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:

Just You

Tour code:

SLIKER1A

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

15 - 27

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

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

  • Cochin tour

  • Traditional 'Sadya' dinner

  • Kathakali dance show

  • Tea plantation and tea factory tour

  • Tata Tea Museum

  • Sightseeing tour in the Old City of Madurai

  • Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

  • Cycle rickshaw ride in Madurai

  • Spice plantation walk

  • Kalaripayattu - traditional martial arts performance

Show all

Places You'll See

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal, India

Itinerary

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Day 1 UK - Cochin

Kochi, India
Cochin
Kochi, Japan

Location: Kochi

Accommodation: Flight from UK

Today, you fly to Cochin.

Day 2 Cochin

Cochin
Kochi, Japan
Kochi, India

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

Kathakali dance
Kochi, Japan
Kochi, India

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

Cardamom Hills
Kochi, Japan
Kochi, India
Munnar, India

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

Munnar, India
Munnar town

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

Meenakshi Temple
Madurai, India
Taj Mahal, India
Munnar, India

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

Madurai, India
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

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

Cardamom Hills
Madurai, India

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

Elephants in Periyar

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

Alappuzha, India
Alleppey houseboat

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

Kochi, India
Kochi, Japan
Kovalam fishermen
Alappuzha, India

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

Kochi, Japan
Beach
Kochi, India

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

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

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

Kochi, Japan
cochin
Kochi, India

Location: Kochi

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

We return to Cochin for our flight back to the UK arriving the same day.

What's Included

  • Just You Holiday Director as your host

  • Return flights from London

  • Use of an airport lounge in the UK

  • 12 nights half-board in 4 and 5-star hotels plus 1 night in flight

  • 1 night on one of Kerala's famous houseboats cruising the backwaters

  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own

  • 28 included meals: 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 13 dinners including welcome and farewell dinner

  • Overseas transfers, other transportation, & porterage

What's Not Included

Insurance

Check out our Q&As

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    No and your own room is guaranteed!

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Jenny Elliott  

Fabulous Holiday with Just You

28-Oct-2021

Fabulous holiday with Just You - well organised, excellent accommodation and our tour leader absolutely made the trip! Would highly recommend.

Featured on Trustpilot
Russell Kerfoot  

Travels 2013 -2019

21/06/2021

Have taken about 15 tours with JY, mainly long haul, and found the experience exhilarating. Apart from the company's professionalism and extensive and varied tour options, I have made so many friends for life. Looking forward to resuming my travels in 2022.

Featured on Trustpilot
jean thornton (Google Reviewer)  

My short trip to Versailles...

08-Sep-2024

My short trip to Versailles & Monet’s garden with ‘just you’ was excellent. Tessa our guide gave 101%. Beautiful hotel and surroundings. A very friendly bunch of people and a mix of all ages. Will definitely be going with them again.

Tyler Kerr (Google Reviewer)  

Apologies in advance to the...

09-Jun-2024

Apologies in advance to the business as my holiday was the Eastern Wonders tour in Canada in June 2023 but some things happened shortly after which I had to focus on and then I kept forgetting to write a review. This was hands down the best holiday I’ve ever had. My coeliac disease was no issue whatsoever and the tour guide ‘Johanna’ is an absolute credit to Just You. She along with all of the other tour guides in the city stops were knowledgeable and great fun. The only day I felt wasn’t necessary for that time of year was Mont-Tremblant and the Holiday Inn there wasn’t the best but every other hotel was wonderful. Everyday was well-balanced with little tours to see the gorgeous sights in each location whilst still leaving us with plenty of time for our own exploration. The coach driver ‘Dave’ was also a really lovely chap. We always felt very safe with him behind the wheel and, should Just You offer this tour again someday, I would definitely recommend it. I will be using this company again and I can’t wait. I’d also like to thank the team at Just You over the phone and the representative at Heathrow who helped me as I’m on the autism spectrum and can get overwhelmed. Lovely company and very well priced in my opinion. With everything we did it would have cost around double if you’d made this trip independently.

Alistair Chattaway (Google Reviewer)  

A shame that there are...

