8 Nights/9 Days

Southern India Bespoke Tour

Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom

Welcome to Southern India, a region that never fails to mesmerise visitors with its rich diversity of cultures, stunning landscapes, and deep-rooted heritage. From the tranquil backwaters of Kerala to the colonial town of Kochi, this part of India offers a captivating blend of ancient customs and contemporary charm. Be prepared to be awed by majestic temples, tantalised by mouthwatering cuisine, and embraced by the warm hospitality that defines this enchanting area.

Southern Indiaโ€™s beauty extends across vast expanses of land and sea. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery of its tropical rainforests, or soak in the warm sun on its sandy beaches. The region is home to an incredible array of exotic flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers.

So come, let us welcome you to Southern India, a place where the past meets the present and the future, and where the possibilities are endless.

Inclusions
What is not included

Book your Southern India Bespoke Tour

PRICE PER PERSON

*note: minimum of 2 pax per trip

There is a $500 deposit for this tour the remainder is to be paid 75 days prior to the start of the tour.ย 

 Request for this travel experience!

Southern India Itinerary

Arrival to Kochi, India

Upon your arrival at Cochin International Airport, our representative will be waiting to welcome you and begin your journey into the heart of this enchanting city. From the airport, we will proceed to Fort Kochi, which is a delightful destination steeped in history and culture.

After check-in at the Abad Dutch Bungalow, settle in takeย  wander there are no activities planned for this day.ย 

Meals: none

Accommodation – Abad Dutch Bungalow or Similar

Welcome to Fort Kochi

With a guided tour departing at 10am from the hotel reception you will explore the rich cultural history of this coastal town by starting your day with a visit to the magnificent Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese. Marvel at the stunning murals that adorn the palace walls, which are considered some of India’s most beautiful. Next, head over to the Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace to learn more about Fort Kochi’s fascinating past.

After your sightseeing, take a stroll through the main city center and make your way to the picturesque Marine Drive, offering views of the Arabian sea.

In the afternoon, retreat to the Abad Dutch Bungalow resort for a swim.ย 

In the evening enjoy a traditional Kathakali Dance performance. Kathakali dance, a mesmerising art form originating centuries ago in India, emerges as a captivating narrative dance that beautifully blends mudras, the graceful hand gestures portraying a character’s dialogue, with bhava, the enchanting facial expressions that unveil the character’s innermost emotions. *Dance tickets included, Your guide during the day will show you where to go for the evening performance.ย 

Meals: Breakfast included.

Accommodation – Abad Dutch Bungalow or similar

After breakfast, embark on your journey to the picturesque hill station of Munnar. Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in Indiaโ€™s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it’s surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century.ย 

While enroute to Munnar, we will stop by Cheeyyappara and Valara Waterfalls, both of which are stunning natural wonders that are sure to captivate your imagination as well as the magnificent Karadipara View Point, which offers a bird’s eye view of the lush greenery and majestic hills of the beautiful region.

As you reach Munnar, allow yourself to be spellbound by the natural beauty and tranquillity of the town.ย  Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets.

Drive Time: approx. 4 hours.ย 

Meals – Breakfast

Overnight stay at Abad Copper Castle or Similar

After breakfast, we will embark on a fascinating sightseeing tour of Eravikulam – the natural habitat of the magnificent Nilgiri Tarh. Here, you will have the incredible opportunity to observe these half goat half deer like creatures up close and personal. But that’s not all – we have a whole day of exciting activities in store for you!

Next, we’ll take you to discover the secrets of tea-making at a local factory and tea museum. You’ll learn about the intricate process of tea production and have the chance to sample some of the region’s most fragrant blends. Then, we’ll journey on to the stunning Mattupetty Dam, where you can admire the breathtaking scenery and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. And don’t forget to visit Echo Point and Photo Point โ€“ two iconic panoramic viewpoints.

Finally, we’ll round off our day with a visit to Eravikulam National Park. Here, you can wander through the lush foliage and breathe in the fresh mountain air while spotting the abundant wildlife that calls this park their home.

Meals – Breakfast

Overnight – Abad Copper Castle

Overnight stay at Abad Green Forest or Similar

After having breakfast at the hotel, it will be time to check-out and begin your journey towards Thekkady, famously known as the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is unparalleled in the world and boasts of an incredibly diverse collection of flora and fauna in their natural habitats. On your way to Thekkady, your first stop will be at the charming Spice Plantations, where you will get a chance to see and learn about various local spices that are grown in the region. After this, it will be time to soak in the natural wonders of the place. Take a boat ride at Thekkady Lake and be mesmerized by the picturesque surroundings that await you. In the evening, explore the local markets and indulge in some spice shopping so that you can cherish the memories of this trip for a long time.

After a fun-filled day of adventure and exploration, spend the night surrounded by lush greenery and serene surroundings.

