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Experience gorgeous countryside, rich history, amazing food, and friendly locals on this South India Adventure through Kerala. Explore the culture, heritage, and what makes Southern India so unique.

Southern India is a region famous for its backwaters, elegant houseboats, Ayurvedic treatments and taste-bud-tingling cuisine. Kerala is also home to wild elephants, jaguars, and the odd tiger. This is a fascinating journey through India’s laid-back tropical south, to experience the diversity in scenery, architecture, culture, and most importantly…the people. Some of the friendliest folks in the world live in Kerala. Kerala is a tropical bliss with an idyllic coastline and lush tropical hills. Despite its relative riches, the majority of the population in Kerala life continues with agriculture, tea, coffee, and spice plantations, and the coir industry, which still provides the basic economic structure of the region. Experience firsthand why they call it ‘God’s Own Country’.

  Contact us for a South India custom tour.

Highlights

  • Travelling through unique landscapes and archaeological sites
  • Strolling the bustling colonial district of Fort Cochin
  • Sampling delicious cuisine and learning how to cook traditional food
  • Exploring the beautiful tea plantations near Munnar
  • Meeting local artisans and artists to chat with them about their trades
  • Experiencing traditional dance and musical performances
  • Paddling along the Backwaters of Kerala


STARTS AT

$2795

USD per Person

THIS IS A CUSTOMIZABLE ITINERARY FOR GROUPS OF ALL SIZES.
DATES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

Kerala Tour - South India Adventure

DAY 1: WELCOME TO COCHIN, KERALA, INDIA

Upon arrival at Cochin International airport, meet and assist by our local partners, followed by a transfer to your hotel.

Later in the day, enjoy a cultural evening at Greenix Village Cultural Center, followed by a Khatakali (traditional dance) performance.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in the streets of this beautiful colonial township.

Overnight: Fort House (or similar)
Meals: -/-/D

DAY 2: COCHIN CITY TOUR

After your breakfast, go for a walk with your guide to observe of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets of Cochin. The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that droop towards the waters like oversized hammocks have become a hallmark that represents Fort Kochi on every postcard…

The next visit is to the St. Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India built in 1503, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried and passes by the Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the finest and imposing churches in India.

Continue through the small streets of Mattanchery, visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, and finally the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century. While you are here learn the art of Henna painting or mehendi. This ritual called Mehndi arts holds plenty of cultural significance in Indian traditions and is one of the most important pre-wedding ceremonies in their marriages ( Duration: 1h00).

After some local shopping drive to Ernakulam to visit the  Vimalalayam center.  In 1961, Maria Paiva Couceiro, a Daughter of the Heart of Mary from Portugal decided to set up a house for the Daughters of the Heart of Mary in Cochin, this organization works for the uplift of the poor and underprivileged people providing support economically, spiritually, psychologically and socially by this.

Overnight: Fort House (or similar)
Meals: B/-/-

Kerala Tour - Southern India Adventure

DAY 3: CHENDAMANGLAM VILLAGE

After your breakfast, proceed with your day with a Kudumbasree’s visit program in Chendamangalam village. The journey is conducted by the Kudumbasree family, a women’s self-help group empowered to promote, gender equity and communal harmony through self-sustainability. Starting in 1998, their mission is to eradicate poverty in rural areas by teaching women skills like organic farming, weaving, and handicrafts. You will be welcomed to the village with traditional Tharavadu (family house) hospitality,  jasmine garland and sandalwood Chutti (jewelry), and tender coconut water to drink. Artisans from the Kudumbasree unit of this village will perform for you folk dances of Kerala.

Then you will have a cooking demonstration where you can participate if you choose before feasting on Sadya, a vegetarian meal served on banana leaves.

After lunch, watch handloom weaving by skilled villagers; weaving is a primary source of income for many of the families in the village. Explore the winding roads of the village and spend time interacting with the villagers. Return to your hotel for the rest of the day free.

Overnight: Fort House (or similar)

Meals: B/L/

South India Adventure - Kerala Tour

DAY 4: COCHIN TO MUNNAR

Breakfast and check-out at the hotel, followed by transfer to Munnar, South India’s largest tea-growing region, passing through the rolling hills and sculpted tea gardens arriving at your next accommodation, and check-in at your hotel.

This afternoon visit the tea museum followed by a Tea plantation visit. The museum diligently portrays the growth of Munnar tea estates, veritably conveyed through some of the displays like the rudimentary tea roller to the modern fully automated tea factory and various stages of tea processing.
Return back to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Overnight: Blackberry Hills (or similar)
Meals: Meals: B/-/-

South India Custom Tour - Kerala Adventure

DAY 5: MUNNAR TOUR

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a half-day Jeep safari – Drive through the mind-blowing scenery uphill to Kulukamalai Estate, the highest-located tea factory in the world which still practices the Manual processing of Tea. Reach Kulukkumalai and join hands with the plantation workers to understand the art of Tea Pluckin (subject to the working days). At the Tea factory, you see the processing of tea, followed by a tea-tasting session.