14-Aug-2024

A shame that there are a lot of negative reviews regarding Just You as I recently went on their tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast... it was a fantastic trip and I was part of a lovely group of people. The tour guide (Michela) was fantastic and the staff members in the hotel in Pompeii were really friendly and accommodating. As I have certain dietary requirements, the staff in the hotel went to every length to accommodate these needs... and whereas no hotel is ever perfect, I had a quiet and comfortable room and it was more than adequate for my needs. The additional tours were fantastic and the tours of the Pompeii ruins, Herculaneum, Capri, Ravello and Amalfi Coast were well planned. The tour guides were really knowledgeable about the area and it really took my breath away. I didn't like Naples very much but the museum and its exhibitions were really worth the short visit there. Four of the guest flew in on earlier flights from different parts of the UK and rather than keep us waiting at the airport, a separate transfer was organised to get us to the hotel in good time for some rest. The other guests on the tour were really friendly and no one felt left out at any point... and the group size (17 people) was perfect. A lot of the guests had already been on previous holidays with Just You and had really good things to say... so, having been skeptical due to the negative reviews I read before I went on the holiday, I wanted to write a positive review as I had a lovely time on this holiday... to the point that I will definitely book another holiday with Just You in the future.

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

Been on 5 holidays with...

13-Oct-2023

Been on 5 holidays with this company they have generally been good but the prices have risen considerably and i feel do not provide true value for money. In my opinion all the excursions and meals should be included in the total cost as they not worth the extra cost. Also they are very dismissive of any complaints once you have paid for the holiday they are not interested. I think i will try another company next time

Sue Sweeney (Google Reviewer)  

Great holidays for singles. I've been...

28-Jun-2023

Great holidays for singles. I've been on 4 holidays with them. Only issue is the hotel rooms. They generally use 3* hotels and I've booked at the same time and price as my friends but the difference in rooms is unbelievable. I've been lucky, but I've heard horror stories from friends of rooms like a dungeon with one small high window whilst I've had a fabulous sea view.

COLIN BROAD (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a spirit...

08-Apr-2024

I went on a spirit of an India trip with Amritsar add on. It looks good in the brochure, but things aren’t always as they seem. If like me you like a toilet break every two hours (discussed with the company in depth in advance) or have a hidden disability. then this holiday is not for you - use a different holiday company! Their planned toilet stops are every 3.5 hours, so ladies bring your pads and gents be prepared for “natural stops” while all the passengers watch you out the window or bring a bottle and a blanket as a screen. The Taj Mahal in Agra was good, along with the two trips to the Ganges river and the Golden Temple at Amritsar too. Rarely are you in the same spot for more than one night and a 6 hour daily coach or train journey became the norm. It was a shame that there was not an opportunity to enjoy the hotels that we’d obviously paid a lot of money for. If you’re looking for tigers in the game park, don’t get your hopes up. 99% unlikely. It is also a disappointment that there is little opportunity to explore the areas in the major cities that we’d traveled too If you are lucky enough to find some companionship from the opposite sex and wish to be bring them “home” this is frowned upon by the company - even if you have paid extra due double occupancy as required by the hotel I received a letter on holiday basically saying that the two hourly toilet stops required (and discussed in advance) due to diabetes was a disruption to the schedule. That photos sent to me by a girlfriend were “illicit”. Photo uploaded - make your own mind up” Also that managing to get lucky a couple of times and bringing them back to the hotel was an issue - very strange due a so called singles holiday

Maureen May (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from St Lucia....

29-Feb-2024

Just returned from St Lucia. Hotel dreadfully shabby. Breakfasts very limited with very little fresh fruit. Our hotel was a 20 minute walk in 29C or a free bus on the hour to the beach and sister hotel. Location good for nearby local shopping and restaurants. The sunset cruise was brilliant as was the whale watching, but surf and safari trip was a disaster. We travelled in two open topped trucks with a two and a half hour drive to the surfing destination. During the trip smoke started from the gear box and we had to abandon the vehicle until the situation was rectified, which, to their credit, was sorted very quickly. Unfortunately the sea was too rough for the boat so we had to return back in the trucks. Extremely uncomfortable on side bench seats, hanging on in the rain. So, all in all we don’t over 6 hours on the trucks - not good. The tour guide left before the 5 day extension period without a handover to the local tour operators. No Information was given except by the hotel. I had already booked to go the Athens with Just You in May, now I wish I hadn’t.

Sunlight59 (Google Reviewer)  

Booked the French & Italian...

12-May-2024

Booked the French & Italian Riviera. Too much travelling on the coach. Most journeys to places were around 2 hours or more. No toilet facilities unless you go into a cafe to buy something. The group were lovely but mostly retired and older. Didn’t have much in common. The hotel was comfortable and clean. Vegetarians had mainly different types of cooked eggs for dinner. But plenty of food. However the hotel Toscana in Alessio does cater for families with children so noisy at night for the last few days of the holiday. Paid a lot of money for this holiday. Did not meet my expectations as per brochure.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.

  • 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.

  • Book with Confidence

    When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.

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