Compare Family Adventure in Kerala by Original Travel vs Explore North East India Tour by Amazing India Tours

Day 1: Bombay Bound

Sadly there are no direct flights to Kerala, but several airlines offer slick connections. When travelling with children we think it's best not to connect in the middle of the night so we'd suggest an overnight flight to Mumbai. These tend to leave in the late evening and take around nine hours.

Day 2: Fly to Coachin

Accommodation: Malabar House or Brunton Boatyard

You will arrive into Mumbai in late morning where you will connect onwards to your flight to Cochin - your bags will be checked straight through. This flight takes two hours and you will arrive into the Keralan capital at tea time. Your family will be met after baggage reclaims for the hour and a half transfer to Cochin itself. The children will catch a glimpse of the lush waterways for which Kerala is famous, before arriving into the attractive city of Cochin. We work with a couple of charming boutique hotels, both of which are located along the waterfront of the entrance into Cochin's navigable Vembanad Lake, and near the iconic Chinese fishing nets. There should be just enough daylight to enjoy a quick stretch of the legs walk along the waterfront to get your bearings before you enjoy a welcome dinner and well-earned early night.

Day 3: Cochin on Two Wheels

Accommodation: Malabar House or Brunton Boatyard

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, the family will have a morning bicycle ride around the charming Fort Cochin and Mattancherry parts of the city. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and first of all you cycle past the Chinese fishing nets, open air laundries and temples, churches and mosques that stand as a reminder of the city's multi-ethnic history. Your guide will regale you with the colourful history of the city as a major spice trading port that has, over the last 500 years, been colonised by the Portuguese, Dutch and Brits, all of whom have left their mark on the city. By now you'll have worked up an appetite so it's time for lunch; we can recommend the best places to eat, drink and shop (the Jewish Quarter is perfect for this) in the city so you can choose somewhere family-friendly for lunch. This afternoon you can indulge in a spot of shopping or simply relax by the pool at your hotel.

Day 4: Day at Leisure in Cochin

Accommodation: Malabar House or Brunton Boatyard

We recommend another day at leisure in Cochin. The children can relax or swim in the pool, and the parents might find the time to sign up for an indulgent ayurvedic massage in the spiritual home of the technique. Come evening, we have arranged a sunset boat trip so you and the children can see the city from the water, and - hopefully - catch sight of some of the dolphins and porpoises that call these waters home. Then return to the dock and have a supper somewhere in the city.

Day 5: Lake Life - Day 1

Accommodation:  Purity, luxury hotel in India or Philipkutty’s Farm

After breakfast at the hotel it's time to bid farewell to Cochin and head south to Vembanad Lake proper, and a stay in one of our recommended properties right on the water. The pace of life on the lake is deliciously slow, and you and the children can enjoy some proper R&R here, but there are plenty of tempting activities on offer as well.

As the area is so flat, this makes for excellent bicycling territory again, but we can also pre-arrange cooking classes where you and the children can learn about the region's spices and cook with superbly fresh local ingredients (and moderate heat levels, obviously!) or introduce the youngsters - who are presumably already enviably flexible - to the wonders of yoga. Then there's fishing, boating, kayaking and even bird watching, where the children can learn about the local species such as kingfishers and egrets, and try to spot them in action. Come evening, and dependent on weather conditions, you might also see hundreds of fireflies creating a magical nocturnal light show.

Day 6: Lake Life - Day 2

Accommodation: Purity, luxury hotel in India or Philipkutty’s Farm

Another day to appreciate the slow life, and this morning we have arranged for you and the children to experience an ancient skill on Vembanad Lake. You will be taken on a private boat to the middle of the lake with a guide where you will be joined by some local fisherman who will explain the local way to catch fish in the backwaters.

Watch as two fishermen with a reflective cloth wade through the water to frighten your quarry - the karimmen or pearl spot fish. When disturbed, the fish instinctively dive to the bottom of the lake and dip their heads in the sand, and as they do so two other fishermen will jump from the boat, swim to the bottom of the lake to catch the motionless pearl spot. Aside from seeing an ancient form of fishing in action, this is also a chance to appreciate a particular type of fishing boat that is now rarely used except for these displays. You can now take your catch of the day back to the lodge where the culinary team can create a mild version of a classic Keralan fish curry. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon relaxing or exploring before your last night on the lakeside.

Additional Activities: Private Walking Tour of Alleppey

Day 7: Back to the Backwaters

Accommodation: The Lotus Houseboat

After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to a local dock to board your luxurious converted "kettuvallam" (rice barge) for a day and night cruising the beautiful backwaters of Kerala.

