Cultural & Beach Tour of South India

Duration- 19 Nights / 20 Days

Places-Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Bangalore-Mysore-Wayanad-Kannur-Beypore-Cochin-Munnar-Periyar-Kumarakom-Kovalam-Trivandrum-Delhi

Mode of Transportation- Private vehicle with experienced English-speaking chauffer

Meals- All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tour Manager- Available at your service right from your arrival till departure

Tour Guide- Local tour guide will be made available at all the locations

Inclusions- All-inclusive except expense of personal nature like laundry, entry fee of camera etcetera

Hotel Category- Category of your choice. We recommend palatial / boutique properties wherever

Available

 

Golden Triangle-India's golden triangle is a tourist circuit that connects the national capital, New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The Golden Triangle is so named because of the triangular shape formed by their locations on a map and also because of the vast wealth of cultural and historic treasures to be found in these three cities The trips usually start in Delhi and move south to the site of the Taj Mahal at Agra then west, to Jaipur (the desert landscapes). It is normally possible to do the trip by road, train or plane. The Golden Triangle is now a well- travelled route, providing a good spectrum of the country's different landscapes in short duration. The circuit is about 450 Miles by road. Each leg is about 4 to 5 hours of seamless driving with few short breaks en route to cover places of historical importance.

Karnataka- Karnataka is primarily known for its Heritage destinations and its Wildlife/ National Parks. Apart from that, it is also famous for its magical hill stations, spectacular waterfalls, pilgrimage centres and a 320km long coastline dotted with un-spoilt beaches.

Kerala- Kerala – the ‘Queen of the Malabar Coast’, is indeed one of the most gorgeous and enticing holiday destinations in the entire country. Adorned by the enchanting charm of the Arabian Sea, guarded by the lofty Western Ghats, jotted with numerous lagoons, and strapped by a chain of canals, this picturesque holiday casts a magical spell on all its visitors! Fondly called ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala boasts of its bountiful beauty and prismatic offerings. 

 

Day 1– Arrival Delhi

 A very warm welcome to India’s capital city!!! Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your English speaking tour manager and chauffer. Tour manager will help you with hotel check in and discuss the tour details. Depending upon your flight timings local excursions can be planned for the day.

Today’s Excursion- It can be discussed and planned as per your arrival in Delhi

 

Night Stay- Delhi

 

Day 2– Delhi

Post relaxing breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a full day city tour. We will cover / pass through all the below listed places of importance. You have option to add / omit places.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Qutub Minar- Built in 1193, it is the tallest minaret in the world built of bricks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The compound also has an iron pillar famous for the rust resistant composition and is an excellent specimen of ancient metallurgy
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  • Humayun Tomb- The tomb of Humayun construction was completed in 1572. The building was the first to use its unique combination of red sandstone and white marble. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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  • Agrasen Ki Baoli- Agrasen Ki Baoli is a 60-meter long and 15-meter-wide historical stepwell built in 14th century.
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  • Jama Masjid- It was built between 1650 and 1656.At the time of its construction, it was the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent. The mosque predominantly uses red sandstone & Black marble. The courtyard can accommodate 25,000 worshippers.
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  • Red Fort- The Red Fort historically served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. It was completed in  1648. The World Heritage Convention characterises the Red Fort as representing “The Zenith of  Mughal Creativity”
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  • Raj Ghat- It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s Cremation. It is on the west bank of the Yamuna River
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  • Rickshaw Ride- The Old Delhi Rickshaw Tour is special as it is royal and regal. Hop on board our  cushy rickshaws and explore the Mughal-built Walled City in a comfortable, eco-friendly and  adventurous way. This tour is a mix of Old Delhi Heritage and culture. Immerse yourself in this  enigmatic experience and have the best of this Old City.
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  • Drive through / Photo stop- President house / Parliament house / India Gate
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Night Stay- Delhi

 

Day 3– Delhi to Agra via Sikandra (130 miles / 3 hours)