Later on drive to the Eravikulam National Park (subject to opening) – A sanctuary for the mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr. The Park stands out for the beauty of its rolling grasslands spread over 97 sq km in the Kannan Devan hills. Continue your visit with the Mattupetty dam with its still water reflecting the tea gardens around (if time permits). Return back to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Overnight: Blackberry Hills (or similar)
Meals: Meals: B/-/-

Houseboat South India Adventure - Kerala Tour

DAY 6: PALA TO KUMARAKOM

After breakfast, we check-out and drive to Kumarakom. This city slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, with its majestic canals, streams, and distributaries along its banks, weaving an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The bird sanctuary here is an ornithologist’s paradise and a favorite haunt of migratory birds. On route make a stop at Kuruvinakunnel Tharavadu near Pala to experience a typical Syrian Christian Lunch followed by a visit to your host plantation. This ancestral home was built around 400 years back and is located in the midst of a rubber plantation estate.

Continue your journey to your next stop Kumarakom.

Overnight: Philipskutty’s Farm (or similar)
Meals: B/L/D
 

South India Adventure - Kerala Tour

DAY 7: KUMARAKOM

This hotel features spacious, independent villas facing the peaceful backwaters. Get to know the owners, an authentic Kuttanadan (backwater) family. They will gladly take you around the farm and therefore give you the undiluted real Kerala experience by tasting some of the delicious local cuisine and the region’s rich cultural heritage in a beautiful setting with all the modern facilities.

Early morning take a cruise through the narrow, winding canals on a Vallam or rowing boat and catch glimpse of the unique backwater villages and way of life. Rest of the day is free to enjoy some of the activities offered: birdwatching in the backwaters to catch kingfishers, woodpeckers, egrets, cormorants, herons, and snakebirds. Try fishing with authentic Chinese-style fishing nets, an ancient and traditional method in this area (depending on water flow, weather and time of year). Or learn the art of Sari – how to wear it like a beautiful Kerala woman.

Overnight: Philipskutty’s Farm (or similar)

Meals: B/L/D

Kerala Backwaters - South India Itinerary - Kerala

DAY 8: ALLEPPEY – KOLLAM

This morning after your breakfast, say farewell to your host and proceed to Alleppey to join The Preserve Alleppey Society’s which conducts visits to this town. This Project was started by the Lion Ladies Club of Alleppey in 2000 to preserve the character of this town. Your tour will be part driving, part walking through the Gujarati quarter, the canal banks, and an old wholesale market. It will end with a walk through Mullackel street with Tea & snacks.

Later on drive to Kollam, and check-in at your hotel Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa. On route make a stop with your guide at Mannarsala Temple and learn about its beliefs and rituals. This is one rare temple where the puja (ceremony worship) pattern is headed by a Brahmin (Priest) lady. Legends say that when the Muthassan (Senior priest) had given certain rights and instructions to his mother. He instructed that ‘Mother herself must offer me worship.

If times permit on the route also you will be experiencing a visit at Amritapuri Ashram, which was opened by Amma (Spiritual guide) whose full name is Sri Mata Amritanandamayi, the woman who built Amritapuri, on a small island. Her name Amma means ”mother of immortal bliss”.

Overnight: Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa (or similar)
Meals: B/-/-
 

Kerala - India

DAY 9: KOLLAM

Breakfast at the hotel. One of the leading trade capitals of the Old World, Kollam is the centre of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. Thirty percent of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala.

Today enjoy some free time to get familiarized with your hotel resort. You might attend a yoga class or treat yourself to an in-house Ayurvedic massage in the SPA ( Payable locally). Your hotel can also organize a backwater trip to Monroe Island or a trip to see Varkala beach (Payable locally).

Overnight: Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa (or similar)
Meals: B/-/-
 

DAY 10: KOVALAM

After your breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Kovalam. Kovalam is three crescent-shaped beaches, separated by rocky outcroppings. Backed by the palm-covered steep headlands, the beaches are lined with a host of shops. On arrival check-in at your hotel Travancore Heritage located close to the beach.

The rest of the day is free to watch golden sunsets; wait for fishing boats to empty out the day’s catch or some Ayurvedic massage in the traditional in-house SPA (Payable locally)

Overnight: Travancore Heritage (or similar)
Meals: B/-/-

Thailand Tailor-made Tour

DAY 11: KOVALAM FREE DAY

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure for sun, sand, and surf. Enjoy the glorious water and golden sands or some in-house Ayurvedic massage in the traditional SPA (Payable locally).

Overnight: Travancore Heritage (or similar)

Meals: B/-/D

Kerala Trip - Southern India Tour

DAY 11: DEPARTURE DAY

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport on time to connect your flight back home or continue to other parts of India! We are happy to help you make the most of your trip.