The backwaters are a stunning ecosystem of canals, lakes and rivers that sustain thriving rice paddy fields and plantations of banana trees and other crops. The rice barge progresses at a very sedate pace, so the children can put their new found birdwatching skills to the test, and learn about local life as you pass working boatyards and watch villagers separating coir - the course fibres from coconut husks - and spinning it into one of the world's roughest threads, used to make mats, ropes and even fishing nets. Your on board chef will rustle up a delicious traditional meal and you can then retire to bed with the sound of water gently lapping against the hull of the boat.

Day 8: Which Way’s the Beach?

It's worth rising early again this morning to see the sunrise over the waterways because this is when the birdlife is at its best, and you can see local communities start their day, all while nursing a warming cup of tea, and furiously snapping away with your camera. This is prime Instabrag time, basically.

When you glide elegantly back into Alleppey, you will be met at the dock by your driver for the half hour drive to your next stop - a lovely coastal retreat set in 55 acres of gardens and coconut groves overlooking the beach. Kerala has hundreds of miles of wide sandy beaches but the waves and current mean they are not always suitable for swimming. The good news is that when this is the case the hotels have their own pools, and there's nothing to stop little ones enjoying the lovely fine sandy beaches and watching as fishermen launch their brightly coloured long boats through the waves. It's time to break out the bucket and spade and enjoy a few sun-drenched (hopefully) days by the ocean

Day 9-10: Beach Action

Spend two days enjoying the Keralan coast. This is another good opportunity for the children to learn about local life. Kerala has one of the highest literacy rates in the world and a very interesting and distinct culture of its own which the children can learn about.

Meet local fishermen on the beach as they empty their nets of the cay's catch; see a local festival if there's one on when you're there; visit a coir producing village to see the process up front and maybe buy some local coir-crafted handicrafts or wander around a local market so the children can marvel at the sights, sounds and smells. All of this is available, but the hotel also boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool, lovely gardens where guinea fowl roam (and the children can play cricket), tennis, badminton, beach volleyball and bicycles. There's also a lovely spa for mum and dad, yoga classes and evening demonstrations of Keralan musicianship and also "kalari" - a balletic martial art featuring shields and swords. The children can also learn how to wear a sari or dhoti - the traditional male garment much like a sarong.

Day 11: Home

It will be an early start this morning for the one hour and forty-five-minute private transfer from the hotel to Cochin Airport. Once there you can check your bags the whole way through to London before your two hour morning flight to Mumbai, where you will transit on to the onward flight to London, which takes nine and a half hours, arriving back in t the UK in the late afternoon.

Day 1 Kolkatta
Arrive at Kolkata International airport. Meet our representative who will assist you for transfers
to your hotel.
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of India's West Bengal state. Founded as an East
India Company trading post, it was India's capital under the British Raj from 1773–1911.
Today it’s known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals. It’s also
home to Mother House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa,
whose tomb is on site. On arrival check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Kolkata
Day 2 Kolkatta
After breakfast, We will also be visiting the Victoria Memorial (Closed on Monday) The
delightful marble building of Victoria Memorial exhibits some of the finest collections of

paintings from the colonial era. From images of famous people to paintings of Indian princes
and rulers, the collection displays a range of collection.
Later, we will also visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, known as the first Episcopal Church of the
eastern world. Besides, being a religious site, the cathedral is also an architectural delight. St.
Paul‘s Cathedral is 247 feet in length, 81 feet in width and 114 feet at transept.
Visit Kalighat Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Sthals of India, is one of the most visited Kali
temples in India. The spot is where the toes of Sati's right foot fell during Shiva's Rudra
Taandav naach.
Indian Museum, Kolkata (Closed on Monday):- The ninth oldest museum of the world and
largest in India, the Indian Museum is located in the old city of Kolkata. The foundation stone
of the Indian Museum was laid down in the year 1814 and has been a centre of
multidisciplinary activities ever since. Popularly known as 'Jadughar', it exhibits some of the
finest collection of historical importance ranging from contemporary paintings and a sacred
relic of Buddha to Egyptian mummies and ancient sculptures. In addition to these, the Indian
Museum boasts of some of the most exquisite collections of ornaments, fossils, skeletons,
antiques, armours, and stunning Mughal paintings.
Visit Mother House (Closed on Thursday) :- The Mother House in Kolkata is the Missionaries
of Charity’s main House. It is a holy place of pilgrimage and reverence to the selfless Mother.
The blessed Mother Teresa founded the house in 1950 with the purpose of selfless service to
mankind. She dedicated her entire life to help the plagued humanity. She loved the unwanted
and showed the society the path to salvation.
We will then visit the College Street Book Market, Kolkatans are well-known for their
passion for books and this area is a treasure for the book lovers of the city - you can find of
them every day spending hours reading new books or bargaining for buying an old book. Some
of the Kolkata‘s most famous academic institutions like Kolkata University, Presidency College,
Kolkata Medical College and Sanskrit College are also located in this street. Closed on Sunday
& National Holidays.
Our next stop is at the Indian Coffee house and get engaged in an informal chat with
university students. Also known as "Albert Hall", this is the most favourite gathering place for
the writers, thinkers, artists and students for many decades. Casual chatting for hours about
any issue is the most favourite social activity of any Bengali and here in this large historical
and legendary coffee house you can find hundreds of Kolkatan's discussing about their
favourite issue over a cup of coffee.
Overnight at Hotel in Kolkata
Day 3 Kolkata – Darjeling

