HIGHLIGHTS:

• Begin your journey with a warm traditional welcome at Cochin International Airport followed by private hotel transfer and check-in assistance.
• Spend your first evening immersed in the colonial charm of Cochin, once a vital hub in the global spice trade network.
• Explore Cochin’s iconic landmarks with a certified local guide, including Fort Cochin, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, and Chinese fishing nets.
• Witness Kerala’s cultural richness through a vibrant Kathakali dance performance included in the itinerary.
• Enjoy curated hotel stays with breakfast included at every location, featuring carefully selected boutique and eco-luxury properties.
• Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver throughout the tour.
• Savour authentic Kerala cuisine including meals infused with pepper, cinnamon, clove, turmeric, and coconut — key spices that made Kerala world-famous.
• Drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea gardens, waterfalls, and mountain views that will leave you spellbound.
• Visit Rajamala to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and witness the natural bounty of Eravikulam National Park.
• Boat across the peaceful Mattupetty Lake surrounded by rolling tea plantations and the distant echo of birdsong.
• Shop for premium Kerala tea and spices at local markets, where vendors share stories passed down through generations.
• Discover Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for tigers, elephants, and over 200 bird species nestled amidst spice plantations.
• Tour a spice plantation in Thekkady and learn how cardamom, pepper, and nutmeg are cultivated and harvested.
• Take a guided walk through the Periyar jungles for a chance to spot langurs, wild boar, or even a sambar deer in their natural habitat.
• Glide across Periyar Lake during an early morning boat safari where wildlife sightings often include elephants at the water’s edge.
• Journey to Kumarakom, set along the serene Vembanad Lake, and discover village life and traditional fishing practices.
• Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where migratory birds like Siberian cranes and egrets create a visual and musical feast.
• Enjoy a hands-on coconut plucking and de-husking experience and learn how Kerala’s iconic dishes begin at the tree.
• Stay in a luxury houseboat in Alleppey — a once-in-a-lifetime floating stay with private chef, all meals included, and panoramic views.
• Cruise through lush backwaters, passing through sleepy hamlets, rice fields, lotus ponds, and fishermen casting nets.
• Your houseboat will meander through canals such as Azhikkal, Kuppapuram, Swamy Canal, and Kainakary — a rare peek into Kerala’s liquid pathways.
• Enjoy on-board dining with freshly prepared Kerala meals served under the stars on the boat’s sundeck.
• Learn about Kerala’s architectural styles — from the traditional kettuvallam boats to colonial structures in Cochin.
• Receive round-the-clock support from our local representative stationed in Kerala, available throughout your journey.
• Conclude your trip with a reflective cultural evening back in Cochin before your departure the next morning.

Important notes for Kerala Spice Tour

• Domestic and international flight tickets are not included in the tour package pricing.
• Tour is subject to availability and confirmation at the time of booking.
• Check-in time at most hotels is 12 PM; early check-in is subject to availability.
• Most activities are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or substituted in case of rain or adverse conditions.
• The boat ride at Periyar Lake is scheduled early in the morning; warm clothing and punctuality are advised.
• Houseboats in Alleppey are anchored from 6 PM to 8 AM due to inland waterway regulations.
• All meals provided on the houseboat are vegetarian unless otherwise requested in advance.
• Guides are available in multiple languages upon prior request for an additional cost.
• Smoking is prohibited in the houseboat and certain wildlife sanctuary zones.
• Basic medical facilities are available throughout the route; travelers with health concerns should carry required medication.
• Mobile network coverage may be limited in hill stations and forested areas.
• Respect local customs, especially in temples and villages, where modest clothing is appreciated.
• Kerala’s cuisine is rich in spices; guests with dietary restrictions should inform us in advance.
• The itinerary includes light trekking and walking; comfortable footwear is recommended.
• Alcohol may not be available in certain districts on dry days as per state regulations.
• Our vehicles are sanitized daily and comply with Kerala tourism safety standards.
• Hotel taxes, parking fees, and driver’s allowance are included in your tour cost.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone bills, or tips to hotel staff are not included.
• Travel insurance is not part of this package; guests are encouraged to obtain their own.
• Ayurveda massages, if included, must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
• Please carry a valid photo ID for hotel check-ins and restricted-entry locations.

Best time to go for Kerala Spice Tour

The best time to embark on the Kerala Spice Tour is from October to March, when the weather is cool, pleasant, and ideal for sightseeing. The post-monsoon months bring lush greenery, blooming flora, and a fresh charm to every location on the itinerary. Munnar’s mist-covered tea estates look magical during the early winter months, while Periyar offers better chances of wildlife sightings during this dry season as animals come to water sources. Houseboat cruises are more enjoyable during these months because the skies are clear and humidity is low. October also marks the festive season in Kerala, with traditional events and temple festivals in full swing. March welcomes the pre-summer bloom, with backwaters shimmering in the golden light. If you prefer quieter holidays, June to September is considered off-season but remains beautiful, with discounted prices and monsoon magic. Kerala’s monsoons have even been recommended by Ayurvedic experts for rejuvenation therapies during this time. However, heavy rains may disrupt travel plans, so it is more suited for leisurely and slow-paced vacations.