Kerala Backwaters & Hillstations

Kerala Backwaters & Hillstations

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9 Days From

$1190

Kerala Backwaters & Hillstations

9 Days Starting and ending in 9.931233,76.267304

Visiting: India

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

636

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

8-95

Special diets catered:

Request dietary needs

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1190

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This 9-day tour combines the charm of Kochi, tea-covered hills of Munnar, wildlife of Periyar National Park and the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom whilst travelling on a traditional houseboat.

Your Kerala journey begins in Kochi, where you'll be warmly welcomed and briefed on the upcoming adventure. From coastal Kochi, you'll embark on a scenic journey to the picturesque hill station of Munnar. Along the way, you'll witness vast rubber plantations and learn about rubber tapping. If time permits, you may even detour to visit a pineapple plantation or a majestic waterfall amidst the lush scenery.

Munnar will steal your heart with its rolling green hills blanketed in tea plants, crisp mountain air, and swirling mists. Explore a vibrant local market filled with the scent of spices and discover a tea plantation. See tea pickers at work, and follow the transformation of tea leaves from plant to cup, culminating in a delightful tea tasting. From Munnar, you’ll venture to Thekkady. Witness abundant wildlife on a scenic boat ride through Periyar National Park, potentially spotting elephants, an array of water birds, and perhaps even a majestic tiger.

Kumarakom, a haven of serene backwaters, awaits. Experience the magic of the palm-fringed waterways aboard a traditional Shikara boat, and delve into the heart of a local village to witness traditional crafts like coir making. Your backwater adventure culminates in a luxurious overnight stay on a traditional houseboat equipped with modern comforts. Immerse yourself in the slow rhythms of the waterways, enjoy local delicacies, and witness a breathtaking sunset. Bid farewell to Kerala in vibrant Kochi, exploring its historical and cultural treasures, and perhaps witnessing a traditional Kathakali dance performance. With cherished memories, it's time to return home.

Highlights

  • This 9-day tour combines the charm of Kochi, tea-covered hills of Munnar, wildlife of Periyar National Park and the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom whilst travelling on a traditional houseboat.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Day 1: Welcome To Kochi. Transfer To Your Hotel.

Welcome to beautiful Kerala. You'll be met by a member of our local team, who will transfer you to your hotel. Once you're settled in, we'll run through the tour itinerary for the next few days, brief you on the local area and arrange a time to collect you and your fellow group members tomorrow.

Day 2 : Day 2: Exploring Captivating Kochi

Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a vibrant port city, with a fascinating blend of historic charm, modern energy, and coastal beauty which we'll explore today. On our tour of the city we'll make stops at the Synagogue, the spice market and the the Dutch Palace which was built in 1555 by the Portuguese as a gift to the Raja of Kochi at the time. In 1663 the palace was captured by the Dutch but was later used as Royal Residence by the Rajas of Kochi for many more years. One sight which Kochi has become famous for are the scenes of the Chinese Fishing nets which add a unique charm to the Kochi waterfront. The origin of these nets being used in Kochi is still debated and whilst they are referred to as Chinese Fishing nets, there is actually no evidence of these nets having come from China. Some theories suggest these were introduced by the Portuguese.

Day 3 : Day 3: Visit Pineapple And Rubber Plantations En-Route To Munnar.

Our journey today takes us from the coastal city of Kochi to the beautiful hill-station of Munnar. While Munnar is known for tea plantations, the route between Kochi and Munnar takes us through a region known for the vast rubber plantations. You'll see row after row of tall, slender rubber trees and witness rubber tapping taking place, which involves making precise cuts into the tree's bark, allowing a milky white sap to drip into a collection cup. We'll also visit a pineapple plantation today.

Day 4 : Day 4: Exploring The Markets And Tea Plantations Of Munnar

Today is all about Munnar! We start exploring with a visit to the local market, located in the heart of town. As you enter the market you'll be greeted by a delightful mix of colors, aromas, and sounds. The air is thick with the scent of spices, fresh produce, and stalls selling vibrant fabrics. Your guide will give you a brief overview of the market and give you some free time to begin exploring at leisure. The market is known as being a treasure trove of fresh spices, but you'll also find stalls selling handicrafts, fruit/vegetables and even homemade chocolate - a Munnar speciality!