After early breakfast at hotel, we will depart for Agra visiting Sikandra enroute. Upon arrival at Agra check in and relax for a while before we proceed to take a spectacular view of Taj Mahal during the sun set.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Sikandra- The four-storied tomb combines both marble and sandstone in its exterior. The  construction of Sikandra was completed in 1613. The tomb with is set amidst a large garden and is enclosed by four battlemented walls, each with a large gateway. The 99 names of Allah have been inscribed on the tomb.
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  • Agra Fort- Also known as Agra’s Red Fort was built by the Mughal emperor in 1573. It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The 40-hectare fort has a semi-circular plan, its chord lies parallel to the river Yamuna and its walls are seventy feet high.
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  • Taj Mahal- The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare complex. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around ₹32 million, which currently would be approximately USD $1 billion. The construction project employed some 20,000 artisans. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site 
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Night stay- Agra

 

Day 4– Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (150 miles / 5 hours)

Post relaxing breakfast at your hotel we will drive to Jaipur, visiting the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri enroute.

Upon arrival at Jaipur check in and relax for a while before we embark on half day city tour.

Jaipur is also known as the Pink City, due to the dominant colour scheme of its buildings. During the year 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII). It is also known as the Paris of India, and it was founded in 1727 UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed Jaipur the Pink City of India & among its World Heritage Sites. It is among the top 10 places of tourist attraction in Asia.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Fatehpur Sikri- It is an abandoned palace city which sits on rocky ridge, 1.9 miles in length and  0.62 miles wide and palace city is surrounded by a 6 km (3.7 mi) wall on three sides with the fourth bordered by a lake. Some of the important buildings in this city holds both religious and secular importance. The city was built massively and preferably with red sandstone.
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  • Guided Tour of Old Jaipur City
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  • Visit Shops for Souvenir Shopping
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Night stay- Jaipur

 

Day 5 –Jaipur

Post relaxing breakfast at your hotel we will embark on our full day local tour of Jaipur.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Amer Fort- Amer Fort is great example of architecture. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. Its construction ensured that a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 
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  • Jaigarh Fort- The Amer Fort along with Jaigarh Fort, is located immediately above on the Hill of  eagles. The Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort are considered one complex, as the two are connected by a  subterranean passage. This passage was meant as an escape route in times of war to enable the royal family members and others in the Amer Fort
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  • Nahargarh Fort- Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defence ring for the city. Nahar in local language means abode of tigers. The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for the kind named Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort. Nahar’s spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name
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  • Hawa Mahal- The structure was built in 1799 from red and pink sandstone. Its five-floor exterior is akin to a honeycomb with its 953 highly decorated small windows. The original intent of this design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen. This architectural feature also allowed cool air to pass through, thus making the whole area more pleasant during the high temperatures in summer
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  • City Palace- The City Palace, Jaipur was established in 1727. It now houses the Museum and continues to be the home of the Jaipur royal family. The royal family has around 500 personal servants The palace complex has several buildings, various courtyards, galleries, restaurants, and offices 
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  • Jantar Mantar- A Jantar Mantar is an assembly of stone-built astronomical instruments, designed to be used with the naked eye. The instrument can be used with an accuracy of about 20 seconds by a skilled observer & to measure the time of day, and the declination of the Sun and the other heavenly bodies. It is the world’s largest stone sundial. The Jaipur Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Optional Activity 

• • Elephant Ride to Amer Fort
  • Jeep Ride to Amer fort
  • Hot Air balloon – Jaipur City view from the top

 

Night stay- Jaipur

 

Day 6– Jaipur to Bangalore (Flight / 2.5 hours)

After early breakfast at hotel, we will proceed for airport to board flight for Bangalore. Upon arrival at Bangalore, check in and freshen up before embarking on local tour.

Bangalore- Bangalore is known as the "Silicon Valley of India" because of its role as the nation's  leading software exporter as well as being a major semiconductor hub. Bangalore has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with its parks and green spaces earning it the reputation as the "Garden City" of India

Today’s Excursion-

We will indulge in night life today. As Bangalore houses world class pubs we will pick one to experience the night life in city.

 

Night stay- Bangalore

 

Day 7– Bangalore to Mysore (100 miles / 4 hours)

Post early breakfast we will drive to Mysore. Upon arrival in Mysore check in and relax a bit prior venturing out for local tour.

