Itinerary Details
Note: Only one group airport transfer is included in the price. Suggested arrival flight to be before 10am. Additional transfers or extra night at Cochin hotel can be arranged at an extra cost.
Upon arrival at the Cochin International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative and, once the whole group assembles, you will head to the hotel in Kumarakom (approx drive 2 hours 30 minutes)
After check-in and settling bit, you'll depart to a beautiful Kerala village situated on the backwaters.
Enjoy a cruise through these waterways. On the way we see mangrove forests, birds and backwater villages then stop at the side of the lake to fish & learn about traditional fishing methods. The village tour lets you see various spice plants and interact with locals. Return to your resort by evening.
Accommodation: Abad Whispering Palms Resort Kumarakom 4* or similar
After breakfast, we go cycling through the beautiful villages of Kumarakom or kayaking through backwaters.
Afternoon at leisure.
Later in the evening, we go for a tuk-tuk ride through the areas around Kumarakom to explore the area.
Accommodation: Abad Whispering Palms Resort Kumarakom 4* or similar
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive towards Thekkady (approx drive 4 hours 30 minutes). Thekkady is a hill station with lush plantations, thick forests, and serene geography.
En route, visit the tea factory & take a walk through the Tea Gardens, and absorb the aromas and sights of rural Kerala. Once arrive in Thekkady, check in at the hotel, surrounded by tranquil hills.
Later in the evening, experience the traditional Kathakali Dance & ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu, a unique cultural immersion. Depart for the Theatre and interact with dancers as we witness them paint their faces. You are free to get your faces painted also and then witness the performance.
Accommodation: Elephant Court Thekkady 4* or similar
After breakfast, you drive to the trek start point from where we do a jungle trek of around 5 km to a nice lake in the sanctuary where we get on traditional bamboo rafts.
The hiking and rafting program takes us through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve., a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the group gets into rafts made of bamboo. By bamboo rafting you will get a panoramic view of forest-clad hills. Animals like Elephants, Gaur, and Sambar deer are sighted although sights are not always guaranteed.
Return to the hotel by late afternoon.
Evening New-year Celebration and enjoy Gala dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Elephant Court Thekkady 4* or similar
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive towards Cochin International Airport to catch your flight back! (approx drive 4 hours 30 minutes)
Note: Only one group airport transfer is included in the price. Recommended flight time to be after 5 pm onwards.
End of services!
Optional extension to Delhi & Agra: The Taj Mahal
Upon arrival at the Delhi airport (DEL), you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative and, you will head to the old town for a sightseeing tour, including the Akshardham Temple, the Red Fort, the famous Jama Masjid and other monuments around old Delhi.
Accommodation: Hotel Holiday Inn 4* or similar.
After breakfast, you will checkout from the hotel and will drive to the Mughal city of Agra (approx. a 4-5 hour drive). Upon arrival, you will check-in to your hotel, relax, or explore the neighborhood at your own pace.
In late afternoon, you will head towards nearby Kachpura village to have a glimpse of the traditional village life and enjoy a Mughal heritage walk. There, the local women will share with you the art of Mehandi (an Indian form of body art based on which decorative designs are created on a person's body using a paste produced from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant). Once you explore the village, you will be invited to sit at a vantage point where you will be served masala chai and snacks, while gazing at the Taj Mahal at sunset.
Accommodation: Jaypee Palace Hotel Agra 5*or similar
You will depart for the Taj Mahal very early in the morning so that you marvel at its beauty under the morning hues while hopefully encountering fewer tourist hordes. You will then return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out before embarking on an exploration of the Agra Fort. Soon afterwards, check-out from hotel and depart back to Delhi International airport for your flight back home.(approx. a 4-5 hour drive).
