8 Days 7 Night | Mon,30 November -0001
Highlights:
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Thiruvananthapuram
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Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
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Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial
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Tri Samudra Milan
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Jatayu Earth Centre
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Enjoy Kathakali Show/Kalaripayattu
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Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
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Munnar
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Cochin
Kerala: God's Own Country and the Confluence at
Kanyakumari
Kerala, fondly known as
"God's Own Country," is a captivating state in the southwestern
corner of India, renowned for its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and
tranquil backwaters. Imagine lush green hills carpeted with tea and spice
plantations, serene palm-fringed backwaters dotted with houseboats, golden
beaches kissed by the Arabian Sea, and a rich tapestry of art, cuisine, and
traditions. This description extends beautifully to include Kanyakumari, the
southernmost tip of mainland India, where three seas meet in a spectacular
display of nature's grandeur.
Essential Travel Tips for Kerala and
Kanyakumari:
Best Time to Visit:
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Kerala: The peak tourist season in Kerala is
from September to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. The monsoon
season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall but also lush greenery and can be
a good time for Ayurvedic treatments. The summer months (April to May) can be
hot and humid.
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Kanyakumari: The best time to visit Kanyakumari
is from October to March, coinciding with Kerala's peak season, as the weather
is pleasant for sightseeing.
Transportation within Kerala:
Kerala has a well-developed transportation network. You can travel by:
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Trains: Connect major cities and towns.
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Buses: Both state-run and private buses are
readily available and cover most parts of the state.
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Taxis and Auto-rickshaws: Convenient for short
distances and sightseeing. Negotiate fares beforehand.
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Houseboats: A must-try experience for exploring
the backwaters. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
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Ferries: Used for commuting to islands and
across backwaters.
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Flights: Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and
Kozhikode have international airports with domestic connections.
Pack Accordingly:
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Kerala: Pack light, breathable cotton clothes
due to the tropical climate. Include swimwear for beaches and backwaters,
comfortable walking shoes, and rain gear if traveling during the monsoon.
Health and Safety:
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Carry a basic first-aid kit with essential
medications.
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Use mosquito repellent, especially in rural and
backwater areas.
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Drink bottled or purified water.
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Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary
precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
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Respect local customs and traditions. Dress
modestly when visiting religious places.
Food and Drink:
Kerala cuisine is a delight.
Don't miss trying local specialties like appam with stew, dosa, idli, sambar,
seafood preparations, and the Sadya (a traditional vegetarian feast).
Kanyakumari, being in Tamil Nadu, also offers delicious South Indian cuisine.
Language:
Malayalam is the primary language
spoken in Kerala. English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas.
Tamil is the main language in Kanyakumari, but you'll find people who
understand English as well.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Be respectful of local customs
and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites.
Ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
Backwater Etiquette:
While enjoying a houseboat
cruise, be mindful of the local communities living along the backwaters. Avoid loud
noises and respect their privacy.
Bargaining:
It's common to bargain for prices
in local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers. However, be reasonable and
respectful.
Tour Guests will arrive at Thiruvananthapuram by 12:00 noon. Check in to Hotel. After Lunch proceed to visitRaja Ravi Varma Art Gallery, Napier Museum. In the evening visit Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This isdedicated to Lord Vishnu. Overnight stay at Thiruvananthapuram.Please Note: For you visit to the Padmanabh Swami Temple, it is compulsory for all Women to wear a Saree,men to wear a plain lungi without the Angavastra and the girls below 12 years of age may wear a gown.(Salwar suits, black colour saree, sleeveless blouses & all other forms of modern dressing is not allowed.)
Today we proceed to Kanyakumari- a coastal town on India's southern tip. Upon arrival we enjoy a ferry rideto Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial - built in 1970 in honor of Swami Vivekananda, followed by a visit to themeditation hall and the smarak, Kanyakumari Mandir - is one of the 52 Shakti Peethams, Tri Samudra Milan(Triveni Sangam), Gandhi Mandapam - a memorial building with sea views on site where Gandhi's ashes wereheld after his death. Further we proceed back to Thiruvananthapuram.
After BF proceed to visit Jatayu Earth Centre – which stands at an altitude of 350m (1200ft) above the sealevel. Jatayu Nature Park holds the distinction of having the world’s largest bird sculpture, which is of Jatayu.Here we take a cable car ride to reach at the main attraction, upon arrival we visit Jatayu Sculpture, Audio-Visual Museum, Rama Temple & Mini Theatre. Further we proceed to Alleppey – known as ‘the Venice of theEast’. Overnight stay at Alleppy Hotel.
Today we enjoy the famous Kerala Backwaters ride and admire the scenic sites of lush paddy fields andcoconut trees. We then proceed to Periyar. Upon arrival we have free time for shopping at Kumily SpiceVillage. In the evening we enjoy Kathakali show/ Kalaripayattu. Overnight stay at Thekkady (Periyar)
Today we visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - one of the popular national parks in India and famous as anelephant and tiger reserve. It is home to around 35 species of mammals like tiger, Indian elephant, gaur,sambar, wild pig, Indian giant squirrel, jungle cat, etc. We explore this wildlife sanctuary by sailing in thePeriyar Lake. Later we proceed to Munnar – Munnar is well known for its lush green hills and tea plantations.Please Note: Periyar Boat Ride is subject to Availability. In case of non-availability, alternative sightseeing willbe provided.
Breakfast at Hotel, then proceed to visit Mattupetty Dam, Eco point/ Munnar Rose Garden, Tea Museum,Overnight in Munnar.
Today we proceed to Cochin – Popularly known as the Queen of Arabian Sea. Upon arrival we visit ChineseFishing Nets and St. Francis Church at Fort Kochi - one of the oldest European churches in India which hasgreat historical significance. Overnight stay at Cochin.
After Breakfast check our from Hotel and proceed to visit Dutch Palace - one of the finest examples of the Kerala style ofarchitecture. Later we proceed to Muttancherry, here we visit the Jewish Synagogue - oldest active synagoguein the Common wealth of Nations. Free Time for shopping. Later proceed to airport for return Journey toPune.
§ Transportation
by A/c or Non A/c bus / Pvt. Vehicle depending up on the group size for all
sightseeing as per tour plan.
§ Pick
up & Drop from Airport or Railway station by Pvt. Vehicle on SIC Basis.
§ Hotel
stay at 3 Star hotel or equivalent on Twin Sharing basis.
§ Daily breakfast
§ All
toll taxes, driver Bhatta etc. included.
§ T & C Apply*
§ Any
room up-gradation
§ Any
extra meals
§ Anything
which is not mentioned in tour cost inclusions.
§ Air
/ Rail Tickets.
§ Entry
Tickets
§ Extra
sightseeing changes with transfer other than mentioned in tour itinerary.
§ All
personal expenses such as telephone, tips, laundry, Iron, room service charges etc.
§ Any
Extra cost incurred due to change in route due to any unforeseen circumstances,
natural calamities, strikes, political disturbance or govt. ban etc.
§ Any
increase in Govt. taxes or fuel surcharge levied by Govt. or statutory bodies.
§ Premium
seat charges.
§ Any
medicines if required
§ Any
Medical emergency
§ GST
Extra as Applicable
Cancellation Policy:
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60 Days before of travel date then 25 % Amount
will be deducted on tour cost.
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30 to 59 Days before of travel date then 50 %
Amount will be deducted on tour cost.
§
07 to 29 Days before of travel date then 75 %
Amount will be deducted on tour cost.
§
06 Days before of travel date is nonrefundable.