One week Kerala travel module

Program

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – transfer to homestay

After arriving at Kochi airport, you will be warmly welcomed and taken to your cozy homestay in Fort Kochi. The former trading town combines Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences, which are particularly reflected in the architecture. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to take your first stroll through the charming streets or simply relax.

Overnight stay in a homestay

Day 2: Exploring Fort Kochi – history and culture (F)

After breakfast, we embark on a fascinating rickshaw tour through Fort Kochi. We visit the oldest European church in India, St. Francis Church, where the navigator Vasco da Gama was once buried. In the washermen’s quarter, we observe the traditional washermen at work. We then stroll through the Jewish quarter with its famous synagogue and lively market. Finally, we visit the lively fish market, where the iconic Chinese fishing nets are used. The afternoon is free. Optionally, you can attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

Overnight stay in a homestay

Day 3: Drive to Munnar – tea plantations and breathtaking views (F/A)

After breakfast, we set off for Munnar. The four-hour drive takes us through the lush forests and steep slopes of the Western Ghats. The road winds past lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and small villages. Once we arrive in Munnar, we visit the tea museum, which offers exciting insights into the history and processing of tea. In the evening, an optional entertaining Kareri performance awaits us.

Overnight stay in a homestay

Day 4: Hike through tea and spice plantations (F/M)

Today, a sporty full-day hike through the tea and spice plantations of Munnar is on the program. A local guide leads us through the hilly landscape and explains interesting facts about tea production and the many exotic spices that are grown here. On the way, we enjoy a rustic lunch with local delicacies and experience the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings.

Overnight stay in a homestay

Day 5: Drive to Thekkady – cooking course in Kerala cuisine (F/A)

After breakfast, we continue our journey to Thekkady (travel time approx. 3 hours). Thekkady is a small, lively town on the edge of Periyar National Park and is known for its spice markets. After a stroll through the colorful streets, an interactive cooking class awaits us in the evening, where we will learn the secrets of Kerala cuisine.

Overnight stay in a homestay

Day 6: Periyar National Park – hike and raft tour (F/M)

An exciting day awaits us today in Periyar National Park. With a bit of luck, we may spot elephants, deer and exotic birds in their natural habitat. First, we go on a guided hike through the dense jungle, followed by a relaxing raft tour on Lake Periyar. Lunch is served as a picnic during the tour.

Overnight stay in a homestay

Day 7: Alleppey backwaters – kayak tour (F/A)

After breakfast, we continue to Alleppey, the heart of the famous backwaters of Kerala (travel time approx. 3 hours). In the afternoon, we get into a kayak and explore the winding waterways lined with dense mangroves. As we paddle through the small canals, we experience the rural life of the backwaters up close.

Overnight stay in a homestay

Day 8: Departure or extension at Marari Beach (F)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kochi airport or to Marari Beach, where you can spend relaxing days on the beach in an Ayurveda resort or a small homestay.

Optional extra day excursion to Madurai

Between Munnar and Thekkady, you have the option of spending an extra day in Madurai, one of the oldest and culturally richest cities in South India. Here, the Meenakshi temple with its ornately decorated gopurams will impress you. A stroll through the lively market offers the opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of the city up close.

Optional: Beach days at Marari Beach

For those who still have time, the travel module can be perfectly combined with a few days at Marari Beach. Whether in a comfortable Ayurveda resort or in a charming homestay – here you can unwind once again.

Included services

• Complete transfer
• All accommodations in a shared double room
• Meals as advertised
• All activities with guides and entrance fees

Unincluded services

• International flight
• Visa
• Unmentioned meals
• Tips

Highlights

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Prices and dates

1 participant: 950 € +170 € for an extra day in Madurai with guide

2 participants: 550 €/person + 90 €/person for one day in Madurai with guide

3 participants (in a three-man room with extra bed). 450 € + 80 €/person for one day Madurai with guide

From 4 participants: 450 € + 80 €/person for one day in Madurai with guide

Single room supplement 250 €

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