KERALA TRAILS TOUR

15 Nights / 16 Days

From the Gateway of India travel south to the wonders of Kerala - waterfalls, tropical jungles, pristine beaches, backwater houseboat cruise, scenic drives up to the Western Ghats and back down again...a wonderful taste of splendorous Kerala.

Itinerary Route: Mumbai – Nileshwar – Tellicherry – Wayanad – Athirapally – Cochin – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

You will be greeted at the airport by a Tour Packages India Representative and escorted to your hotel where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 2: Mumbai

Spend the day sightseeing - Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway to India, Gandhi Museum. See "Local Attractions" for a more detailed list of Mumbai points of interest.

Day 3: Mumbai to Nileshwar (via Flight/Car)

Transfer back to the airport to catch the short flight to Mangalore. From Mangalore take the scenic drive to Nileshwar (95 km/2 hour drive). Check in to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day as you like amidst the coconut groves on the pristine and relatively undiscovered coast of northern Kerala.

Day 4: Nileshwar

Spend the day enjoying the beach, enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, practice yoga beneath the swaying palms, explore the area on a bicycle. Treat yourself to the catch of the day for dinner. Relax by the shore in the cool evening breeze.

Day 5: Nileshwar to Tellicherry (140 km / 4 hour drive)

Enjoy the coastal drive down to Tellicherry - a vibrant fishing town and the first British settlement. As a result of it's English influence, the town is famous for cakes and crickets.

Day 6: Tellicherry

Spend the day as you wish - beachcombing, visiting forts and the fishing colony, sampling the bakeries offerings. See "Local Attractions" for a more detailed list of things to do.

Day 7: Tellicherry to Wayanad (120 km / 3 hour drive)

Leave the beach and lowlands behind and drive up to 2,.000 meters into the cool hills of Wayanad. The scenic rides takes you through tropical rain forests, dense hills, rolling paddy fields, spice and tea plantations, and through unforgettable vistas.

Day 8: Wayanad

Enjoy a double excursion to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kabini River for a boat ride to Kuruva Island.

Day 9: Wayanad to Athirapally (260 km / 7 hour drive)

Another scenic drive awaits you - the trip to Athirapally and to the Vazhachal Waterfalls. Spend the night at the waterfalls.

Day 10: Athirapally

A free day for relaxing and playing at the Vazhachal Waterfalls.

Day 11: Athirapally to Cochin (85 km / 2 hour drive)

Descend the cool hills of Athirapally to the the harbor town of Cochin - the Spice Capital of the World whose origins of trading can be traced back to the time of the Pharoahs. In the evening treat yourself to a Kathakali performance by the Chinese Fishing Nets overlooking the harbor islands.

Day 12: Cochin

Spend the day seeing the sights which may include a visit to the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica or a boat tour of the harbor islands. See "Local Attractions" for a comprehensive list of things to do.

Day 13: Cochin to Alleppey (65 km / 2 hour drive)

Enjoy the short drive down to the Alleppey backwaters and board your deluxe houseboat for an overnight cruise. All houseboats, regardless of category, have highly personalized service including an on-board chef who will no doubt create some of the best food you'll find on the entire tour. Meander around the boat, perch yourself on top and observe the peaceful way of backwaters life, pull up next to a fishing boat and buy a fresh catch, stop off for fresh coconut juice, relax in the back open-ended sitting room and drift away to the morning.

Day 14: Alleppey to Kovalam (160 km / 4 hour drive)

Continue your travels down the coast to the world famous beach resort town of Kovalam. Long an international draw, you'll find it a fascinating and enjoyable way to wind up this tour.

Day 15: Kovalam

Spend the day as you wish. Spend the night.

Day 16: Kovalam Departure

Transfer to your point of departure after morning check-out.

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

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