India - Classic Kerala & Goa

Depart for Cochin.

We have arrived! Meet our local representative and transfer to our hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing in our hotel or exploring the local area. 

Enjoy a welcome gathering with our expert guide, where we will learn about the history and culture of Kerala. Join us for dinner! After our informative information we gather together and go for dinner in our hotel.

Depart your hotel for a Heritage walk of Fort Kochi, exploring the nooks & crannies of this coastal town. You will see the age-old Chinese fishing nets still in use, the historic St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica, with ample time for photo opportunities. You will then take a short drive to Mattanccherry to visit the Dutch Palace & Jewish Synagogue.

You will have the afternoon to spend at your own pace in Cochin. Your guide will be delighted to suggest activities to suit your individual interests.

After dinner at your hotel, your guide will accompany you to an Indian dance drama known as Kathakali. The colourful costumes, dramatic makeup, subtle facial expressions and the expressive music combine to form an unforgettable performance.

Upon arrival in Munnar, you will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure as you unwind in the tranquility of Kerala’s hills. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three rivers and is South India’s largest tea growing region. Take an evening walk through the colourful local market of Munnar, with food stalls, selling, homemade chocolates, vegetables, fruits and fish market.

Upon arrival in Munnar, you will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure as you unwind in the tranquillity of Kerala's hills. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three rivers and is South India's largest tea growing region.

Embark on a morning tour of Munnar. During the tour you will visit a tea plantation and the Munnar Tea Museum (closed Mondays). There will also be a visit to Srishti Welfare Center, you will see the eco-friendly techniques used by the ladies in Munnar to create natural dyes from plants, bark and roots. They use these for fabrics, paper bags, envelopes, bookmark making.

Enjoy an afternoon to spend at your leisure. You might like to shop for local tea or locally grown spices or explore one of the nearby waterfalls. Your local guide will be on hand to offer some suggestions to suit your taste.

After breakfast you will transfer to your hotel in Thekkady the drive today will take approximately four and a half - five hours (80km). En route from Munnar to Thekkady you will enjoy breathtaking views of the emerald hills and witness the harvesting of cardamom, rubber and other local spices.

Embark on a guided tour of Periyar Spice Garden and see many different varieties of spices growing in their natural environment. You will have the opportunity to taste some spices if you wish!

This morning you will enjoy an excursion in the vast Periyar National Park, a wildlife sanctuary that is home to tigers, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, leopards and the picturesque Periyar Lake. Experience a leisurely boat ride across the lake as your local guide points out exotic birds and other wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive tiger!

You will have the afternoon at leisure to take in the mountain air and relax in the surroundings of your hotel.

Transfer to Kumarakom. Today the transfer will be approximately four and a half hours (120km) to Kumarakom, beside the Vembanad Lake. On arrival you will board a deluxe traditional, thatch roofed ‘Kettuvallum’ or houseboat for an overnight journey through the backwaters of Kerala. Both lunch and dinner will be included on the houseboat.

Visit a traditional Keralan village before returning to your unique accommodation. You can enjoy the time on board relaxing and cruising through the waterways lined with coconut groves and rice fields as daily life carries on at the water's edge.

Following breakfast you will disembark the houseboat and transfer to your hotel Alleppey.

Upon arrival in Alleppey you will have the remainder of the day at leisure. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere on the shores of the Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India.

You will have the morning and afternoon to explore Alleppey at your own pace. Your guide will be on hand to suggest optional activities to suit your interests or you can simply unwind and avail of the hotel facilities.

This evening you will attend a cooking class hosted by the Hotel Chef. Kerala is home to some of the best quality spices in the world and the influence of these spices is quite visible in the local cuisine. You will learn how to prepare a couple of popular dishes and later on will be able to enjoy these dishes as your main meal of the day!

Say farewell to Kerala as you transfer to Kochi airport for your internal flight to Goa (via Bangalore or Mumbai depending on your chosen date). The journey will take approximately two and a half hours (65km).

Upon arrival in Goa you will transfer to your hotel with guide assistance. The remainder of the day will be at leisure so you can settle in to your new surroundings.

Today you will enjoy sightseeing in Old Goa, which is the ancient capital of Goa and well-known for its churches. You will visit The Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is the best-recognised church in Goa. Completed in the year 1605, it houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, who came to Goa in the year 1542 and is now the patron saint of the state's Christian community. You will also visit the Se Cathedral, which is said to be the largest church in Asia. Inside the Cathedral are eight chapels and six side altars, as well as the main altar that is dedicated to Saint Catherine.

Indulge in a full day of relaxation in Goa. You will have ample time to unwind by the hotel pool or visit one of Goa's beaches.

After a leisurely breakfast transfer to Goa airport to board internal flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai airport, you will connect with your overnight flight back home to Dublin.

Arrive home following your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Kerala & Goa.