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Chinese fishing nets, Kerala

Classic Kerala tour: culture, tea, wildlife & backwaters

12 days from $3,950pp
Chinese fishing nets, Kerala
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Tour highlights

  • Marvel at cantilevered Chinese fishing nets.

  • Take a cruise on a traditional rice barge.

  • Walk through tea plantations.

  • Explore a spice plantation.

  • Relax on a palm-fringed beach.

Price includes:

  • Private driver throughout your trip
  • Activities and excursions as detailed
  • All accommodation
  • 24-hour support while you travel
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Itinerary idea in detail

Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights at our preferred rates.

  • On arrival at Cochin Airport, you're met by an Audley representative and introduced to your private driver who will stay with you for the rest of your stay. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, depending on the arrival time of your flight. Stroll along the waterfront to see fishermen working the Chinese fishing nets, or just relax at your hotel.

    • Fishing nets, Cochin
      Fishing nets, Cochin
    • Fishermen, Cochin
      Fishermen, Cochin
    • Chinese fishing nets and boats, Cochin, Kerala
      Chinese fishing nets and boats, Cochin, Kerala

  • Enjoy a private tour of colonial Cochin today with your local guide. The tour usually lasts for around half a day and includes St Francis' Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. Your guide can tailor the tour to suit your interests. The rest of the day is yours to explore this colonial fort on foot, or enjoy your hotel.

    • Traditional fishing nets, Cochin
      Traditional fishing nets, Cochin
    • Chinese fishing net, Cochin
      Chinese fishing net, Cochin
    • Local homes, Cochin
      Local homes, Cochin

  • This morning, drive for around three hours into rural Kerala to stay at a traditional homestay. The property is warm and welcoming, surrounded by beautiful spice gardens and a wonderful flowing river at the bottom of the garden, where you can even have a swim.

    • Dewalokam Homestay, Kodikulam
      Dewalokam Homestay, Kodikulam
    • Cooking demo, Dewalokam
      Cooking demo, Dewalokam
    • Kodikulam
      Kodikulam

  • Spend today at your leisure. There are plenty of activities to choose from, just have a chat with Jose and Sinta, your hosts. Enjoy a spice plantation walk, cycle around the nearby village, visit a local temple, learn about honey extraction and even try milking a cow.

  • This morning head up to the Western Ghats; a three-hour drive to the town of Munnar. Look out for some wonderful waterfalls on your way to the tea country. Relax on arrival and take in the beautiful views, go birdwatching or on a butterfly walk. Your hotel can arrange activities if you wish.

    • Munnar, India
      Munnar, India
    • Rolling tea plantations, Munnar
      Rolling tea plantations, Munnar
    • Munnar, India
      Munnar, India

  • Spend the morning trekking through the beautiful hills surrounding Munnar. Your private trek is with a local, experienced guide. If you find the trek to be too strenuous then ask your guide to take it at a slower pace and to shorten it if need be.

    • Walking through the tea plantations
      Walking through the tea plantations
    • Letchmi Hills, Munnar
      Letchmi Hills, Munnar
    • Letchmi Hills trek , Munnar
      Letchmi Hills trek , Munnar

  • This morning, drive the four-hour journey to Periyar National Park. In the afternoon you will travel on a 4x4 tour to discover the villages and to visit a family spice farm at Kumily.

    • Macaque, Periyar National Park
      Macaque, Periyar National Park
    • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India
      Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India
    • Lake at Periyar National Park
      Lake at Periyar National Park

  • The morning will be at leisure. After brunch, travel for around three to four hours to the Keralan Backwaters. Board your traditional private rice barge and spend your afternoon and evening relaxing as you float around the waterways.

    • View of Periyar Lake
      View of Periyar Lake
    • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India
      Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India
    • Blue tiger butterfly, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India
      Blue tiger butterfly, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, India

  • Wake up on your houseboat and enjoy breakfast before disembarking. Your driver is on hand to meet you and take you to Marari Beach.

    • Marari Beach Resort, Marari Beach
      Marari Beach Resort, Marari Beach
    • Backwaters of Kerala
      Backwaters of Kerala
    • Cruise on the backwaters, Kerala
      Cruise on the backwaters, Kerala

  • Take a stroll along the beach or relax under a palm tree with a book.

  • Full day at leisure. You might like to try an Ayurvedic massage or hire a bicycle to explore the quiet surrounding lanes.

  • Your driver will take you back to Cochin for your onward flight. The drive takes around 90 minutes so will be arranged depending on your flight time.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodations, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

Audley Travel Specialist Niall
Contact an India specialist

The specialist who designs your trip to India will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

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When to go

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Place Daily max temperature (°F) Monthly rainfall (mm)
Cochin
 
Munnar
 
Thekkady & Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
 
Mararikulam
 

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