The Epic South Indian Trail - 15 days by Green Earth trails
Price starting from INR 1,80,000 per person
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Arrival at Chennai International Airport [MAA]
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Departure from Cochin International Airport [COK]
Program highlights
​Chennai
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Metropolitan Indian city, capital of Tamil Nadu
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Fort St. George, Marina Beach, St. Thomas mount
Mahabalipuram
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Monolithic Temples of the Pallava kingdom
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Pondicherry
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Old French colonial buildings, restaurants & Beach
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Auroville
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Chidambaram
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Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram
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Tanjore
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The Marvellous Brihadeshwara Temple
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Chettinad
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Experience Chettinad lifestyle & their mansions
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Chettinad cuisine & Saree weaving
Madurai
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Meenakshi Amman temple
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Naickar Palace and Flower Market
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Munnar
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Tea Plantations, tea factory
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Eravikulam National Park
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Thekkady
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Periyar National Park, Boat safari
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Kalaripayattu & Spice garden tour
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Alleppey​
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Lakes, Lagoons, canals and Houseboat
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Backwater village tour
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Marari Beach
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Fishermen Village on the shores of the Arabian sea
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Kochi
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Old colonial town, historic buildings
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Chinese nets & City tour of the old colonial town
Video Itinerary
Five days Kerala itinerary route map
Epic South India tour - 15 days Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival at Chennai airport, transfer to the hotel
Upon arrival at Chennai airport, our representative will receive you at the airport. Further drive to the hotel. Check in at the hotel after the long haul flight, you have the day at leisure or you can opt to go for a visit around Chennai with a guide. Chennai is a bustling metropolitan city, one of the very first settlement of the English in India. Drive past the Fort St. George and the Marina beach and probably a visit to the St. Thomas Mount. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2 - Visit Mahabalipuram and drive further to Pondicherry [3 hours]
Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts monolithic temples carved from stone. Once the thriving center of the Pallava kingdom, this historic site features monuments and intricately carved stone temples. Note that many monuments now rest beneath the Bay of Bengal. Popular attractions include the butter ball and the five rathas.​
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Following lunch, continue to Pondicherry, a former French colony characterized by its yellow-painted buildings. Despite British control over pre-independent India, France maintained five small trade colonies, with Pondicherry being a prominent one.
Day 3 - Visits in and around Pondicherry
A little away from Pondicherry is Auroville, a global village founded by Mirra Alfassa, also known as "the mother," is located near Pondicherry. Mirra Alfassa, who attained enlightenment, established this village to represent human unity. The village focuses on spirituality, thoughts, meditation, and houses various communities dedicated to improving humanity and sustainability.
Pondicherry, being a former French colony, displays a strong French influence in its culture and language. The city is divided into two quarters, the Tamil quarter and the French quarter, and offers a diverse mix of culture, people, architecture, temples, and more, making it a place of great charm.
Day 4 - Drive to Tanjore via Kumbakonam [4.5 hours]
Thanjavur, also known locally as Tanjore, was once the capital of the Chola Dynasty, whose reign spanned from the 8th to the 11th centuries. Upon reaching Thanjavur in the evening, prepare to be awestruck by an ancient architectural marvel, the Brihadeshwara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site constructed over a thousand years ago and dedicated to Lord Siva.
Built with granite and showcasing Dravidian architecture, the temple boasts a series of intricate carvings that narrate the chronicles of the Chola Kingdom's past and present. A guide will lead you through the temple and its stories, offering detailed insights into this enduring wonder that continues to stand majestically over Thanjavur. Overnight accommodations will be in Thanjavur.
Day 5 - Proceed to Chettinad [2.5 hours]
After breakfast, we will travel to Chettinad, home of the Chettiars, a wealthy business community known for their unique lifestyle and joint family traditions. They built large, extravagant mansions using imported materials and architecture.
We will experience their distinct way of life and explore more about their cuisine and lifestyle. There are around 1500 mansions that dot Chettinad. We will also observe the hand-making process of the famous Athangudi tiles. The Chettiar cuisine is another highlight of the region. Overnight stay and local visits in and around Chettinad.
Day 6 - Visit the ancient temple town of Madurai [2.5 hours]
Madurai, an ancient trade post with ties to the Greeks and Romans, flourished into a major commercial hub under the Pandya dynasty. The city is centered around the renowned Madurai Meenakshi Amman Kovil, a temple dedicated to Parvati, Lord Siva's wife.
