Kerala Family Holiday Tour description Kerala is one of the best destinations for a family activity holiday. Often referred to as the jewel of southern India, Kerala offers everything that a family might look for in a holiday interesting culture, the magical Backwaters, lush plantations, vast mountains, diverse wildlife, and lovely beaches. In this family holiday of Kerala, enjoy a mixture of sightseeing with a range of fun-filled activities suitable for families. Enjoy an overnight cruise on a houseboat and end the tour with couple of days of leisure at a sandy beach. Highlights Kathakali dance performance in Cochin Spend a day in a Kerala village and participate in a number of activities Visit a Tea Museum in Munnar Spend a day with Elephants riding, feeding and bathing Visit plantations Spend couple of nights in a home-stay Spend a night aboard a Houseboat Relax at the scenic beach of Marari Itinerary Day 1: Arrive Cochin Arrive in Cochin today. You will be received at the airport and transferred to the hotel (hotel check-in time is 12 noon). If Kerala is India's most beautiful state, which many believe, then the lovely port of Cochin is its jewel. It has been variously hailed as Queen of the Arabian Sea, Venice of Orient, etc. Some choose to call it simply a museum city for its rich past and colourful present. Cochin displays a blend of people and architecture. It is one place where you can see a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, Dutch architecture, mosques, temples and Chinese fishing nets all in one day. Accommodation: Cochin Meals Included: None Day 2: Cochin Your tour of Cochin will include visit to Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays and Saturdays), Mattancherry or Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), St Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1555 for the maharaja of Cochin. Later renovated by the Dutch, it came to be known as the Dutch Palace. It has a large central courtyard and a temple depicting scenes from the Ramayana and other legends. The little museum at the palace has a collection of costumes, palanquins and other articles from the royalty.
Adjacent to the palace is the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568. This simple building has marvellously rich interiors. There are clusters of coloured glass lamps hanging from the ceiling and the floor has blue willow patterned tiles, none of which are identical. Built in 1503 at Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church is one of the oldest churches in the subcontinent. It was built by the Portuguese, but became a Protestant church with the arrival of the Dutch and an Anglican church after the British occupation. Vasco da Gama was buried in this churchyard. After visiting St Francis Church just walk across to see the Chinese fishing nets along the shores. After a leisurely afternoon, in the evening you will be collected from your hotel and taken to witness spectacular Kathakali Dance Drama. Kathakali is Kerala s very own classical dancedrama form which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. Kathakali explicates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and other story books. Presented in the temple precincts after dusk falls, Kathakali is heralded by the Kelikottu or the beating of drums and to the accompaniment of the Chengila (gong). The riches of a happy blending of colour, expressions, music, drama and dance are unparalleled in any other art form. Those who are interested may come a little early to see make up of the artistes being done which is considered to be a full-blown art in itself and is regarded as important as the dancedrama. Accommodation: Cochin Day 3: Cochin We spend the day at the village of Kumbalanghi a 16 sq km island village which is home to fishermen, farmers, labourers, toddy tappers and coir spinners all alike. Kumbalangy is surrounded by backwaters and Chinese fishing nets literally encircle the island which is rich aquatic life. The activities included here are: Boat riding in the big country boat Visit to Crab farm Watching coir yarn making Watching coconut leaves weaving Visiting the agriculture farm to see different type of plantations (coconut, betel nuts, pepper, jack fruit, nut meg, anthurium, orchids, vanilla etc.), water harvesting ponds and biogas plants. Watching Chinese fishing nets Lunch Accommodation: Cochin, Lunch Day 4: Cochin - Munnar This morning you will be driven to Munnar (4½ hours drive). Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. At 1600m above sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the British Government in South India. With its sprawling tea plantations, picture-book scenery, winding lanes and nice holiday facilities, Munnar is a very popular hill station in Kerala.
