HIGHLIGHTS:

• Begin your heritage journey in Calicut, a historic port city once visited by explorers like Vasco da Gama, where you will explore its lively beaches and rich trading legacy.
• Visit Asia’s largest wood market and the ancient Beypore Port, witnessing the art of traditional shipbuilding where the famous Marakalam boats are still crafted by hand.
• Stay in handpicked, comfortable hotels throughout the journey, offering modern amenities with regional aesthetics, ensuring both convenience and immersion.
• Travel to Mahe, nestled along the Arabian Sea, where French colonial architecture meets local Kerala culture and where forts and mosques dot the shoreline.
• Explore the Kerala Traditional Dance Centre to witness authentic performances of Thayyam and Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art and ritual dance forms.
• Enjoy the assistance of expert English-speaking guides in each city to ensure every site is explored in depth with historical and cultural context.
• Stay in an eco-resort in Wayanad surrounded by tropical greenery, offering nature walks, birdwatching opportunities, and a peaceful environment.
• Take an elephant ride through the forested landscapes of Wayanad and experience local tribal life through village visits and museum exploration.
• Trek to the famous Edakkal Caves in Wayanad, home to Stone Age petroglyphs that give insight into Kerala’s prehistoric era.
• Camp overnight in a nature resort and enjoy bonfire evenings surrounded by wilderness, stars, and silence.
• Visit Cheruthuruthy, the cultural soul of Kerala, and tour Natya Kala Mandalam, the institution that trains artists in traditional performing arts like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.
• Meet master artisans and weavers in Cheruthuruthy and observe the creation of intricate pottery, textiles, and handicrafts that have been passed down for generations.
• Head to Cochin and experience the layered history of this cosmopolitan port city with visits to Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace, and Saint Francis Church.
• Walk through the bustling lanes of Jew Town and marvel at the ancient Synagogue, a testament to Kerala’s inclusive cultural ethos.
• Witness the spectacular Kathakali dance performance in Cochin, including a pre-show makeup session that reveals the transformation process of the performers.
• Glide along the emerald backwaters of Alleppey aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat, complete with freshly cooked meals and sunset views.
• Disembark at Thottapally and visit the Subramaniam temple, an unusual site dedicated to the serpent god, housing over 500 unique snake idols.
• Spend a day unwinding on the palm-fringed shores of Kovalam and indulge in an Ayurvedic massage session that rejuvenates body and mind.
• All internal transfers are done in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver, ensuring a relaxed and safe experience throughout the trip.
• Enjoy the support of a dedicated travel coordinator available via phone and WhatsApp for real-time assistance during your entire journey.
• Savour regional flavours through included breakfasts and dinners at local hotels, restaurants, and houseboats, offering both comfort and culinary adventure.

Important Notes for Kerala Heritage Tour

• Government-issued photo ID (passport, Aadhaar, or driver’s license) must be carried at all times during the tour.
• Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance for domestic flights; internal transfers and flights are pre-arranged for your convenience.
• Entry tickets to museums, palaces, temples, and other heritage sites are covered only where specified; additional entry may require personal payment.
• Certain temples, dance centres, and heritage monuments may follow a strict dress code; visitors should wear clothing covering shoulders and knees.
• Ayurvedic treatments in Kovalam are based on traditional methods and may require short consultations for selecting suitable therapies.
• The houseboat in Alleppey is powered by a generator; air conditioning functions during designated hours at night.
• While most regions have good mobile connectivity, Wayanad and Cheruthuruthy may have limited signal coverage in remote zones.
• Drinking tap water is not advised; sealed bottled water will be provided during road journeys and at hotel accommodations.
• Wear anti-slip shoes while visiting hilly or wet terrain, especially during treks in Wayanad or monsoon months.
• Be prepared for moderate walking and stairs at historical sites like Edakkal Caves and Cochin monuments.
• Wildlife sightings during village or forest walks are seasonal and cannot be guaranteed.
• Early check-in at hotels is subject to availability and may incur an additional fee.
• Camera charges may apply at certain heritage monuments and dance centres; inquire locally or ask your guide.
• Meals are mostly included (breakfast and dinner); lunch is either self-arranged or can be pre-booked upon request.
• Visitors are advised to keep sunscreen and insect repellent handy, especially while visiting coastal and forest zones.
• If taking prescription medication, carry enough supply and a copy of your prescription for emergencies.
• Travel insurance is recommended for all travellers to cover unexpected medical or trip issues.
• Local tipping practices are appreciated for drivers, guides, and hotel staff; carry some small denominations.
• Cultural sensitivity is essential at tribal and temple sites; always seek your guide’s advice before photography or interaction.

Best Time to Go for Kerala Heritage Tour

The Kerala Heritage Tour is best experienced from October to March, when the weather is pleasantly cool, dry, and perfect for outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and backwater cruising. During these months, the temperature in Calicut, Cochin, and Alleppey ranges between 22°C to 30°C, creating a comfortable climate for sightseeing and travel. The coastal breeze during the winter months is refreshing, and hill stations like Wayanad offer crisp air, misty mornings, and clear blue skies.

November and December are particularly ideal if you are interested in the festive spirit of Kerala. Events like the Cochin Carnival, Christmas, and New Year celebrations infuse the air with joy, cultural performances, and local traditions. The harvest festival of Onam, although celebrated in August or September, also has lingering effects on the decor and mood of local towns during early October.

If you prefer lush greenery and are comfortable with light rainfall, the tail end of the monsoon season in late September and early October adds a romantic charm to Kerala’s landscape. However, the monsoon period from June to September is generally avoided for this tour as trekking paths in Wayanad and houseboat activities may face occasional interruptions due to heavy rain and flooding.

In essence, the months from October to March allow for an uninterrupted, deeply engaging, and richly textured experience, ideal for cultural travellers, honeymooners, senior tourists, and families alike.