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The temple complex, a testament to evolving architectural styles, has endured centuries of expansion and attacks, including one by Malik Kafur, a slave general of Alauddin Khilji in the 12th century. The vast complex features a large pond, multiple gopuras (towers), and intricate carvings representing various time periods.
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Experience this marvel with a guided tour, partake in the night ceremony, and return to the hotel by tuk-tuk.
Day 7 - Drive up the Western Ghats to Munnar [4.5 hours]
Ascending the Western Ghats from the Tamil Nadu plains, you'll climb 1500 meters, transitioning from arid lowlands to the lush highlands of Kerala. Cooler temperatures and vibrant greenery, predominantly tea and cardamom plantations, mark your arrival. Winding roads through these plantations lead to Munnar, a British-era summer hill station with a 200-year-old plantation history.
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Upon reaching Munnar, check in to your resort and enjoy leisure time and in-house activities.
Day 8 - Visits in and around Munnar
Start your day with breakfast, then head to Eravikulam National Park. The park is a sanctuary for the Nilgiri Tahr and home to Anamudi, South India's highest peak at 2695 meters. Afterward, visit Shrishti, a Tata trust community that supports differently-abled children and young adults. Next, drive through Munnar market and visit the Lockhart tea factory, where you can learn about tea processing and enjoy a tea tasting session. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Your overnight stay will be in Munnar.
Day 9 - Drive to the Cardamom hills of Thekkady [3 hours]
Thekkady, nestled in the high ranges of Periyar, is renowned for its cardamom cultivation, much like Munnar is celebrated for its tea. The region, once part of the Travancore kingdom, boasts vast cardamom plantations, a legacy of the kingdom's focus on cardamom export for revenue. As you journey towards Thekkady, you'll be greeted by the sight of sprawling cardamom plantations lining the roads.
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Upon arrival, check in to your resort and then immerse yourself in the world of spices with a visit to a local spice garden. In the evening, experience the cultural vibrancy of Kerala with a Kalaripayattu performance, a traditional martial art form, at a local theatre.
Day 10 - visits to Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, a renowned Indian National Park, boasts diverse flora and fauna and offers visitors various ways to experience its tropical vegetation. The park's large lake, formed by the Mullaperiyar dam, allows boat rides where visitors can observe wild animals on the banks. These 1.5-hour boat rides offer prime opportunities to spot elephants, Indian guar, otters, sambar deer, and spotted deer.
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Start your day with a guided 2.5-hour Greenwalk in the forest, followed by a relaxing boat safari on the reservoir in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Thekkady.
Day 11 - Houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake [4 hours]
Descend from the high ranges of the Western Ghats to the low lands of Kerala and the Arabian Sea coastline. Embark on a Keralan houseboat on Vembanad Lake, one of the largest backwater lakes in Kerala, to experience this unique water world. Cruise along narrow canals and expansive waterways, observing the backwater life and lifestyle up close.
Upon check-in, your private houseboat cruise continues until evening, complete with onboard lunch and dinner. The houseboat features living and dining areas, bedrooms, and a kitchen at the rear. In the evening, take a small country boat and row along the narrow creeks, getting a closer look at the people and their backwater lifestyle.
Day 12 - Kumarakom & Mararikulam Beach [1 hour]
Disembark the houseboat after a short morning cruise with breakfast on board and proceed to Kumarakom, a small agrarian backwater hamlet on the opposite banks of Vembanad Lake. A small boat will take you through the countryside for a village tour where you will experience an authentic backwater village and get a glimpse into the life, lifestyle, occupation, houses, and attire of the people who live on the banks of the backwaters.
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Later, proceed to Mararikulam, a beach destination right on the shores of the Arabian Sea, where you will stay at the Marari Beach Resort for the next two days. Enjoy a relaxed holiday in the tropical setting amid swaying palms as the tour comes to an end.
Day 13 - At Marari Beach
Enjoy your day at the Marari Beach Resort, complete with a long pool and poolside beds. The restaurant has a unique menu featuring local seafood, and you can also grab a drink at the beach deck bar.
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For those interested in Ayurveda, the resort has an Ayurveda center with an on-site doctor to recommend the best therapy for you. Your overnight stay will be at the Marari Beach Resort.
Day 14 - Transfer to Kochi [1 hour]
Following breakfast, embark on a journey to Fort Kochi, a historical gem nestled along the Arabian Sea, often hailed as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". Upon arrival, check in to the resort and settle in.
