This package is available from Rs. 38,210 INR  total price per person on twin sharing. Price is valid until March 2013.

Explore beautiful southern India with our Kerala Spice Trail tour. Enjoy relaxing on golden beaches, seeing life on the famous backwaters and trekking through the National Parks. Sample some of the best of southern India.

Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey

See an interactive route map.

Contact us to get the latest offers on this tour and to have it tailored to your requirements

Day One: Cochin
Cochin is your port to Kerala. As soon as you arrive, drive to the beach side and see the Chinese nets at work. The let yours hosts take care of you at Daffodils homestay. Visit Santa Cruz Basilica, St Francis Church (Vasco Da Gama’s Burial Place), Dutch Cemetery, and the Jew town all of which are short distances from the homestay.**

Day Two: Cochin
Explore Cochin’s other features. There are local Cultural Shows, Shopping in Ernakulam (you won’t find this much variety of Kerala souvenirs elsewhere), Marine Drive. Ferry Rides etc to enjoy.**

Day Three: Munnar
After an early start visit an Elephant Training Camp travel along winding hilltop roads to Munnar where you will check into Ranger Woods where you will find a warm welcome from your host Mr. Sunil. The family’s ancestors were involved in the plantation business and Mr. Sunil’s father used to own a cardamom plantation. They know an enormous amount about the spices grown in Munnar and will accompany you on a plantation walk. The area behind the house is packed with spices, vegetation and fruit trees such as passion fruit. The combination of Munnar’s refreshing climate, its High Range hilltops and luxuriant spice and tea gardens makes it an exceptional holiday destination.

Day Four: Munnar
After breakfast head to Munnar town which is quite close by. Visit Rajamalai National Park, Tea Museum, Athukadu Waterfalls, come back to the town and shop for spices.**

Day Five: Munnar
Go to Kolku Malai** and visit the highest tea plantation in the world. Buy some tea, come back to town and have lunch at the Club Mahindra Resort. Watch some Kathakali and Kalaripaittu performance, Visit the Mattupetty dam in the evening.**

Day Six: Thekkady
Get an early start and reach Thekkady by late morning where you will check into Pepper County. The house looks out onto spectacular views across hills and plantations, and Cyriac himself owns a plantation consisting mainly off pepper and cardamom with many other spices and fruits, such as chillis, cashews, cinnamon and jackfruit. Take a boat ride at Periyar National Park and come back to your homestay for a plantation walk***.

Day Seven: Thekkady
Today take the first boat ride in Periyar (the best time to see wildlife). Make sure you buy tickets early though**. Come back for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing at the homestay.

Day Eight: Thekkady
Today you should go to Gavi for a Jeep safari**. The entire trip includes your breakfast, a safari, treks, boat rides and lunch. You will come back to the homestay by the late afternoon just in time for tea. Visit the town for last minute spice shopping and go to the reservoir and dam.

Day Nine: Alleppey
Get an early start and reach Alleppey by lunch time. Stay in luxurious Taamara with it’s spectacular lakeside views and stunning, well furnished rooms. Nirmala, your host will treat you to sumptuous Keralan lunch. In the evening visit 16th century Church** and spend the evening at the beach. Come back for a session of night fishing*** and a delicious dinner.

Day Ten: Alleppey
You must visit the bird sanctuary** and the temple that your host will take you to. After this you can go shopping in town. Come back for a short canoe ride* into the backwaters or swim in the lake or even fish for a while if you like it.

Day Eleven: Alleppey
An Ayurvedic Massage* on an empty stomach early in the morning is a must. Come back for breakfast and relax for a while. Take a half a day Houseboat ride***. In the evening your host can have a cooking demonstration* if you like or you can walk in the village and end with dinner.

Day Twelve: Alleppey
Drive back to Cochin after breakfast to fly back home.

Your Kerala Spice Trail tour includes:
Eleven nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with your choice of a delicious home cooked Indian meal at either lunch or dinner time daily. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sightseeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

KERALA TOUR PRICE
This package is available from Rs. 38,210 total price per person on twin sharing. Price is valid until March 2013.

You may want to add on:

• 2 nights in Kottayam for life on the plains with rubber plantations.
• 3 nights in Wayanad for trekking and wildlife.

ABOUT:
Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special twelve day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook. This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

KEY:
*Suggested activities within homestay – on chargeable basis. Will need prior booking.
**Suggested activities or sightseeing in destination – not included in package price. Subject to timings and availability and weather. Mahindra Homestays is not responsible for any changes or uncontrollable factors
***Complimentary activities in the homestays that are part of the package.

Click here to make an online enquiry about this Kerala Spice Trail Itinerary
The package can be customized according to your needs and interests. For telephone enquiries please call:

• Local call from UK 02031408422
• Local call from within India 1800 425 2737
• Other destinations call 1800 4252737