After early breakfast, check out from hotel and get transferred to Kolkata airport and fly
to Bagdogra.
Arrive at Bagdogra airport. Meet our representative and get transferred to Darjeeling by
AC Vehicle. (Distance of 69km 3 to 4 hours travel time by car)
DARJEELING: Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of
the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the
Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”,
it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway
track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling
remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘ An introduction to
hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”. On
arrival, check in to hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Darjeeling
Day 4 Darjeling
Breakfast at the hotel and go to Enjoy toy train ride.
Toy Train
The spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in
1881, labors at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some
over 100 years old) like living legends. One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a
bygone era. DHR is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and
cultural importance. It is beautiful and has outstanding universal appeal. Based on its unique
features, it is considered to be of lasting significance to mankind.
After breakfast, go for sightseeing tour of Darjeeling.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: (closed
on Thursday)- . The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when
Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give training to learn Mountaineering and other adventure
sports related to mountaineering and in that Institute one can see equipment etc. used by Mr.
Tenzing Norgay and Everest Museum having complete details on Everest attached to institute
one can visit Himalayan Zoological Park. Where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow
Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.
Also visit Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda- The temple is also known as the Nipponzan
Myohoji Buddhist Temple. The two storied white building was built in a traditional Japanese
style in the year 1972. Close to the temple is the Peace Pagoda that showcases four avatars of
Lord Buddha.

Our tour also includes a visit to the Mall road, Botanical Garden & Bhutia Busty while
our time in Darjeeling. Later we will drive back to our hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Darjeeling
Day 5 Darjeling
Early morning go for a Hike to Tiger Gill.
You will be picked and driven to Tiger hill 14km morning at 4am It will take about an
hour to reach Tiger hill.
Tiger hill is the highest point in Darjeeling hills at an altitude of 8482 feet (or 2590 meters) and
11km (6.8 miles ) away from Darjeeling town. The view of Kanchenjunga pick from Tiger hill is
very clearly seen if the weather is clear with blue sky and the scenery is breath-taking.
After having the breath-taking view from tiger hill, start your hike towards to Jorbanglow about
4 km and visit a famous Buddhist monastery called Yiga Choeling Monastery since 1850 is 150
Year Oldest Monastery in Darjeeling. After visiting monastery back to Jorbanglow trek through
Alubari road which is 7 km back to Darjeeling. On the way visit another monastery named
Alubari monastery, the actual name of the monastery is Yolmowa Mak Dhog Monastery which
was build in the year 1914. Later we continues your hike to Darjeeling via Tenzing norgay Road
in local language call Alubari road (Alu means Potato - Bari Means Land so you finish your
hike at Churasta meaning four road meeting point.
(Hike Duration: 03 hours approx. )
After breakfast, Spend some time at leisure.
Visit to the Ghoom Monastery:- This is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875
and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill.
Afternoon, visit Tibetan Refugee Centre (closed on Sunday) – Established in 1959, this
refugee centre includes a Tibetan Buddhist temple, workshops producing carpets,
woodcarvings, wool and woollen items, plus a home for the aged, a kindergarten and a clinic.
Visitors are welcome to wander through the workshops.
Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate and learn all that goes in to processing tea.
Evening, We walk along the Observatory Hill that offers nice views of the mountains and the
town below. The walk climaxes at the Chowrasta where 4 paths meet. It would be lovely to
amble along the bazaars and restaurants. A favourite spot would be the 1st floor of the
Keventers Restaurant that serves typical English food. Also great views of the downtown are to
be had from here.