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Later in the afternoon, set off on a captivating sightseeing tour of Kochi, accompanied by a knowledgeable English-speaking local guide. The tour will lead you to Mattancherry, where the Paradeshi Synagogue and the Dutch Palace stand side by side, sharing a common wall. Immerse yourself in the history of the Kochi Royal family as you witness their old belongings. The Jew Town, with its myriad handicraft and antique shops, invites you to explore its treasures.
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The journey continues to Fort Kochi, where you'll encounter St. Francis Church, the oldest church built by Europeans in India. Stroll past the iconic Chinese fishing nets at the estuary, and as the day draws to a close, experience the mesmerizing art of Kathakali dance at a local theatre. Finally, return to the hotel for a restful overnight stay.
Day 15 - Departure transfer to Cochin Airport [2 hours]
After breakfast, be get ready for the departure transfer to Cochin Airport. The tour comes to a climax as it is time to head home with amazing experiences of this amazing country called India.
Accommodation & Pricing per person
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The above rates are per person rates based on minimum two adults traveling together.
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Rates valid until 30th April 2025
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Rates are not valid from 15th December to 10th January and for the month of February 2025
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The program can be tailored to the guest's requirement, also alternate hotels can also be incorporated in case if you intend to spend a lesser or a higher price for the tour
The program includes
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South India tour program based on the above itinerary.
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All transfers and sightseeing in comfortable Large car with a professionally experienced driver from arrival till departure.
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Bottled drinking water and cab amenities through out the tour.
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Hotel accommodation as mentioned above with breakfast.
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Service of an English speaking local guide in Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Tanjore, Chettinad, Madurai, Munnar and Kochi.
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Entrance tickets at places of interest.
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Cycle rickshaw ride in Pondicherry.
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Night ceremony at Madurai Meenakshi temple and tuk tuk ride in Madurai.
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Tea factory and tea tasting session in Munnar.
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Spice plantation tour in Thekkady.
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Boat safari at Periyar National Park.
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Kalaripayattu show at Thekkady.
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Houseboat day cruise with all meals served on board.
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Kumarakom backwater village tour.
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Kathakali dance show at Kochi.
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5% Goods and Service Tax.
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24 / 7 customer support / assistance.
Notes
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The price is based on 2 adults travelling together.
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Houseboat meal menu would be a local backwater cuisine.
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The houseboat will be docked from 5 PM to next day 8 AM.
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All meals except breakfast are on direct payment basis, excluding houseboat.
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Flight tickets, visa to India, travel insurance are excluded and should be availed on own arrangement.
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Table Drinks, laundray, expenses of personal nature, shopping, tips, lunch and dinner are on direct basis.
Cabs used in the tour program
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The cabs used in the 5 days Kerala program are station wagon / Estate models named Kia Carens or Maruti-Suzuki Ertiga
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These cabs are larger in size and offers more space and comfort, specially since the program has some long journeys involved
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Kia Carens is diesel and Maruti-Suzuki Ertiga is a CNG / Petrol powered cab
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It would be either of the cab used for the program
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Both the cabs can comfortably accommodate upto 4 guests at a time, the last row would be dedicated for luggage​
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The vehicle and the driver would be the same from the point of arrival till the point of departure, unless there is a personal or medical emergency for the driver.
South India tour booking Procedure
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Once the tour is confirmed with us we make reservation at the respective hotels / resorts / houseboat.
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We shall send you a confirmation voucher based on the confirmation we have received from the service providers.
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60% advance deposit is required to guarantee the tour and the rest could be paid on the first day of the commencement of the tour.
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We accept payments via credit cards, debit cards, internet banking, UPIs, bank transfers to our overseas local bank accounts for Euro, USD, GBP, and various other currencies. additional charges apply for card transactions.
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International wire transfer is available for foreign remittances.
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In the event of a cancellation, the cancellation policy applies - kindly refer to the cancellation policy.
Enquiry Now!
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Is five days Kerala tour customisable?The above five days Kerala tour is a private tour program and is 100% customizable, you can add or remove the number of days, change the accommodation option for particular destinations, add or remove the number of people traveling. All this is possible and we can work out revised quotes for the respective customization required.
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Are the prices for the Kerala tour on per person basis?The above Kerala tour price is per person based on two adults traveling together. Essentially you need to double the price for a couple. In case if you have more than 2 people and require additional rooms, we recommend you to get in touch with us and get a customised quote.