Mysore- City set on foothill is known for its heritage structures and palaces, including the famous Mysore Palace, and noted for its culture Mysore is popularly known as the "City of Palaces", the "Heritage City" and the "Cultural Capital of Karnataka". For its pristine and calm ambience, it is also known as "Pensioners' Paradise

Today’s Excursion-

• • Mysore Palace- Mysore Maharaja Palace is located in the heart of Mysore city. Known for its renowned Mysore Dussehra Festival, it is one of the largest palaces in India. This palace was designed by a known British architect, Henry Irwin
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  • Jayalakshmi Vilas Palace- One of the most beautiful palaces in Mysore, it has been declared as a heritage site by the state government. This palace houses three museums namely Folklore Museum, Archaeology Museum and General Museum. This spacious palace, which is spread over 6 acres of land, has around 125 rooms and more than 250 carved doors and windows. It is located near another popular Mysore attraction Kukkarahalli Lake.
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  • St. Philomeria Church- It is the second largest church in South Asia. It was built by Mysore King for the European residents of Mysore, setting an example of religious harmony and understanding.
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  • Chamundeshwari Temple- Not only religiously inclined, this temple attracts nature lovers too. Located on top of a Hills, this temple has been built in Dravidian architectural style.
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Night stay- Mysore

 

Day 8– Mysore to Wayanad (100 miles / 3 hours)

After breakfast at hotel of your stay we will start for Wayanad. On arrival in Wayanad check into the hotel, relax for a while before stepping out for local tour.

Wayanard- This hill station has everything right from the serene hills to verdant mountains, lush greenery, mesmerizing waterfalls, and a pleasant environment. The place is famous for its natural beauty, Wildlife, Ayurveda and plantation resort.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Kalaripayattu School- Kalaripayattu school offers a unique insight into the rich and ancient art of  Kalaripayattu: a way of life, balancing mind, body and soul. Set in the cool green mountains of Wayanad, It is a traditional Kalari school with a long lineage teaching this unique form of Indian martial arts.
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Night stay- Wayanad

 

Day 9– Wayanad

Post relaxing breakfast at hotel we will proceed for local site seeing.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Lakkidi Hill Station- Lakkidi Viewpoint is a popular tourist point from where you can enjoy a resplendent view of the misty mountains along with admiring a bird’s eye view of the city and the surrounding areas. Road journey is filled with abundant lush greenery, gorges, streams, etc.
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  • Edakkal Caves- This cave depicts the era of the stone age. Perched on a hill at a height of 1200 meters above sea level, the Edakkal Caves features prehistoric inscriptions and wall carvings from the Neolithic settlement. The rock carvings that are believed to be more than 8000 years old.
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Night stay- Wayanad

 

Day 10– Wayanad to Kannur (80 miles / 4 hours)

Post relaxing breakfast at hotel we will proceed for onward journey to Kannur.

Kannur- The Great traveller Marco Polo called it as ‘a great emporium of the spice trade’. The construction of St Angelo's Fort in the year 1505 by Europeans brought worldwide glory and fame to this wonderful place.  It is a land of pristine beaches.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Saint Angelo’s Fort- St Angelo’s fort is a triangular laterite fort situated against the sea. In 1663, the fort was under the control of Dutch and later British seized control over fort. British renovated and equipped it to be their most important military station. 
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  • Payyambalam Beach- It is the biggest beach of Kannur. The main attractions of this beach are the well laid out gardens and the massive landscaped sculpture of mother & child.
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Night stay- Kannur

 

Day 11 -Kannur to Beypore via Mahe (70 miles / 3 hours)

Post relaxing breakfast at hotel we will proceed for our next leg of journey to Beypore.

Beypore- This small town is located opposite the estuary where the river Chaliyar merge into Arabian Sea. Beypore port is one of the oldest ports in Kerala, which historically traded with the Middle East. Beypore is noted for building wooden ships. These ships were usually bought by Arab merchants for trading and fishing but are now used as tourist ships

Today’s Excursion-

• • Mahe- Mahe lies at the mouth of the majestic Mahe River. It was once a French colony and traces and remains of the same can still be seen today. The famous St. Teresa’s Church is most visited monument.
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  • Beach Walk- Stroll on pristine beach
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  • Beypore Port- An ancient port from where trade between the Middle East and Asia had started. Later, it became an important trade and maritime center.

