of Kerala's beautiful scenery. On our journey we come across many boats, canoes and other crafts, as we observe the traditional way of life and activities of the local people.  
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  8. Day 8 - Alleppey/ Marari (Drive: 35 Km/ around 40-45 Minutes)
    houseboat-alleppey After breakfast, we check out from our houseboat and leave for Marari beach resort. Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala's traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life.  At Marari one can unwind and experience the best of Kerala Hospitality. One can indulge in various activities like going for Ayurvedic Treatments, Yoga Sessions or just do nothing on the beach, take long walks or bicycle rides. One can also visit the local villages and explore. 
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
  9. Day 9 - Marari
    Day free for personal activities.  Indulge in various activities payable directly such as Ayurvedic treatments, Massage therapies, yoga and many more. 
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
  10. Day 10 - Marari
    Day free for Personal activities.  Indulge in various activities payable directly such as Ayurvedic Treatments, Massage therapies, Yoga and many more.  In the evening we enjoy farewell dinner at hotel. 
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  11. Day 11 - Marari/ Cochin (Drive: 80 Km/ 02 Hours) & Cochin/ Onward Destination
    After an incredible tour of the Kerala, we are transferred to the Cochin Airport for our flight to onward destination. 
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
  • - Breakfast
  • - Lunch
  • - Dinner

* DENOTES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES INCLUDED

charlie-loader
  1. FAQ 1 Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?

    Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion.

  2. FAQ 2 Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour?

    Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Please contact our Specialist for price information. Please also note that extra accommodations must be booked outside of 30 days of departure.

  3. FAQ 3 Who are my travelling companions?

    For privacy reasons, we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, our tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share a traveling passion and a desire to experience these destinations at a grass-roots level. Our tours are conducted in English and so they attract many travelers from Canada, North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

  4. FAQ 4 How many people can join a tour?

    We keep our group sizes very flexible. So a group of 7 or a group of 70, we welcome all with the same zeal and fondness.

  5. FAQ 5 What are the age restrictions on your tours?

    There are no upper age limits for most of our tours (although for tours under ‘Trekking in the Himalayas’ and ‘Himalayan Panorama’ requires a fit medical condition. For the same, we have a ‘Medical Form’ which is mandatory to be filled by all age groups). For children below the age of 12 years, a parent/guardian should be present. If an assistance is needed, it is to be mentioned at the time of booking. The same will be chargeable.

  6. FAQ 6 I'm a single traveler, will I be charged a single supplement?

    All of our trips have a single supplement. The cost and the details vary by trip, so please refer to each tour page for details.

  7. FAQ 7 Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?

    We use a variety of hotels en-route and a complete list of hotels is provided for your tour. Hotel voucher of each hotel registered for the tour is shared too.

  8. FAQ 8 Can I join a tour late or leave it early?

    It is possible to join a tour late or leave a tour early. Though you would be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please consult our Specialist before you book your tour.

  9. FAQ 9 Are airport transfers included?

    All of our tours include airport transfers and the prices for the same are included in our tour rates.

  10. FAQ 10 What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?

    Our ‘General Conditions’ includes the details of all the transports used during the entire service. The details can be found on each individual tour page.

  11. FAQ 11 Do your tours include international airfare?

    Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. We would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.

  12. FAQ 12 What clothing should I pack for one of your tours?

    We always recommend packing as light as possible however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Our 'General Conditions' includes a suggested packing list and these can be downloaded from each individual tour page. The checklist is tour specific and based upon the experience of our ground staff.

  13. FAQ 13 What vaccinations are recommended for this tour?

    It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. Below are the links to a number of websites that contain excellent background information related to travel health issues. Nevertheless, these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional. For Canadian Citizens: www.travel.gc.ca For American Citizens: www.nc.cdc.gov For UK Citizens: www.travelhealthpro.org For Australian Citizens: www.travelvax.com For EU Citizens: www.healthhype.com

     

  14. FAQ 14 What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?

    We strongly recommend bringing a backpack or a duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome and difficult to store in buses, under seats, etc. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains and up and down hotel staircases.

Overall Rating 5/5
charlie-loader

Prices are not available for this Tour, Get your prices from the experts

Request a quote

These departure dates don't work for you?
looking for your own private group tour?

Looking for your own group tour?

Customize your with Bestway2india and travel on your preferred dates, add or change the cities you visit, the hotels and add customised experiences to suit your needs. Click on Customise with Bestway2india to get a detailed quote for your custom private tour.

Customize Luxury Kerala Experience with CGH Earth

-
Customize this tour

Top Tours

Loading...