In the afternoon visit a Tea Museum where you also get to taste some tea. Later in the day, visit Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar) which was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiri Ibex). If you are lucky, you can observe the Tahr from close quarters here. Accommodation: Munnar Day 5: Munnar - Serenity This morning after a leisurely breakfast you will be driven to Serenity (4 hours drive). Serenity at Kanam estate is an intensely private villa surrounded by rubber estates and tropical spice gardens. Thoroughly re-designed, this 1920s estate bungalow has fully retained its heritage ambience and blends into an unspoiled rural setting. It features 6 rooms, all furbished with eclectic mix of design, period furniture and art work, and all have verandas and sit outs. Accommodation: Serenity at Kanam Estate Day 6: Serenity Today we have arranged for Day with Elephant. After breakfast you will meet the elephant and mahout (handler) and be provided with a bunch of bananas to feed the elephant. This ice-breaking exercise will acquaint you with the elephant. You can ride the elephant and explore the picturesque surroundings of the estate bungalow and visit the nearby farms, which are teeming with rubber, banana, papaya, pepper, coffee, pineapple and cocoa plantations. After the visit you may come back to serenity for lunch. This is the time the elephant relaxes a while, preparing herself for some work in the afternoon. You may return after lunch to the courtyard to a spectacular demonstration by the elephant on how she pulls and carries logs of wood while at work. The elephant prefers a bath after her work and the mahout obliges. Watching this is again a wonderful experience, especially the way she sprays the water around and enjoys the bath. If you wish, you may again go for an elephant-back ride. By the time the elephant and the mahout bids "good bye" and slowly walk away from the bungalow, you can be sure to take this day along with your memories. Accommodation: Serenity at Kanam Estate Day 7: Serenity - Backwaters This morning we will drive to the famous Backwaters region of Kerala. Everywhere you see the resplendent glory of a pristine countryside. Vast stretches of paddy fields and intricate network of navigable lake, lagoons, canals, and rivers fringed by coconut groves lend an ambience of unmatched freshness and serenity to this region. You will spend the next couple of nights at a home-stay which is an excellent opportunity for an authentic Kerala experience. Accommodation: Backwaters, Dinner
Day 8: Backwaters Day at leisure to explore neighbouring areas, or you may participate in some of the activities organised by your home-stay (directly payable). Accommodation: Backwaters, Dinner Day 9: Backwaters Houseboat This morning you will be driven a short distance to board your Houseboat. The entire state of Kerala is criss-crossed with waterways that provide for irrigation and also serve as convenient modes of transportation and commerce. Next to the coastline, these endless stretches of lakes and lagoons are together called the backwaters. Life along these canals and byways is quite different from that seen along the highways. Many of the villages are isolated and entirely dependent on the canals for means of livelihood, transportation and communication and the best way to explore these surroundings is by a kettuvallam or houseboat. Accommodation: Houseboat, Lunch, Dinner Day 10: Houseboat - Marari This morning we will disembark from the Houseboat and drive to Marari beach. The village of Mararikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar Coast, where the Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea. Marari is a perfect picture of Kerala's fishing villages, its essence. Accommodation: Marari Beach Day 11: Marari Free day. Your resort offers a number of rejuvenating Ayurveda treatments and you may indulge in one of them. Accommodation: Marari Beach Day 12: Marari - Cochin This morning drive to Cochin airport (1.5 hour) for your onward flight. *****End of the tour***** Dates and prices Daily: January to mid-april and September to December for 2 people or more. STANDARD HOTELS PACKAGE Per Person on Twin-share: US$ 1842 Child up to 5 years: Free (in parents bed) Child between 5 and 12 years: USD 783 (only one child in the room)
DELUXE HOTELS PACKAGE Per Person on Twin-share: US$ 2661 Child up to 5 years: Free (in parents bed) Child between 5 and 12 years: USD 1181 (only one child in the room) Please let us know the number of children and their ages to work our exact package cost These prices are not valid between Dec 20-10 Jan as hotels charge festival supplement during this period Included Services INCLUSIONS: Accommodation on twin-share basis in the mentioned hotels or similar Meals as mentioned in the itinerary All transport in an air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary Arrival and departure transfers with our representative An English speaking guide for sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary Entrance fees to all cultural sights / wildlife park mentioned in itinerary Kathakali dance performance in Cochin All currently applicable taxes EXCLUSIONS: Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc Any other meals than those mentioned above International airfare Any insurance coverage Airport or VISA fee Camera charges at monuments Any extra expenses incurred for reasons beyond our control such as emergency evacuation, natural calamity, etc Any other item not specifically mentioned above as INCLUDED Hotels STANDARD HOTELS Cochin: Hotel Arches Room Category: Deluxe Room It is located in the heart of Fort Cochin, 200 meters from ancient church of St. Francis and 500 meters from Chinese Nets. www.hotelarches.com/ Munnar: Copper Castle Room Category: Superior Room A modern resort, offering great location, lovely views of hills and valleys and serene ambiance. http://www.abadhotels.com/coppercastle/index.html
