Adventure and culture – family trip through Kerala with a detour to Tamil Nadu

  • Aktive Kultur Reisen
  • Multi Aktiv Reisen
Camp
Fruit stand in Kerala
Fruit stand in Kerala
Through tea plantations in Kerala

Overview

This family trip is perfect for adventurous families who want to explore the colorful nature and culture of South India together. Kerala, the green jewel of South India, offers a variety of activities for children and parents alike: From bird watching and jungle walks to kayaking, jeep safaris and an overnight stay on a traditional houseboat. In lively Madurai in Tamil Nadu, you can also gain an insight into the fascinating temple culture. Be enchanted by the diversity of Kerala and experience unforgettable adventures together!

Program

Day 1: Welcome to Kochi – The gateway to Kerala

Arrival at Kochi airport. Transfer to the hotel in historic Fort Kochi. Free time to explore the charming alleyways.

Accommodation: Dutch Bungalow / Similar Meals: Breakfast

Day 2: Culture and tradition in Fort Kochi

Tuk tuk tour through Fort Kochi: visit to the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church and the Jewish synagogue. Traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

Accommodation: Dutch Bungalow / Similar Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Pure nature in Thattekkad

After breakfast, drive to Thattekkad. In the afternoon, plantation hike and kayak tour along the forest.

Accommodation: Birds Murmur Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Birdwatching and onward journey to Munnar

Early birdwatching tour and nature walk. Then drive to Munnar. Walk through the local market.

Accommodation: Olive Brook / Similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Trekking and tea factory visit in Munnar

Guided trekking through the Seven Hills Tea Plantations. Visit to a tea factory and insight into tea production.

Accommodation: Olive Brook / Similar Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Jeep safari and elephant sighting

Jeep safari to Anakulam to spot wild elephants. Short hike to a waterfall.

Accommodation: Olive Brook / Similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Cardamom plantations and tribal village

Guided hike through cardamom plantations and visit to a local village. In the afternoon, drive to Vandanmedu.

Accommodation: Carmelia Haven Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Temple city Madurai – insight into the culture

Drive to Madurai. Visit to the impressive Meenakshi temple and insight into the temple culture. Walk through the market

Accommodation: Heritage Madurai Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Animal watching and culture in Thekkady

Drive to Thekkady. Boat trip in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and evening visit to a Kalaripayattu show.

Accommodation: Green Forest Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Jeep safari and cooking class in Gavi Forest

Full-day jeep safari through the Gavi Forest. Forest hike, boat trip to a waterfall and optional cooking class.

Accommodation: Green Forest Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Backwater experience in Alleppey

Drive to Alleppey. In the afternoon, guided kayak tour through the backwaters and visit to a village.

Accommodation: Emerald Isle Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Houseboat trip through the backwaters

Overnight stay on a traditional houseboat and relaxed cruise through the picturesque canals.

Accommodation: Houseboat Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Beach days in Marari

Drive to Marari Beach. Later visit to a Kalari school.

Accommodation: Ether Beach Front / Similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Free time on the beach

A relaxing day at the beach. Time to swim, build sandcastles and relax.

Accommodation: Ether Beach Front / Similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15: Free time on the beach

Further time at leisure on the beach.

Accommodation: Ether Beach Front / Similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: Departure or extension

Transfer to Kochi airport for departure or individual extension.

Meals: Breakfast

Included services

  • 15 nights in selected accommodation (incl. breakfast)
  • Full board in Thattekkad, Alleppey and on the houseboat
  • All transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • All activities according to the program (kayak tour, jeep safaris, trekking, cooking course, houseboat trip)
  • Entrance fees for temples, museums and national parks
  • German-speaking tour guide day 1 to 12 (for the group tour)
  • 24/7 emergency support

Exclusive services

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional drinks and meals not listed in the program

Highlights

Prices and dates

Individual trip (best time October to May)

4000 € Family 1 adult + 1 child
5800 € Family 2 adults + 1 child or 1 adult 2 children in a room with extra bed
7000 € Family 2 adults and 2 children (up to 12 years) in a room with extra bed
8000 € Family 2 adults and 2 children in 2 double rooms

+ 1200 € German-speaking tour guide day 1 to 12, otherwise local English-speaking guides

Group trip for groups of 4 families or more (October vacation, Christmas vacation, Winter/Carnival vacation, Easter vacation, Whitsun vacation)

3700 € Family 1 adult + 1 child
5400 € Family 2 adults + 1 child or 1 adult 2 children in a room with extra bed
6500 € Family 2 adults and 2 children (up to 12 years) in a room with extra bed
7500 € Family 2 adults and 2 children in 2 double rooms

Travel info

additional Information

This tour is a fully organized tour without accompaniment. Detailed travel information is provided.

To the region

From November to March it is pleasantly warm and you only need light clothing. On most beaches of Kerala you can swim in normal swimwear. On beaches just outside, it is advisable to put on a T-shirt. Women in particular often attract unwelcome glances from locals and Indian tourists, as it is not common for women in India to show too much skin.

Climate

From March, temperatures will rise and it will be humid, so you should sweat a lot and pay attention to your circulation. From June to the end of September is the rainy season and many seasonal accommodations and restaurants have closed. It rains quite heavily during this time.

Accommodation

Our accommodations during the tours are typical guesthouses, homestays or hotels with air conditioning in 2 to 3 star categories. They are clean, located in a quiet location, mostly with balcony.

What to take with you

  • Passport
  • Printing of the electronic tourist visa (e-TV)
  • Cash/EC card/credit card
  • Photocopies of the most important documents (keep separate from originals). Send a copy via PDF to your own email in advance.
  • Travel
  • Day backpack (approx. 25l volume if possible with integrated rain cover) for food and drinks on the go
  • For the hikes/trekking we recommend: ankle-high hiking boots with profile and well run in; breathable sportswear (e.g. functional shirt/quick-drying; light long hiking trousers) and 2-3 pairs of hiking socks.
  • light dress, covering shoulders and knees
  • light sneakers or sandals (to air out your feet)
  • Long trousers and sweater/jacket (for the evening and/or rooms with air conditioning)
  • Towel
  • Handkerchiefs (possibly also wet handkerchiefs for body hygiene)
  • Photo equipment do not forget.
  • bathing suits, bath towel
  • Sunprotection and headgear (cap, hat or headscarf, sunglasses, sunscreen)
  • Travel pharmacy, first aid kit, possibly personal medications, insect repellent

Adventure and culture – family trip through Kerala with a detour to Tamil Nadu

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