 

Night stay- Beypore

 

Day 12– Beymore to Kochi (110 miles / 4 hours)

Post relaxing breakfast at hotel we will embark on scenic drive to Kochi.

Kochi- Kerala is known as, Gods Own Country, for its breath-taking beauty, and the city of Kochi lies on the South West Coast overlooking the Arabian Sea. For centuries Kochi has been a gathering place for merchants and tourists from various nations and people who have been here from Arabs to the Portuguese and British have all left their legacy and cultural imprints behind. Also known as Queen of the Arabian Sea

Upon arrival in Cochin, check in and relax for a while before we proceed with our half day tour of Cochin.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Chinese Fishing Net- The Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi are often regarded as one of the most picturesque sights in Kochi. Legends say that these nets were originally brought down from the royal courts of Kublai Khan, the great Chinese emperor and introduced in 14th century.
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  • Fort Kochi- The ancient Fort Kochi exhibits the traits of the different cultures of English, Dutch and Portuguese infused in its age-old architecture
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  • Jewish Synagogue- The Jewish Synagogue was originally built in 1568 and later restored by the Dutch. The synagogue has a gold pulpit as well as hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles that were imported from China. An exquisitely beautiful Belgian chandelier illuminates the synagogue and the unique clock tower  further adds to its charm.

 

Night stay- Kochi

 

Day 13- Kochi to Munnar (90 miles / 4 hours)

After breakfast at hotel of your stay we will start for our scenic tour of Munnar. It’s a beautiful drive away through lush green hills and tea gardens. The scenery is spectacular and you can linger awhile at the Neriamangalam bridge for a view of the Periyar River and also at the falls at Cheeyappara and Valara.

Munnar- Munnar is a hill station which sits on the confluence of three mountain streams surrounded by dense greenery.

Upon arrival check in and relax for a while. Later will step out for local tour of Munnar.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Eravikulam National Park- Located in the hills of Munnar, this national park is famous for endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The forest spread over an area of 60 square miles is divided into; core area, buffer area and tourism area. Core area and buffer area is not open to the public.
  • (Note: Eravikulam National Park will be closed from Feb to Mar every year for the two months
  • due to the calving season of Nilgiri Tahr.)
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  • Kundala Lake- Kundala dam is an artificial dam, Asia’s first arch dam. Though it pulls with its
  • serenity and beauty, you could be lucky to spot the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which blossom once in 12 years in the adjacent hills and valleys of Kundala Lake. Boating in Kundala offers options of pedal boating, row boating and shikara rides.
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  • Mattupetty Dam- Mattupetty Dam and the lake are beautiful scenic spots of Munnar, located near peak and surrounded by tea plantations, spice gardens and rolling hills. The dam area is also an ideal picnic spot and a lovely trekking path. It offers boating facilities by speedboats and motorboats.
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Night stay- Munnar

 

Day 14– Munnar to Thekkady (75 miles / 3 hours)

Post a relaxing breakfast at hotel we will proceed for Thekkady after spending half day exploring beauty of Munnar. The drive to Thekkady is through Cardamon hills.

Today’s Excursion- at Munnar

• • Carmelagiri Elephant Park- Enjoy short elephant safari, that too in the rocky topography of Munnar.
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  • Blossom Park- This exotic piece of land has fresh flowers, river, lush green landscape, embracing migratory waterbirds, and mountain butterflies. The facilities offered here are adventure trails, boating, nature walks, bird watching, roller skating, badminton, etc.
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Optional activity at Munnar-

• • For adventure lovers’ boat, raft, bike or horse ride
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  • For wildlife lovers’ opportunity to spot endangered mountain goats and other wildlife
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Night stay- Thekkady

 

