Kerala Experience

Tour Highlights

Athripally Waterfalls

Munnar Tea Plantation

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Kerala Houseboat

Athripally Waterfalls

Visit these breathtaking waterfalls, a very popular attraction in Kerala.

Munnar Tea Plantation

Learn about the production of tea while tasting a variety of fascinating flavours.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers, elephants, Indian Bison and leopards.

Kerala Houseboat

Live like a local for one night, onboard a houseboat cruising the Kerala backwaters.

Authentic Experiences

Our Kerala Experience Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

• Kathkali Dance Performance

  Witness an exuberant performance of the traditional dance-drama that is Kathakali. Kerala's best-known performing art, it is an extravagant retelling of Hindu epics complete with colourful costumes and elaborate make up.

• Visit Fort Kochi

  Visit Fort Kochi with its fascinating cultural mix of Malayali Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Jews. From charming old-world streets to the ancient Chinese fishing nets, all make this city unique.

• Visit one of India's best waterfalls

  As one of India's best waterfalls, Athirapally Waterfalls is located on Chalakudy River, and drop from a height of 80 feet through several parallel streams. It's no wonder they're Kerala's most popular attraction.

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

Our Price Match Promise & Flexible Booking Guarantee

Find a tour with the same inclusion cheaper and we will match it AND give you a reward. We will match the price of any Wendy Wu Tour quoted elsewhere. The price of your tour will never rise after you've paid. With our Flexible Booking Guarantee book with confidence with low deposits, free changes and late final payment. See full terms and conditions.

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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

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Additional Price Information

Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 12 August 2020, subject to change.

Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.

Customary tipping amount of approximately US$50pp (AU$72pp) is paid locally in India.

Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth

Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request

Land only (Kochi – Kochi) 8 days from $3,040 per person, twin share

Single supplement from $780

Price listed is based on new bookings only

Kerala Experience - Tour Itinerary

DAY 1: FLY TO KOCHI

Fly to Kochi, known as the Gateway to Kerala. Upon arrival at Kochi International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Meet the group tonight for dinner and start getting to know your fellow travellers.

DAY 2: MUNNAR

In the morning enjoy a scenic drive to Munnar, en route visit Athirapally Waterfalls, the largest in Kerala. Then continue on to Munnar and spend the afternoon visiting the Tea Factory and Museum. Tea is undoubtedly Munnar's claim to fame and deeply fragranced Eucalyptus plantations fuel the many tea factories in the region.

DAY 3: DISCOVER MUNNAR

Spend the day on a picturesque journey through Munnar, taking in all it has to offer, cascading streams, emerald forests, and wildlife reserves with endangered animals and birds.

DAY 4: TRAVEL TO THEKKADY

Travel to Thekaddy through the lush green hills. Thekkady is one of the most nature-rich areas of Kerala. This region has a large population of indigenous people & tribes, each with their own unique customs and beliefs, maintaining an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

DAY 5: PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Today, enjoy a morning visit to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is the natural habitat of a wide variety of animal species making Periyar Lake a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The greatest attraction is the herd of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Moreover, the Sanctuary Watch Tower situated in the forest interior gives you a panoramic view of the park. Visit a spice plantation in the afternoon.

DAY 6: CRUISE THE BACKWATERS

Rise early and journey to Kumarakom, on arrival board a Kettuvallam (traditional Kerala houseboat) and cruise towards Alleppey, one of the lowest lying areas in India. The allure of Kerala is its stunning backwaters and the town has at least six navigable canals that are its lifeline. The finest way to experience the backwaters is on a Kettuvallam cruise. Admire the natural beauty - paddy fields and narrow canals with lakeside villages and locals going about their daily lives.

DAY 7: TRAVEL TO KOCHI

After spending the night on board the Kettuvallam, wake to the chirping of birds and occasional ripples in the water. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, cooked by the expert boat crew, while cruising quietly on the winding stretches of the backwaters, through various canals and waterways giving you an insight into the rural life. Disembark the houseboat and drive to Kochi. On arrival proceed with a our of Kochi city. In the evening, enjoy an enthralling performance of Kathakali.

DAYS 8-9: FLY KOCHI TO AUSTRALIA

Fly to Australia arriving home later the same or following day.

Useful Information

Visas

Most nationalities require a visa when travelling to India. Travellers should arrange visas well in advance of departure. Unlike many other tour operators, we include your visa in the price of your tour. We handle the entire application process – all you need to do is complete the paperwork and send your passport to us eight weeks prior to departure. We are always on hand to help you with any queries you may have while completing the application form.

Communication

While travelling overseas, the Wendy Wu Tours contact number during business hours is +61 2 9224 8888. Emergency Assistance (24-hours) is 0044 1888 288 288. You will find mobile phone coverage to be quite high throughout Asia. We recommend contacting your mobile carrier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated call and data costs before you leave Australia. Some hotels may have Wi-Fi, which usually comes at a cost.

Tipping

Tipping is not commonplace in Australia. In Asia however, it is anticipated that a tip be given to reward good service. With that in mind, we have a tipping system for our group tours. Each passenger ‘tips’ a set amount to the National Escort at the start of the tour or on arrival in each country. They then distribute this as appropriate. Tipping is appreciated for Private and Tailor-Made travel. In your final documents, we include guidelines for tipping when travelling independently.

Shopping

Shopping is a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests while on holiday, your tour includes a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. Included are visits to establishments that provide locally produced goods, unique to your destination. Witness the creation of these products, and see first-hand how their production supports the local economy. As most travellers like to take home souvenirs, we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Food

We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or too unusual. Breakfast at your hotel includes local and western dishes. A myth about India is that the food is of poor quality and always spicy. This is definitely not the case! In addition, a great deal of Indian cuisine is vegetarian. Drinks are at your own expense. Beer is widely available. Bottled drinking water and soft drinks are widely available – you should only have ice, juices, or lassies from a trusted source that uses boiled or bottled water.

Accommodation

Wendy Wu Tours inspects all hotels to ensure they meet the high levels of service, which we require for our guests. We pick the right hotel for the specific destination, meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family-run guesthouse in a smaller town. Chosen hotels are also chosen for ease of navigation around tourist sights.