Discovering Kerala - Revealing the Treasures of Southern India with Marari Beach Extension
Discovering Kerala - Revealing the Treasures of Southern India with Marari Beach Extension
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Discovering Kerala - Revealing the Treasures of Southern India with Marari Beach Extension
15 Days Starting and ending in Kochi, Kerala, India
Visiting: Kochi, Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady, Alappuzha, Marari beach
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SLIKER1A
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 27
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Absorb the heady mix of Kerala on this incredible journey from bustling cities to peaceful backwaters on a tour packed with fascinating cultural and wildlife encounters that reveal the region's finest treasures. Also home to India's most beautiful beaches you can extend your stay with 3 nights at the beach resort of Marari Beach where local culture, ecology and luxury pool and beach relaxing meets.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 UK - Cochin
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Flight from UK
Today, you fly to Cochin.
Day 2 Cochin
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Fern Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner, D
Kerala's cosmopolitan capital Cochin is known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' thanks to the beauty of its natural harbour. The city is a charming collection of islands with distinctive houses on stilts and peaceful backwaters.
After settling in at your hotel, get to know your travelling companions over dinner this evening.
Day 3 Cochin
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Fern Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
We'll start the day with a morning tour of Cochin. our first stop is the centre of Jew Town, a bustling port area and centre of Cochin's spice trade, where we will see the oldest Jewish Synagogue in the Commonwealth, dating back to 1568. Next is the Mattancherry Kerala Palace, renamed the Dutch Palace after Cochin was taken from the Portuguese by the Dutch. We'll take time to admire the splendid murals that adorn some of the rooms, considered among the finest in India.
Another speciality of Kerala is Kathakali dance, and we'll learn about this unique art form this evening before enjoying a 'Sadya' vegetarian feast with the group. This shared meal will take you on a gastronomic journey through Kerala as you try a tempting selection of dishes from many different regions. Each is served following local customs and come in an order which is said to help digestion. You'll eat from a banana leaf, which points in a certain direction, with rice served on the bottom half, and other items placed in clockwise order. You'll find that your hosts serve dessert mid-way through the meal.
Day 4 Cochin - Munnar
Location: Munnar, Kochi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Amber Dale Munnar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
This morning we begin our journey inland towards Munnar. It's a rewarding journey with greats views along the way and on arrival we'll have time to take a stroll around the resort before dinner this evening.
Day 5 Munnar
Location: Munnar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Amber Dale Munnar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
Today we have the chance to take in the natural scenic beauty of Munnar, with its rolling hills, forests, waterfalls and tea plantations. We'll visit a plantation and tea factory where we get the chance to see the segregating, drying, threshing and packing in progress. We will also visit the Tata Tea Museum, that tells the story of the area and the impact of tea to its journey. This afternoon, you'll have time time to explore the hill station - Munnar town independently. Having been a summer resort during the colonial era you'll see a nod to the English country style in some of the houses.
Day 6 Munnar - Madurai
Location: Madurai, Munnar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fortune Pandiyan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
We continue our journey through Kerala to Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, home to the incredible Meenakshi Temple. Built at the same time as the Taj Mahal, it is a stunning sight and superb example of south Indian Hindu architecture. This evening you could join us to experience the extraordinary 'Putting to Bed Ceremony' held at the temple, a dazzling display of colour and noise with dance and music.
Day 7 Madurai
Location: Madurai
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fortune Pandiyan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
This morning we include a sightseeing tour of the Old City of Madurai, the highlight of which is a visit to Meenakshi Temple with its ornate façade. Inside the temple enclosure you'll get to experience the lively atmosphere with buzzing markets and continuous ceremonies and devotions. Later we visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, built in 1635 and designed by an Italian architect, the palace is a must-see for its intricate designs. Finally, we will explore the local markets and narrow streets of Madurai by cycle rickshaw before a little time to make our own discoveries.
Day 8 Madurai - Thekkady
Location: Thekkady, Madurai
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: The Elephant Court
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
Today we'll travel onto Thekkady, a town near Periyar National Park. We'll head to a spice plantation where the aromatic scent of cardamon and pepper plants fills the air. Superb peppers are grown here on the Malabar Coast and as such are referred to as 'black gold'. This evening we'll experience a traditional Indian martial arts performance - Kalaripayattu.
Day 9 Thekkady
Location: Thekkady
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: The Elephant Court
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
This morning you could choose to explore the Periyar Nature Reserve, with an optional trek excursion. In the afternoon a boat trip will give you a chance to look for elephants, bison and deer on the shoreline, as well as all manner of exotic plants that, if you're very lucky may be hiding the elusive tiger. Later there will be time to explore the town and local market.
Day 10 Thekkady - Alleppey
Location: Thekkady, Alappuzha
Accommodation Name: Houseboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD
Our drive this morning takes us to Alleppey, where we'll board one of Kerala's famous houseboats for an overnight stay with a difference. Your 'kettuvallom' – modelled on the area's traditional rice boats – offers an unforgettable experience for you and your fellow travellers. Head on deck for a cruise through the backwaters to see how the locals live, then enjoy a tranquil evening as our boat anchors in a quiet spot.
Day 11 Alleppey - Cochin
Location: Kochi, Alappuzha
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Fern Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD
Breakfast served on our houseboat is a great start to the day. After this we'll take to the road and head towards Cochin. Along the way we will visit Kumbalangi village, this integrated tourism village project is a unique initiative where we can experience life as a local in this fishing village and enjoy a homemade lunch.
Day 12 Cochin - Marari
Location: Kochi, Marari beach
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: CGH Marari Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
We travel onto the beautiful beach resort of Marari and the CGH Earth Experience, Marari Beach. This is the ultimate location to unwind after our incredible journey through Kerala. This seaside village is set in 30 acres with coconut groves, lily ponds, fruit trees and a large organic farm. Close to the resort is an active fishing village and each morning you can see the fishermen bringing back the catch of the day. Dinners served in the restaurant are a real treat with daily caught fish and vegetables from the on site garden all featuring on the menu.
Day 13 Marari
Location: Marari beach
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: CGH Marari Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
Today is another day of relaxation, which you may choose to spend by the sea. There is a cottage by the beach side with a small library of books, so why not borrow one and spend the afternoon in a hammock in between coconut trees.
Day 14 Marari
Location: Marari beach
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: CGH Marari Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
You might choose to join a naturalist-led walk today, to understand and see a glimpse of the miraculous eco system here - it is home to 97 species of butterfly, 350 endemic plants, 3 varieties of turtle and 10 kinds of frog! Or you may try a swim in the sea or cold water pool. Or even a visit into the local village to see a totally different way of life.
Day 15 Cochin - UK
Location: Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast, B
We return to Cochin for our flight back to the UK arriving the same day.
What's Included
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Just You Holiday Director as your host
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Return flights from London
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Use of an airport lounge in the UK
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12 nights half-board in 4 and 5-star hotels plus 1 night in flight
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1 night on one of Kerala's famous houseboats cruising the backwaters
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A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
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28 included meals: 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 13 dinners including welcome and farewell dinner
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Overseas transfers, other transportation, & porterage
What's Not Included
Insurance
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No and your own room is guaranteed!
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
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Will I eat alone?
We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.
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Am I guaranteed a room of my own?
Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.
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What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?
Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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