Meals – Breakfast

Overnight stay at Abad Green Forest or Similar

Begin your day by visiting the Kumarakom bird life sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of bird species and is a must-visit for all nature enthusiasts.ย 

As the day winds down perhaps enjoy an Ayurvedic Treatment at your Hotel.

Approx: 4 hours Drive

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation – Abad Whispering Palms or Abad Turtle Beach or Similar

Kumarakom to House Boat

After breakfast checkout from hotel board House Boat.ย ย 

Our premium Kumarakomย houseboats’ timing starts from 12:30ย pm till 9:00 am. You can enjoy cruising through the backwaters from 12:00 pm to 5.00 pm and from 7:00 am to 9:00 am.

As you sail through the backwaters of Kumarakomy gazing at the lush green paddy fields and serene watery villages of Vembadandu, you are soaked into a world of beauty and grace. You can also take delight in local activities like fishing in the backwater with villagers, enjoy local shopping and experience a glimpse of backwater villages of Kerala.

Overnight night Stay at HouseBoat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

At 0630 hrs bed tea/coffee will be provided. Enjoy the sunrise. Breakfast at 0800 hrs which include bread, butter, jam together with Iddaly, Dosa etc.

0930 hrs is the time to check out and end of services in houseboat. You will leave the houseboat hopefully with lovely memories.ย 

Proceed to Marari (Alleppey). Check in at the resort, after fresh up visit the Butterfly garden and Vegetable garden of the resort. Afternoon and evening is free time at the beach.ย 

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight Stay At Abad Turtle Beach or Similar

Departure Day

Check out from the hotel.ย 

Transfer to the airport on your way home.

*Please allow 3 hours to get to the airport.ย 

Meals: Breakfast

How Bespoke private tours differ from Group Tours

Bespoke Travel Experiences

Group Tours

FAQ's

Please view our full T’s and C’s HERE

1. **First Point of Contact**:
– For any questions, requests for changes in the program, additional tours (at your own expense), extra transport, or hotel-related issues (such as hot water, air conditioning, booking a massage, or reserving a restaurant table), please contact your driver, guide, or hotel.

2. **Office Hours**:
– Vibrant Women staff will be available during office hours of 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (local time).
– Australia: Monday to Friday
– India: Monday to Friday

3. **Outside Office Hours**:
– Outside of office hours, please refer to your first point of contact as mentioned above.

4. **Emergency Contact**:
– In case of an emergency, please contact Nitin or Tammie via WhatsAppย for assistance.ย  ย 

Cancellation Policy

This Getaway has a $500 non-refundable non-transferable deposit. Final payment is due 75 days before the start of the trip. From 75 โ€“ 30 days to the start of the trip 50% of the amount paid will be retained in the case of a cancellation. This is because we have already paid in advance for accommodation, transport and activities and this money will not be returned to us. For cancellations less than 30 days and for no shows the entire amount will be retained. In addition, once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you. This is why travel insurance is compulsory.

Our rates do not include any kind of travel insurance and each guest must make sure to arrange their own necessary insurance prior arrival to Thailand. We will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. However, all travel involves some degree of risk we strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance for your adventure.ย 

Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical, in particular Coronavirus and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not comprehensive please check this before travelling. Or contact our preferred Travel Insurance providerย CoverMore

The most convenient and cheapest way to get your visa is onlineย e-Visaย โ€“ To complete online choose E-Visa Application.ย https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.htmlย a 30 day visa can only be applied for 30 days prior to travel unless you want a 12 month visa. Make sure you donโ€™t apply too early so that your visa is expired by the time you want to depart, 30 days in advance is enough, previously it has taken 3 days to receive the E-Visa. This cost is between $10 and $50USD, prices change all the time sorry but just to give you a guideline. We will also provide you with an info sheet on how to compete your visa application, separate to your trip notes.

All you need to do is choose your dream destination and a package that suits you,ย pick your chosenย duration and dates,ย and selectย something that meets your interests and price and we do the rest. Click the button below to fill in the form if you will request for a self-guided travel experience.ย 

Introduction to our Bespoke Tours
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What people are saying about our Bespoke Travel Experiences
Danika
DanikaBali 2022
10/10 recommend travelling with Vibrant Women. Our group booked a solo trip organised by Tammie. From the get go, everything was organised exceptionally well. I have done a large amount of travel through south east Asia, USA and UK and found the trip with Vibrant women one of the best experiences I have ever had. Having an agent who genuinely wants to help makes a huge difference when travelling overseas.. if you are thinking about booking a trip with Vibrant Women you will not regret it!
Laura
LauraBali 2022
We had a fantastic time, the itinerary was seamless - very well organised with flexibility to suit also. The accommodation was beautiful and everyone we encountered was so helpful and friendly. We had a great trip and would recommend.