Kerala, a state situated on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler, Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives and beautiful backwaters. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, have made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the tourism industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy.

Until the early 1980s, Kerala was a relatively unknown destination, with most tourism circuits concentrated around the north of the country. Aggressive marketing campaigns launched by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation—the government agency that oversees tourism prospects of the state—laid the foundation for the growth of the tourism industry. In the decades that followed, Kerala Tourism was able to transform itself into one of the niche holiday destinations in India. The tag line Kerala – God’s Own Country was adopted in its tourism promotions and became a global super brand. Kerala is regarded as one of the destinations with the highest brand recall. In 2010, Kerala attracted 660,000 foreign tourist arrivals.

Kerala is a popular destination for both domestic as well as foreign tourists. Kerala is well known for its beaches, backwaters in Alappuzha and Kollam, mountain ranges and wildlife sanctuaries. Other popular attractions in the state include the beaches at Kovalam, Muzhappilangad, Bekal and Kappad; backwater tourism and lake resorts around Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam; hill stations and resorts at Munnar, Wayanad, Nelliampathi, Vagamon and Ponmudi; and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at Wayanad, Periyar, Parambikulam, Silent Valley National Park and Eravikulam National Park. The “backwaters” region—an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on Vembanad Lake, also see heavy tourist traffic. Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Hill Palace, and Mattancherry Palace, are also visited. To further promote tourism in Kerala, the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival was started by the Government of Kerala in 2007. Since then it has been held every year during the December–January period.

Day 01: Start
Start from your location towards Kanyakumari.

Day 02: In Train
Full Day and night in train.

Day 03: Kanyakumari
Reach Kanyakumari in the morning and transfer to hotel. After lunch enjoy sunset at tri sea sangam. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

Day 04: kanyakumari Sightseeing
After breakfast local sightseeing of Kanyakumari (Vivekananda Rock, Kanyakumari Beach, Kumari Amman Temple, etc). Evening free for individual activities. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

Day 05: Kanyakumari – Kovalam – Trivandram
After breakfast drive to Trivandram, on way visit the world famous Kovalam beach Reach Trivandram in afternoon and check-in to the hotel. After lunch visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Overnight stay in Trivandram.

Day 06: Trivandram – Alleppy
Reach Alleppy and transfer to hotel. After lunch enjoy backwater cruise in alleppy. Evening free for individual activities. Overnight stay in Alleppy.

Day 07: Alleppy – Tekkady
After breakfast start for Thkkady. Reach Thekkady at around 02.00 PM and check-in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 08: Thekkady – Periyar – Thekkady
Morning after breakfast Visit Periyar Lake. Enjoy boating in Periar Lake (at your own cost). Bach hotel at lunch. Evening free for personal activities. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 09: Thekkady – Munnar
Morning after breakfast drive to Munnar, on way visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point etc. After lunch visit Eravikulam National Park. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 10: Munnar – Ernakulam
After breakfast start for Ernakulam, on way visit spice garden. Lunch on way. Reach Ernakulam in evening and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in Ernakulam.

Day 11: Ernakulam Sightseeing
After breakfast local sightseeing of Ernakulam (Mattancherry, St. Francis Church, Dutch Synagogue, Marine Drive etc. Overnight stay in Ernakulam.

Day 12: Ernakulam Station
After lunch check-out from the hotel and start for Ernakulam station. Board 22640 Alleppy Exp for Chennai. Overnight train journey.

Day 13: Train from Chennai
Reach Chennai at 05.30 am. After breakfast passengers board 12842 Coromondal Eepress at 08.45 AM.

Day 14: Back
Back home today. Tour Terminate

COST INCLUDES: 

• Deluxe Accommodation.
• Accommodation on Double / Triple Sharing Basis.
• Meal Plan : API (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Vehicle – Exclusive Private vehicle
• All permit fees & hotel taxes (as per itinerary).

COST EXCLUDES:

• Air Fare / Train fare.
• Any other meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
• Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity. Mineral /soft / hard drinks, rafting, joy ride, Pony Ride, Cable Car.
• Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
• Room Heater, Local Cab fare, Guide charges & Entrance Fees.
• River cruise, Traditional Dance & Elephant or Jeep Safari.
• Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances, etc. (to be borne by the client, who is directly payable on the spot).
• Any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to increase in cost on surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure.
• Travel Insurances.
• Anything which is not include in the inclusion.

By Air

Kerala is the second state in India to have four international airports, namely Trivandrum International Airport, Cochin International Airport, Calicut International Airport and Kannur International Airport (which is yet to become operational). Kollam Airport is a domestic airport in Kerala that offers connectivity among major cities of the state itself. One can easily find themselves an economical flight to Kerala via any of the major airlines, which is why a majority of travelers opt for flights.

Travelers in the southern part of Kerala find it easy to access Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, whereas travelers in the central part of Kerala use the Kochi International Airport. In the northern side of the state, travelers access the Calicut International Airport.

By Train

Kerala has more than 200 railway stations, connecting various major cities as well as small towns of the state. Direct trains to various destinations in Kerala can be availed from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata, among others. Superfast and express trains such as Rajdhani and Duronto connect the larger junctions, whereas mail and passenger trains are also easily available. Kerala’s railway network runs from Kasargod, a northwestern point of the state, to the southwestern Thiruvananthapuram.

By Road

Kerala is connected to most nearby states via well-maintained roads. Private taxis and buses are easily available in all major and minor parts of the state. Travelers from nearby destinations can also opt to drive their own vehicle to Kerala. Luxury overnight buses, some with built-in bathrooms, are available from destinations such as Alleppey, Kannur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Wayanad and Thiruvananthapuram for various other cities across the state.

If you’re in for a road trip to Kerala, you’re sure to find abundant heart-warming vistas on your way. The roads are bordered by tea and banana plantations, small lakes and lush vegetation. You could even come across various waterfalls. The picturesque villages lining the roads offer a remarkable insight into the local way of life. And the best part about a road trip to Kerala is that you can stop for an impromptu photo session with the lush greenery in the backdrop.

Summer

Summer season in Kerala commences from the month of March and continues till May. During this, Kerala remains hot and humid with intermittent rainfalls. However, the evenings are quite pleasant and one can think of planning a visit in summer in Kerala. In fact summer is a good time to enjoy beach activities at the Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam, Varkala and sightseeing at Alleppey, Wayanad and Munnar. Summer is also the season of celebrating elephant festivals like ThrissurPooram, which takes place in late April or early May each year.

Monsoon

Monsoon season in Kerala begins from month of June and last till September. Expect heavy rains, which by the enhance the beauty of the entire state making it more green and alluring. Monsoon is an ideal time for Ayurvedic treatments, it is believed that Ayurveda therapies work best in the rainy season as the pores of the skin opens during this season. Also, it is a perfect time to enjoy sightseeing at different destinations like Idukki, Kovalam and Wayanad.

Winter

October marks the onset of winter season in Kerala that continues till the month of March. During this season, the weather remains pleasant and ideal for planning a perfect holiday in Kerala. It is in fact the best time to explore every part of the state, right from hill stations to the beach getaways or the backwaters. Winter season is also ideal for a visit particularly to Kottayam, Alleppey, Varkala, Kozhikode and Thekkady.