Serenity: Serenity at Kanam Estate Room Category: Deluxe Serenity at Kanam estate is an intensely private villa hotel surrounded by rubber estates and tropical spice gardens. Thoroughly re-designed, this dream come true 1920s estate bungalow has fully retained its heritage ambience and blends into an unspoiled rural setting. http://www.malabarhouse.com/serenity-kanam-estate/ Backwaters: Nelpura Home-stay Room Category: Standard A heritage home-stay, its building showcases the fine features of traditional Kerala architecture and woodcarving. http://www.nelpura.com/ Alleppey: Houseboat Category: Air-conditioned Deluxe Lakes & Lagoons is the first and only ISO 9001-2000 certified Houseboat Tour Company in Kerala. http://www.lakeslagoons.com/ Marari: Turtle Beach Resort Room Category: Beach Cottage Spread across an area of 13 acres of land, Turtle Beach Resort overlooks the white sandy Marari Beach and has a rivulet flowing on one side. http://www.abadhotels.com/mararibeach/index.html DELUXE HOTELS Cochin: Malabar House Room Category: Deluxe Room The Malabar House is a boutique heritage hotel located in the heart of historical Fort Cochin. It is not just another Cochin hotel, it is a documented part of Fort Cochin's and Kerala's historical fabric and its history dates back to 1755. http://www.malabarhouse.com/malabar-house/index.html Munnar: Windermere Estate Room Category: Cottage Windermere Estate is where the manicured tea gardens merge with the lush green forests of Western Ghats. Hallmarked for its exclusiveness and high range hospitality, Windermere is a 60 acre cardamom plantation. http://www.windermeremunnar.com/ Serenity: Serenity at Kanam Estate Room Category: Deluxe
Serenity at Kanam estate is an intensely private villa hotel surrounded by rubber estates and tropical spice gardens. Thoroughly re-designed, this dream come true 1920s estate bungalow has fully retained its heritage ambience and blends into an unspoiled rural setting. http://www.malabarhouse.com/serenity-kanam-estate/ Backwaters: Philip Kutty s Farm Room Category: Villa Independent, homely, waterfront villas run by a family, on a beautiful farm island, in the backwaters of Kerala. http://philipkuttysfarm.com/ Alleppey: Houseboat Category: Air-conditioned Deluxe Lakes & Lagoons is the first and only ISO 9001-2000 certified Houseboat Tour Company in Kerala. http://www.lakeslagoons.com/ Marari: Marari Beach Resort Room Category: Garden Villa Far from the madding crowd, and distant from trendy hotspots and beach raves, Marari s lietmotifs are space and silence. http://www.cghearth.com/marari-beach Weather Compared to other Indian states, Kerala lies closer to the equator. Yet Kerala is bestowed with a pleasant and equable climate due to its nearness to the sea and the presence of the Western Ghats on the east. Kerala climate is best for travel from January to mid-april and September to December when the weather is mild, comfortable and pleasant to enjoy your holiday. Average temperatures from October to March are a maximum of 28 C and minimum of 18 C. May, June, July and August are hot and humid. Tour company background Periplus Travel is an India specialist destination management company approved by the Department of Tourism, Government of India, and is a member of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). Periplus Travel is run by people with an intense spirit of travel and passion for India. We pride ourselves in providing well-researched travel products, flawless execution on the grounds and competitive pricing. Our team of professionals is experienced, extensively travelled in India, and is equipped to look after all your travel needs. Managed by a team of travel professionals (with a collective experience of decades in organising travel related services), we have offices in New Delhi and Cochin as well as representative presence in over 35 cities of India.
Our itineraries are well-researched - they take you to areas of outstanding cultural and natural beauty and offer a comfortable balance of active and leisure time. The hotels we use are the best in their respective categories (standard, deluxe, luxury) and we know them all personally and have worked with them for numerous years. Terms and conditions There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. We reserve the right to make route and accommodation modifications if the situation demands. In case we cancel a trip, all payments received will be fully refunded. We are not responsible for expenses incurred due to due to travel delays, flight cancellation or illness. We are not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, etc Payment and cancellation terms We accept payments by bank wire transfer and credit cards (Mater and Visa Only). A surcharge of 2.5% is applicable on payments by credit cards We will require 25% of the total cost at the time of booking. The balance 75% will payable 60 days before the start of the tour. If the tour is cancelled 61 days or more before the start of the tour then 25% of the total tour cost will be charged as Cancellation Charges If the tour is cancelled within 60-31 Day of the start of the tour then 40% of the total tour cost will be charged as Cancellation Charges If the tour is cancelled within 30-16 Day of the start of the tour then 60% of the total tour cost will be charged as Cancellation Charges If the tour is cancelled within 15-6 Day of the start of the tour then 75% of the total tour cost will be charged as Cancellation Charges If the tour is cancelled within 5 Days of the start of the tour then 90% of the total tour cost will be charged as Cancellation Charges This cancellation policy is applicable with no exceptions including medical and natural emergencies.