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,[1] Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives and beautiful backwaters.[2] 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.[3]
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 superbrand. Kerala is regarded as one of the destinations with the highest brand recall.[4] In 2010, Kerala attracted 660,000 foreign tourist arrivals.[5]
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.[6] Since then it has been held every year during the December–January period.
The state's tourism agenda promotes ecologically sustained tourism, which focuses on the local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering and personal growth of the local population. Efforts are taken to minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.
The state has also made deep inroads into MICE Tourism mainly centered at Kochi.[7]
Once you arrive at Cochin Airport/Railway Station, complete all arrival formalities and head to Cochin hotel.
Check into hotel after rest visit Places for sightseeing include the beautiful Dutch Palace,
Jewish Street, St. Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue and Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight stay in Cochin.
The DUNES Cochin
After breakfast transfer to Munnnar, Enjoy a 4-hour scenic drive to
Munnar through the hill station. Reach Munnar and check in at the resort. In
the evening, visit the Tea Museum and then come back to the hotel for an
overnight stay.
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- Breakfast
Included
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Tea Castle
Today go and explore Munnar after breakfast. Later proceed to visit
Eravikulam National Park and see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Later proceed
to visit Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. Return to the hotel after an
exciting day for the night.
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- Breakfast
Included
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Tea Castle
After a yummy morning breakfast, proceed to Thekkady and on arrival,
check-in at the resort and relax. Later, continue on? a spice plantation
tour and shop some exotic spices. Travel by boat on the Periyar Lake and
spot elephants and birds here. The sight of sunrise and sunset is also
incredible. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
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- Breakfast
Included
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Grand Thekkady
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- Breakfast
Included
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Acardia Alleppey
After breakfast transfer to Cochin airport to go onward journey.
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- Breakfast
Included
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01 Night accommodation in Cochin with breakfast
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02 Nights accommodation in Munnar with breakfast
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01 Night accommodation in Thekkady with breakfast
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01 Night accommodation in Alleppey with breakfast
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All transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary in vehicle by private basis
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Road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges, interstate taxes and toll taxes
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GST unless specifically mentioned in the rates
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All personal expenses like tips, laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video fees at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax, etc.
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Anything not mentioned under package inclusions.
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Entrance fees at all monuments and sightseeing spots
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No refund is available for No Sho
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Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/stay on account of flight cancellation delay due to bad weather or any other reason given by the airline ill health road blocks and/or any factors beyond reasonable control. No refund will be available for unutilized services.
- No refund for No Show at any service
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Airfare if not mentioned in the itinerary
- Room allocation (Twin bed / Double bed) is at the discretion of the hotel.
- Standard check-in time is 1500 Hrs & check-out time is 1100 Hrs.
- Number of meals are always corresponding to the number of nights booked. Breakfast is not provided on the day of arrival.
- Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availablity. Extra charges if any, have to be settled directly by the guest.
- Either rollaway bed or mattress shall be provided for extra adult / child in hotels.
- Guests are requested to take care of their personal belongings and avoid leaving them unattended.
- Cost of additional services availed by the guest which are not part of our package have to be settled directly at the hotel.
- The hotels are suggested on the basis of feedback taken from our customers. Still we request you check hotel website and other sources for reviews. We will not be responsible for any deficiency of services by hotel.
- Suggested hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. In case the same are not available, then the best Similar* category will be provided.
- Transfers and sightseeing tours are on SIC (seat in coach) / shared basis. Unless private transfers / tours are specifically mentioned.
- The vehicle used (A/C or Non A/C) is available for point to point services only and is not at disposal. Guests are requested to strictly follow the timings in the program.
- It is mandatory to carry age proof of children (02 to 11 yrs) and infant (below 02 yrs). Child above 11 years shall be considered an adult.
- Photo id of every person is mandatory for check-in.
- 50% advance to be paid at the time of booking.
- Air fare is calculated at the time of proposal creation and is subject to change at the time of actual booking.
- 100% payment is to be made for domestic packages before 14 days of departure date.
- 100% payment is to be made for international packages before 30 days of departure date.
- In case of cancellation, standard cancellation policy will be applicable unless specified differently
General Cancellation Policy:
- If cancellation is made any time not less than 45 days prior to departure, INR 5,000 (per person) shall be deducted.
- If cancellation is made 45 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour cost or INR 5,000 per person, which ever is higher shall be deducted.
- If cancellation is made 30 to 15 days prior to departure, 75% of the tour cost shall be deducted.
- If cancellation is made within 15 days prior to departure, total tour cost will be non-refundable
Note: Many bookings are non-refundable once booked. Be careful before making any reservations.
Cities
Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kovalam