Day 5 : Day 5: Continue To Thekkady And Take A Boat Ride In Periyar Np

Leaving the green hills of Munnar, we'll drive to Periyar today. The route will take us through small towns and villages, past agricultural areas and of course, through the natural beauty which Kerala is famous for.

Day 6 : Day 6: Craft And Backwaters Of Kumarakom

This morning we'll leave Periyar and head to the town of Kumarakom, synonymous with lush backwaters, a labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and lakes fringed by palm trees. This intricate, serene network of waterways is the heart of Kumarakom.

Day 7 : Day 7: Board A Houseboat And Explore The Keralan Backwaters.

A real highlight of any visit to Kerala is an overnight stay onboard one of the beautiful houseboats which this part of India has become known for. Kerala houseboats, known as Kettuvallams, are an incredible blend of tradition and modern comfort. Kettuvallams originally served as cargo boats, transporting rice and spices through the waterways. They were masterfully constructed without using a single nail, with planks of wood tied together using coir rope and coated with a protective resin made from cashew nut shells. Today's luxurious houseboats retain the traditional charm but incorporate modern amenities, transforming them into floating retreats.

Day 8 : Day 8: Disembark And Enjoy The Keralan Beaches

After a magical night on your houseboat, we'll enjoy breakfast onboard before returning to Kochi, where our Keralan adventure will come to an end tomorrow. We'll spend our final evening at a beach resort where you'll have time to relax after spending two exploring the best of India.

Day 9 : Day 9: Bon Voyage! Transfer To Kochi Airport For Departure.

You have some free time to buy any gifts for your loved ones back home before we transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home.

What's Included

What's Not Included

Mode of Transport

A/C minivan/minibus

Houseboat

Accommodation

3 to 5-star hotels

Deluxe AC houseboat

Check out our Q&As

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    Rupee (INR; symbol Rs) = 100 paise. Notes are in denominations of Rs 2,000, 1000, 500, 200, 50, 20, 10 and 1 Coins are in denominations of Rs 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 paise (Rs 0.5). Note: The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Sometimes smaller vendors will not take bills larger than Rs 500. It is best to carry a range of rupee notes if you are shopping at bazaars and local markets.



    Note: You must present your passport whenever you change currency or travellers cheques. Commission for foreign exchange is becoming increasingly rare; if it is charged, the fee is nominal.



    Credit cards: In major cities, the full cadre of banks cards are generally accepted including debit cards, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. However, in smaller towns and villages, choice is generally narrowed to cash or MasterCard and Visa.



    ATM: 24 hour ATM machines can be found in all the major cities and most large towns. Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro and Plus are amongst the most commonly accepted cards.



    Travellers cheques: These are gradually getting less accepted but may still be changed at larger banks and some larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Most nationalities (including UK, USA, European, Australian, Canadian) will need to arrange their Indian tourist visa in advance. A new online e-visa system is available which makes the process more straightforward than before. You can make your application online at indiavisaonline.



    Visa requirements for India can and do change regularly and we suggest that you arrange your Indian visa early and re-check your specific visa requirements prior to travel for any changes.

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Haggling is a traditional necessity, so its wise not to pay too much regard to initial prices. Instead fix an items value in your mind then negotiate towards it unhurriedly and don't be afraid to simply walk away if the price isn't right. Once you have offered a price though, you should be prepared to pay it as you may cause offence if you then back out.



    While an accepted part of the culture and customs in India, tipping is always optional, and the amounts paid should reflect excellent service. We are often asked for advice on common amounts, and for assistance with tipping. Some suggested guidelines are given below.



    Restaurants and taxis: Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change. More up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.



    Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour guide. We suggest USD 5-10 per person per day for local guides.



    Drivers: You may have a range of private drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, for example if you don't have an extra accompanying guide. However USD 3-6 per person per day is generally appropriate.



    Tour Guides: To answer your next question. . . as a guideline for tour guides who accompany you on the entire tour, we suggest you allow around USD 5-10 per person per day, but ultimately, as with all the tipping descrbed above, its up to your satisfaction with their service and your personal budget. You should not feel pressured to tip any particular amount.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.



    Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:



    India: Additional vaccinations: Diptheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Yellow fever rules for India are quite complicated and lengthy. Please read the WHO guidance.



    Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting. In general the north eastern regions of India including Assam and Orissa are considered high risk,while the rest of India is generally considered low enough risk that anti-malarial tablets are not necessary for most travellers doing relatively short tours.



    Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation may be required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view this US CDC information about where the virus is present and follow the links to further information detailing which countries need you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination as part of their entry requirements. Please ensure you have this certificate with you and to hand if necessary.



    Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    In India we provide a fully trained, local English-speaking tour leader/driver to accompany our groups. On this tour they will accompany you throughout the whole loop from Kochi/Munnar/Thekkady/Kumarakom/Kochi. On groups of 4 or more, a guide will accompany you for the duration of the tour, for groups of 2 to 3, you will have a driver and local guides in each city.



    At Encounters Travel we have a policy of aiming to use only local Indian guides and reps. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing.

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Tina M  

First holiday with Encounters - a great success

March 2017

Between my sister and her husband's planning and the organisation of Encounters we had the most amazing holiday in India. I wouldn't have changed a thing, and it was great to feel so confident in all the arrangements.

Stanfordspearl  

India Tour

May 2016

Our trip to India was an amazing experience. I think Encounters Travel did an excellent job! Everything was not perfect, but I also did not expect perfection! When you travel to a third world country, you always have to be ready for unexpected changes and try to be flexible. All in all I loved this tour. Our first stop was Delhi and we had an excellent guide, Jimmy, very knowledgeable and also funny. Very much enjoyed his company and time together. Second stop was Agra, where we spent one night. The hotel was a bit nicer than the one in Delhi, but both were really ok. Third stop was Jaipur, which is my favorite city on this tour, really amazing with the City Palace, the Amber Fort and the Jantar Mantar, a collection of astronomical instruments, built in 1738 and the largest sun dial of the world. We stayed in the fabulous Shahpura House, an old Heritage House, converted into Hotel. It was really great, with rooftop restaurant, Indian music and dance show at night and very nice swimming pool in the backyard. Next trip took us to the Shekhawati Region. Its a bit of a long trip, and it was hot. This region is famous for its Havelis, traditional, ornately decorated residences, with enclosed court yards. These residences are famous for its frescos, they belonged to the business men from the time when the silk road was striving and a lot of commerce was conducted between Asia and Europe. However, the Havelis that we saw were very run down and hardly livable, with once house occupied by a care taker family. When we entered, we saw the man of the house peeing in the corner of the court yard, and that was not what we had expected, but when you travel in India, you get used to seeing men pee everywhere! Not really what you want to see, but India has this duality, modern and primitive! Our taxi had wifi, but the stench of the polluted air, the garbage everywhere and the dirt and lack of sanitary conditions accompanied us everywhere! The air in Delhi was terrible, smelled like a mix of fire and garbage and I woke up every day with my eyes very swollen, but, again, that's India. India's cities are the most polluted in the world today! The poverty and all the begging children is also very disturbing and heart breaking, but we were prepared that this is common in India and part of the experience. All in all this was an amazing trip and I would highly recommend it!

ccollins2015  

India express tour with ranthambore extension

November 2014

My husband and I went on this tour in November 2014. It was an amazing experience. We had never been to India before and I think this was the perfect introduction to the country. Everyone involved with the tour were friendly, informative and helpful. Our driver throughout the nine day india express portion was a consummate professional and lovely person. Everyone has their own idea of what they want in a hotel and in my opinion all the hotels were great and very different from each other. I would say the Jaipur hotel we stayed in was the winner for charm and the Churu hotel the winner for quirkiness. It was certainly a whirlwind nine days and I loved that the company gave us the option to see rural life as well as the more tourist heavy areas( or touristic as the locals called it). The Ranthambore extension gave us another view of the country. We travelled by train and and although we were most interested in seeing tigers, they did not cooperate with us. Everyone said this was a sign that we had to return....and we agreed! We will return to India and it will definitely be through Encounters. We had only ever travelled in Europe and North america before and were nervous about how well organized this trip would be but it ran like clockwork and we quickly relaxed into enjoying the experience. This was the best trip we've ever been on.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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