Kerala Backwaters
Overview
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Keralan culture on this exploration of 'God's Own Country'
- Relax on a traditional houseboat and journey through the famous Kerala backwaters
- Experience Keralan hospitality and village life with a homestay at a local house
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Our trip starts in Kochi, a port city on India's Malabar Coast. Also known as Cochin, it's been a port since 1341 when it was used by Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Built across several islands with criss-crossing waterways, the city has a relaxed feel that spe...
Today we'll dive into Kochi's eclectic past with a tour by boat and on foot. First, we'll visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Extensive renovations by the Dutch hundreds of years later earned it the name the Dutch Palace, and it...
This morning, we'll drive to Munnar. The journey takes around five hours, leading us through tea and spice plantations. Kerala has been renowned for its spices for more than 2,000 years and the coast was frequently visited by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and Chinese...
Today we'll start with a visit to the tea museum, where we'll learn about how the leaves are processed. Traditionally, women pick the tea leaves, their brightly coloured clothing creating a beautiful contrast with the greenery of the plantations. Leaving the museum,...
Our route this morning takes us past rubber plantations and spice gardens to Periyar National Park, close to the border of Tamil Nadu. Whilst Periyar is known as one of the 16 tiger reserves in India, it's probably better known for its elephants. Just 40 tigers live i...
Today is free to explore the village and get to know our host families. Take a walk through the surrounding villages or simply unwind and relax. There'll also be the chance to take part in a cooking lesson to get closer to the local cuisine.
Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, we'll begin our tour of Kerala's famous backwaters. We'll board a simple, traditional houseboat to begin our journey into the network of waterways. Taking a relaxed pace, we'll meander past riverside village life, spotting locals tending to animals and...
After a busy week exploring Kerala, today is free to uncover more of Kochi or relax before heading home.
Meals Provided : Breakfast
Our tour of Kerala ends at our hotel in Kochi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like a hotel transfer, you'll need to depart from Cochin International Airport (COK).
Meals Provided : Breakfast
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Trusted Customer
Feb 2024
Kerala Backwaters
Variety of activities and easy-going atmosphere.
Trusted Customer
Dec 2023
Kerala Backwaters
Homestay and nature. Guide had great knowledge of wildlife which enhanced my enjoyment of the trip
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Tour Operator
About Explore
We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Logistics
Transportation & Flights
Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 8
- Dinner : 3
- Lunch : 2
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