Bhutia Basti – An unusual blend of Tibetan-Nepalese architecture, Bhutia Basti Gompa is a
storehouse of rare artefacts that include the ancient Buddha texts. The oldest monastery in
Darjeeling, it was earlier built on Observatory Hill in 1765. The Nepalese sacked it in 1815 and
then this revered structure found a place near St. Andrews Church in 1861. Finally, it was
moved to Bhutia Basti which is its present location in 1879.

Day 6 Darjeling – Pelling
After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Pelling.
PELLING- Located at a distance of 120 kms from Gangtok Pelling is another serene, mountain
village which lies in the western districts of Sikkim. This village is situated at an altitude of
2000 mts(approx) and the distance from this village to the mount Kanchandzonga, as a crow
flies...is 26 kms approx.
On arrival, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.
Overnight at Pelling
Day 7 Pelling
Early in the morning – walking tour (45 min walk from Pelling) to the Sangacholing
Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim
After breakfast visit PEMEYANGSTE MONASTERY.
2.5 Kms. from Pelling and standing at 2085m. The Perfect Sublime Lotus, perched on a wooded
hilltop, commands the most sublime view of the Khangchendzong.
Built during the late 17th century, it is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of
the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. To the present day, it is only the monks of this
monastery who enjoy the title of ‘Tasang’ or pure monks. The importance of this monastery
grew with time and reached its peak when only monks from this monastery could anoint the
reigning sovereign of the land with holy water.
Pemayangtse monastery follows the Mindroling tradition besides holding the lineage of
Lhatsun Chenpo. Mindroling monastery was founded by Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje whose
famous daughter Jetsun Migyur Paldon lived near Pemayangtse and taught there during her
exile. Her stone throne is still to be seen in this monastery, which has 108 monks. The main
attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of Zangdog Palri; the celestial abode of Guru
Padmasambhava built by Serdup Lhundrup Dorje Rinpoche in 1971. The annual chaam (monk
dance) is held here on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.

Visit Khecheopalri Lake Khecheopalri Lake is a Holy Lake for Buddhists in West Sikkim, in
Sikkim, the tiny Himalayan former Buddhist Kingdom in eastern India, now a part of the
democratic republic. Khechipalri is also considered as a wish fulfilling lake and has thousands
of non-Buddhist believers who pray here. The real name of the lake is Sho Dzo Sho, meaning
“Oh Lady, Sit Here”, but is commonly known as Khachoedpaldri lake because it sits on the lap
of Khachoedpaldri, a very sacred hill.
Rabdentse- Sikkim’s second capital. The ruins of Rabdantse are worth exploring. The
winding track through the forest brings you to a small set of ruins of the early town and
eventually on the ruins of the palace with Chorten (stupa) nearby. Farther afield are the
Changay Falls.
Overnight at Pelling
Day 8 Pelling – Gangtok
After early breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Gangtok.
GANGTOK: At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19th century
and has undergone rapid development since then. The downtown area is dominated by huge
government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a testing
ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok
is truly a travellers delight. On arrival at Gangtok, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at
hotel. On arrival, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.
Overnight at Gangtok
Day 9 Gangtok
After early breakfast, proceed for full day sightseeing of Gangtok.
Rumtek Monastery: -24 Kms. from Gangtok is the awe -inspiring Rumtek Monastery the
world Dharma chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the
head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly
decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from the
world over. Opposite the entrance to the Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel
studded Chorten the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness
the xvi Gyalwa Karmapa.
The Do Drul Chorten, built to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the Jhang Chub
Chorten, built in the memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, an ardent devotee, a great spirtualist and
interpreter of Buddhism. Near the Chorten are housed two giant statues of Lord Buddha and
Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim.

Directorate Of Handloom And Handicrafts: -This Directorate was set up to promote
traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo
work, along with beautiful hand woven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can
not only purchase these items here but also see the artisans at work. Among others, a favourite
item here is the choktse a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable
pack.
Visit Hanuman Tok- Hanuman Tok is a very famous temple of Gangtok which is named after
Lord Hanuman and is a maintained by the Indian Army. The temple also gives an amazing view
of the Kanchenjunga peak which is the third highest peak in the world.
MG Marg- MG Road is the heart of Gangtok and its most happening place. It is the central
shopping hub of this beautiful state capital with various shops, restaurants, and hotels lined
up along both sides. It's an open mall or boulevard square. The area is widely regarded to be
the town centre and is the best shopping destination for tourists. This is a great place for the
tourists to take a leisurely stroll or just sit on the benches and revel in the eclectic ambience.
Overnight at Hotel in Gangtok
Day 10 Gangtok – Bagdogra
After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to Bagdogra airport to board your flight to
your native place.