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Is five days enough to see around Kerala?Five days is ample to visit the popular destinations of Munnar (2 nights), Thekkady (1 night) and the Kerala backwaters (1 night houseboat). Provided you have a morning arrival flight and evening departure flight from Kochi. We have observed that 4 nights and 5 days is what guests are comfortably ready to allocate for Kerala travel and that is the reason why this is the most popularly sold Kerala tour for us.
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Where is the arrival and departure for five days Kerala tour?Cochin, this five days Kerala tour is a round trip, meaning the arrival and departure is from same place. The program is curated based on an arrival flight before noon and a departure flight by evening from Cochin International Airport.
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Why is there multiple price options for five days Kerala tour?The five days Kerala tour proposal has four different price options. These options are based on the type of hotels incorporated in the program. The multiple price options allow you to have the flexibility to choose the appropriate price for you.
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When is the best time to visit Kerala?The best time to visit Kerala is from August to May, because during June and July you have the South West monsoon. The monsoon season is considered to be an off season, you can expect around 15% to 20% reduction in Hotel prices. August and September is a great time, transition from Monsoon to Winter. However the weather has been changing over the years due to various global reasons, we had less rains in June and July and more rains in August and September in 2023.
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Are the five days Kerala tour prices negotiable?This is a popular Kerala tour program and we have incorporated the best prices for all the services included in the program. There are lot more things included in the program than what is mentioned. When it comes to negotiations, something starts to drop out of them. This affects the overall experience of the program and hence we do not encourage price negotiation for these Kerala holiday programs.
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Are the entrance tickets to places added in the tour priceNo, entrance ticket at places of interest and activity tickets are not included in the price. In this Kerala holiday program, we have incorporated multiple places of interest. We have not considered the entry fee at these places, this is primarily because different guests have different choices and some of them skip some places. In that case if it convenient and comfortable to pay as you enter places of interest.
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Is it going to be the same driver for the entire Kerala tour?Yes, the driver is going to be the same person for the entire Kerala tour. The driver or the vehicle change only if there is an emergency or reasons of personal nature. They stay overnight in the cars and have basic amenities at the hotels to take care of their needs to use the toilet and bathrooms.
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Until what time during the day can I use the car while on Kerala tour?The vehicle is available from morning 8 am to evening 6 pm. However the drivers are generally accommodative and flexible if you would like to go somewhere a bit late in the evening or early morning. However it is not advisable to go very late, drivers do a crucial job and hence ample rest and sleep is very much important.
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Does my driver understand and speak English?Yes, all drivers understand and speak English. Even if they are not fluent in English, they can communicate in English. Most schools in Kerala are English medium schools, we learn everything in English. However some of them might not be fluent in English, this is because we use our native language Malayalam for our daily conversations. Which means, not just drivers, everyone here in Kerala understands and can speak in English.
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Does the driver also act as a guide during our Kerala tour?In Kerala tourist cab drivers are not chauffeur cum guides. They can take you to places of interest and give you a brief about the place. However they are not trained or does not have the license to guide at places of interest. Instead there are licensed guides who can guide and talk a lot about places of interest, which is an additional chargeable service.
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Is the cab for our Kerala tour on disposal?The car is considered to be on disposal based on the Kerala tour itinerary. The vehicle service is priced with an expected running kilometer from airport to airport, and hence deviations are permissible only for extra charges. The vehicle will be available from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening.
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How are the roads between destination for the Kerala tour?Most roads throughout the high ranges are two lane roads. They are tarred roads, however you can find potholes here and there. The roads towards the high ranges are winding road and there are possibilities of body rolls at turns and winding roads. The drivers take it slow, but since guests are not used to the terrain, there are possibilities of dizziness or even vomiting. Things get better as you reach the desired destination.
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Does hotels in Munnar and Thekkady require air conditioning ?Munnar and Thekkady are hill stations and generally do not require air conditioning. However you might have seen AC rooms in Munnar and Thekkady in some of our Kerala itineraries. Since 2020, lot of hotels in Munnar and Thekkady have been adding air conditioning to their rooms. This is because during summer (March to May) it tends to become relatively humid and hot. Climate change is happening and we have to be serious about it.
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What time should I start the sightseeing tour of Munnar?The ideal time to start the sightseeing tour of Munnar is 8 AM just after the breakfast. You can drive up to Eravikulam National Park, and come down to the town center after the visit. After an early lunch drive towards top station where enroute you visit Blossom park, Mattupetty dam, Kundala Lake, Echo Point, and finally Top Station. You return to the hotel of stay by evening, and it would be a long day. You tend to miss places if you do not start the sightseeing tour of Munnar as early as 8 AM.