Day 15– Thekkady

Post relaxing breakfast at hotel we will proceed for local tour of Thekkady

Thekkady- It’s a small town near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace, ginger, and clove.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary- It is the only wildlife sanctuary in India that offers the unique opportunity of viewing wild life in their natural habitat at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, deer and bison that come down to drink in the lake. The sanctuary can be accessed by trekking, boating or jeep safari. 
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  • Elephant Junction- Enjoy Elephant ride and sight of bathing Elephant
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  • Bamboo Rafting for adventurers- By rafting you will get a panoramic view of forest-clad hills.  Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake.
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  • Spice Plantation- One of the major spices produced in the area is cardamom. Kerala contributes about 70 percent of the national production of cardamom with the major chunk coming from the plantations in this region. The pepper plantations are something else that are worth seeing. The sunlight seeping through the shapely leaves of the pepper plants is an alluring sight.
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Optional activity at Thekkady-

• • Boating in Periyar lake
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  • Bamboo rafting
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  • Tribal tour of nearby village
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Night stay- Thekkady

 

Day 16- Thekkady to Kumarakom (100 miles / 4 hours)

Post relaxing breakfast at hotel we will proceed for our next leg of journey to Kumarakom.

Kumarakom- Kumarakom is a popular destination famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Boat Ride– Enjoy sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom
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  • Explore local market
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Night stay- Kumarakom

 

Day 17– Kumarakom to Alleppey (2 miles / 30 minutes)

Post relaxing breakfast at hotel proceed to board your houseboat.

Houseboat- A houseboat is about 100 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the middle. The materials that go into the making are local and ecofriendly, bamboo poles, coconut fibre, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. These houseboats are fully furnished single room, double room, and triple rooms.

Today’s Excursion-

• • Houseboat Tour- You will be on houseboat for next 22-24hours. Cruise through the backwater, discover the swaying beauty of the narrow canals, verdant paddy fields, coconut lagoons and coir villages; overnight stay will be in the houseboat.
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Night stay- Houseboat

 

Day 18– Alleppey to Kovalam (100 Miles / 4 hours)

Post breakfast on the houseboat you will disembark, and we will proceed for beach location Kovalam. It’s a beach location where there is no activity planned for the day. You are free to explore beaches which are near your hotel.

Kovalam is a small beach town, there are three large beaches at Kovalam divided by rocky outcrops providing distinct bays which you can choose to explore.  Lighthouse Beach is the most popular and Samudra the most peaceful and private.  Swim in the azure waters of the Arabian sea, sunbathe, play beach cricket or enjoy a calming Indian massage.  The beach is well serviced with amenities but they are not overpowering and do not disrupt the gentle ambience of the palm-fringed golden shores. 

Today’s Excursion-

• • Beaches- We will cover Lighthouse beach and Samudra beach
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Optional activity-

• • Water sports- The water activities which are offered include parasailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and backwater cruise.
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  • Ayurvedic Massage / Spa
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Night stay- Kovalam

 

Day 19– Kovalam

Post breakfast at your hotel whole day is at leisure to explore beach and indulge in ayurvedic massage or you can opt for the optional tour.

Optional Activity-

• • Water sports- The water activities which are offered include parasailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and backwater cruise.
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  • Ayurvedic Massage / Spa
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  • Tour of Kanyakumari (50 miles / 2 hours)- This is the farthest land point of India. With your entry in Kanyakumari, you can see the charming excellence wherein the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal converge with one another. Following this, you will be taken for a pontoon ride to the prestigious Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
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  • Vellayani Lake- This freshwater lake also serves as a host to Snake Boat Races in Kerala.
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Night stay- Kovalam

 

Day 20– Kovalam to Delhi (Flight / 3.30 hours)

 Post breakfast at your hotel we will proceed to Airport for our onward journey to Delhi.

 

Night stay- Delhi (Depending upon your onward journey)

 

Note: This is just a time bound sample itinerary indicative of how and what all could be explored. We can customise the tour as per your requirements. Set your expectations and we will offer memorable experience. Please reach out to us for personalised holiday experience.

All Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation for 19 Nights / 20 Days

All mode of domestic transportation

Jungle safari / Elephant ride

Houseboat

All the entry tickets

English speaking tour guide at all the locations

 

 

International flight

Travel insurance

Any service / activity not mentioned in Itinerary

Expense of personal nature like laundry, entry tickets for camera etcetera

Optional tours / activities

Water sports activities

Ayurvedic massage / Spa