Backwaters of the south
9 or 12 Days
You can...
- See the colourful Kathakali Dancers
- Experience life at an old British Hill Station
- See wild elephants at Periyar National Park
- Cruise on the tranquil Malabar backwaters by converted rice-barge
- Learn to cook traditional Keralan food
The state of Kerala, in India's warm, tranquil south, is both fascinating and exotic. You'll learn about the bizarre rituals of the Kathakali dancers and watch your kids dress up too! Then, a change of scene at the old British Hill Station of Munnar, set in the cool Western Ghats.
At Periyar you'll see herds of wild elephant. Then relax as you cruise the silent backwaters of Malabar's rivers by converted rice-barge. If you have time, you can also extend your stay and enjoy the wonderful beaches of Mararikulam.
- Day 1. Fly to Kochi
- Day 2. Kochi
- Arrive Kochi. Relaxing day and evening Sunset cruise.
- Day 3. Drive to Munnar
- Drive to hill station of Munnar.
- Day 4. Munnar
- In Munnar; explore hill station and visit tea plantation.
- Day 5. Periyar NP
- Drive to Periyar National Park. Learn to cook a local dish.
- Day 6. Periyar
- In Periyar. Boat cruise in national park to see elephant herds
- Day 7. Drive to Alleppey
- Drive to Alleppey. Board houseboat for backwaters cruise to villages, rice paddies and rubber plantation.
- Day 8. Drive to Kochi
- Drive Kochi. City tour, visit local school. Evening Kathakali dance performance (and face painting).
- Day 9. Mumbai to London
- Fly via Mumbai to London.
- Is it right for your family?
- This is a great winter break. The south of India is more relaxed than the more frantic north and makes for easier travel. Hotels are of a good standard. Travelling can be slow at times but distances covered are not overly long. There is so much to interest children of all ages - learning to cook, visiting an Indian school, seeing elephants, cruising on a rice-barge...
- Extensions and tailor-making.
- You can also have an extra few days at the beach at Mararikulam.
Trip code: FIBSb. Add additional: £299
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- Accommodation and meals: Hotels (6nts), rice barge (1nt). 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 evening meal included.
- Flight details: Scheduled flights from Heathrow with Jet Airways.
- Departures 2008: 09, 16 Feb; 29 Mar; 05, 12 Apr; 25 Oct; 20, 27 Dec.
- Departures 2009: 14 Feb; 28 Mar; 04, 11 Apr.
- Prices: Land Only from £799. Including flights from London from £1,399 adult, £1,249 child.
- Age Guideline: 5+ Years
- Trip Code: FIBS