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How to book for boating at Periyar National Park Thekkady?Boating at Periyar National Park can be booked online at https://www.periyartigerreserve.org. The boating is for 1.5 hours and there are five time slots available - 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:15 am, 01:45 pm and 03:30 pm. Most sighting happen during the 7:30 am and 3:30 PM rides. There are shuttle bus services from the parking place in Thekkady to the National Park, no private vehicle is allowed inside the Periyar National Park, Thekkady.
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Should I need to carry winter clothes for Munnar and Thekkady?In Munnar, the temperature during day is pleasant and manageable, however temperature drops down drastically by night and hence it is advisable to carry winter clothes, or at least a sweater. Thekkady is relatively less cooler and does not require any winter wear. However during the months of December and January, the peak of winter you would definitely require winter wear.
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What are the things to do in ThekkadyThekkady is primarily known for spice plantations and the Periyar National Park. Activities at Thekkady include spice garden tour, activities at Periyar National Park (including boating safari at lake periyar), Elephant rides, Kalaripayattu show, Kathakali dance performance, Jeep safaris to off road tracks and to the outskirts of Periyar National Park (however Jeep safari is not possible in 5 days Kerala itinerary due to time constraints).
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What to see during Cochin sightseeing tourThe Cochin sightseeing tour involves two places, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Both are parts of old Kochi, the heritage part of the city. Visit the St. Francis Church (first European church in India), and the Chinese fishing nets. At Mattancherry visit the Dutch Palace, Jew town and the Paradesi Synagogue. Distance between Fort Kochi and Mattancherry is 2 kilometres.
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What is a Kerala Houseboat?The houseboat is a traditional rice barge with a house built on top of its large hull. It will have a living space, a dining space, private bedrooms with attached toilets and a kitchen. The houseboats are popularly found in the Vembanad backwaters accessible by Alleppey and Kumarakom. Most houseboats in Kerala operate from Alleppey.
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Is it a private houseboat included in the program?The houseboat stay included in the program will be a private houseboat exclusive for you. Only the guests and the houseboat crew will be there on board the houseboat. There are shared houseboats in Alleppey which are available at lesser prices, however we do not encourage this or we never apply this shared concept in our private tours.
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What is the menu and the food in a Kerala houseboat?One of the crew member will be a cook who will be freshly preparing the food for the guests on board the houseboat. The menu involves local food prepared by local men and will include fish and chicken as non vegetarian preparations. It will be a limited prefixed local menu. The lunch will have rice, curries / sambar, papad & pickle, vegetable preparation, fish fry, chicken curry and finally a dessert or cut fruits. The dinner menu will have rice, chapathi (Indian bread), vegetable curry, papad & pickle, chicken preparation and a dessert or cut fruits. By evening locally made snacks will be served with tea or coffee. Breakfast will be a Keralan breakfast like appam, dosa, puttu (steamed rice flour), along with bread, butter, jam, tea and coffee.
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What is a Kerala houseboat itinerary?The houseboats primarily cruise along the backwaters, lagoons and canals where guests could see around the backwater life, people, their lifestyle, flora and fauna. The check in is at 12:00 PM and check out is at 0900 AM next day. The cruise starts as soon as the guests board the houseboat. An hour after the cruise, the lunch is served on board. The boat will halt somewhere on the backwater during lunch The cruise resumes until evening 5 PM. The boat is docked from 5 PM till next day morning 8 AM due to government regulations, as fishermen will be casting their nets. You can go for an evening stroll once the houseboat is docked. Dinner is served by night before 9 PM. Lights go off as soon as the guests get into their respective rooms. The crew members stay overnight on board the houseboat. The backwaters look really beautiful by morning Breakfast is served by 0800 AM, during the cruise. Disembark the houseboat - Check out at 0900 AM.
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How many rooms will there be in a houseboat?Houseboats have different room configurations. There are one bedroom houseboats and a maximum size of 6 bedroom houseboats. If there is a requirement for more than 3 rooms, we recommend to take multiple boats. The boats become bigger, when the number of rooms are more. Bigger boats will have limitations in going through narrow canals and hence avail multiple smaller boats if you require more than 3 rooms. We recommend to book an exclusive houseboat and avoid using shared houseboats.
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Are there female crew members on a houseboat?All the crew members in a houseboat will be male staff members. They will be staying overnight on board the houseboat. Generally there will be three crew members, a helmsman who navigates the boat, a steward to assist guests, and a cook. The crew members are more for larger Kerala houseboats.