Meals: B/-/-

  • 11 nights accommodation (4 / 5 star hotels)
  • Private transfers and transportation
  • All activities/entrance fees/culinary programmes, etc as per itinerary
  • Local guides with English-speaking guides for excursions
  • All meals as mentioned (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
  • All taxes

Tour Exclusions

  • International Flights & Domestic Flights (can be arranged through us nicola@finisterra.ca)
  • Mandatory travel medical insurance and optional cancellation insurance (can be arranged through us nicola@finisterra.ca)
  • Beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Items of personal nature
  • Services and entrances not mentioned above
  • Passport, COVID Tests, and visa fees
  • Tips/Gratuities for housekeeping, service staff, drivers, etc.

IMPORTANT NOTES

PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.

FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.

PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.

VISAS & VACCINATIONS: Responsibility of the traveller. Most visitors require a VISA when visiting India. It is the TRAVELLER’S responsibility to check on entrance requirements. Please visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html.

Date: Custom Departure available upon request

Prices from: $2795 USD per participant based on Double / Twin accommodation
*Please note, the hotels and routing of this tour can be altered to best suit your needs. Pricing is based on 2 travellers.

Travel Insurance

Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.

Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.

Waiver Form

All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.

INDIA: How can you possibly prepare yourself for Travel?
To take advantage of your trip, we suggest prepare yourself a little. Here are some Travel tips which we hope will be useful, ensuring comfort, while travelling in Southern India.

In order to enter India you will need:
A signed, valid passport and a tourist visa. Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of your trip. It is also imperative that your passport has at least 2 blank visa pages available for entry and exit stamps. The government of India offers two options for tourist visas. Your entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality. Please consult the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries you will be visiting. One option is a multiple entry visa which can be obtained through the traditional application process. This type of visa has a 1 year validity and allows multiple visits and a stay of up to 90 days. You need to apply for a traditional Indian visa if you are exiting and re-entering India during the course of your tour.
The other option is the Electronic Tourist Visa (eTV). This type of visa allows a single entry for a stay of up to 30 days in India.
More information regarding the eTV system can be found here https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html. Please read and follow all instructions carefully to avoid any possible complications on arrival in India. Do not apply an eTV any earlier than 34 days and no later than four days before your scheduled date of arrival.

India’s unit of currency is the Indian Rupee.
Exchange currency only at authorized outlets such as exchange kiosks, banks, and hotels. Keep receipts of Transactions which may be required when exiting the country, and also if you intend to reconvert local currency.

We suggest travelling with some U.S. dollars or Euros, or Sterling Pound to be exchanged for local currency and at least two major credit cards. Hotels and some stores in large cities accept all major credit cards, but in small towns cash may be required. Notify your credit card company of your travel plans prior to your departure to avoid any fraud concerns. ATM access is available in any cities. Cash is the best (generally, the only) option in street markets.

We do not recommend traveller’s cheques as they are not as widely accepted as in previous years. Lodges outside of major cities do not accept traveler’s cheques.

Required Vaccination
A yellow fever vaccination is required to enter India only if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever endemic area in South America or Africa. If vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; If you are advised against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, a certificate from your Physician to this effect is required.
India is a huge country and its weather conditions are affected by diverse regions which include mountains, deserts, highlands and coastal plains. In general, India’s climate is warm and tropical although parts of northern and western India can be very cold from December through January.


The months of November to February bring the most pleasant weather throughout the country. Average temperatures in Delhi during this cool season range from daily highs of 60 -80 F to lows between 40 -50 F. Summer begins in mid-March and lasts through mid-June with April and May being the hottest months. The heaviest rains of the monsoon season begin in July and last through mid-October, with the amount of rainfall varying by region. The northern states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Sikkim in the northeastern hills, have a cooler, more continental influenced climate.
Use a website such as weather.com to find average temperatures and rainfall during your travel times.
India – 220 volts and 50 hertz

Packing Suggestions:
Smart Casual clothing such as lightweight pants, loose shorts, trousers and at the least, short-sleeved shirts are recommended.
It is suggested that Women pack a scarf large enough to cover bare neck and shoulders. Other items, worthwhile to carry are;
Comfortable, walking shoes with low or no heels
Sweater or lightweight jacket
Lightweight raincoat or poncho
Swimming suit
Sunglasses, sun block and a sunhat
Mosquito repellent
Lightweight binoculars (optional)
Simple first-aid kit, Prescriptions and medications
Charging cables for electronics. Voltage converter and adapter plugs

Please note that these are just sample hotels and all accommodation is subject to change. We can upgrade hotels for an additional fee.

Cochin (Kochi) – Fort House

Munnar – Blackberry Hills

Kumarakum – Philipkutty’s Farm

Kollam – Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Spa

Kovalam – Travancore Heritage Hotel


Please note ALL ACCOMMODATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Hotels will be confirmed 30 days prior to departure.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation: If you require accommodation before or after your tour we can arrange this for you as well as additional Tours to Taj Mahal, Varanasi, etc.

Are you all ready for your next adventure?

Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Covid-19 Insurance Coverage, Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS

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TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK

Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.

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WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.

We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.

Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!


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