Kerala by Car & Driver: 9 Day Tour With Houseboat Stay

Kerala, India’s tropical paradise, offers an enchanting 9-day tour that promises an unforgettable adventure. Exploring the region by car and driver, travelers will enjoy the historic sites of Cochin, the lush tea plantations of Munnar, and the captivating spice plantations of Thekkady. With guided tours, a serene boat ride in Periyar Lake, and a traditional houseboat stay in Kumarakom, this tour provides a comprehensive experience of Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Professional local guides and comfortable transportation ensure a seamless journey, leaving one eager to uncover the hidden gems that await.

Good To Know

• This 9-day Kerala tour includes a guided visit to Cochin, exploration of tea plantations in Munnar, and a boat ride in Periyar National Park.
• The tour package starts from £410.07 per person and offers a one-night stay on a houseboat in Kumarakom.
• The group size is limited to 10 participants, and pick-up/drop-off is provided at hotels and Cochin International Airport.
• Modest attire is required for visits to religious sites, and additional expenses, such as entrance fees, are not included in the package.
• The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Kerala by Car & Driver: 9 Day Tour with Houseboat Stay," is priced from £410.07 per person and lasts for 9 days.

The group size is limited to 10 participants, and pick-up and drop-off locations include hotels, tourist homes, lodges, and the Cochin International Airport.

The itinerary highlights include a guided tour of Cochin, exploring tea plantations in Munnar, visiting a spice plantation in Thekkady, and a boat ride in Periyar Lake.

The tour also includes a one-night stay on a houseboat in Kumarakom.

Inclusions cover professional local guides, transportation, and select activities, while exclusions involve flights, visa, entrance fees, and personal expenses.

Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, travelers arrive in Cochin and check into their hotel.

The next day, they embark on a guided tour of Cochin, visiting historical landmarks like the Portuguese Church, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets.

On day three, the group drives to the picturesque town of Munnar, where they explore lush tea plantations.

The journey continues to Thekkady on day four, where they visit a spice plantation.

The following day, they venture into Periyar National Park, culminating in a boat ride on the serene Periyar Lake.

• Day 6: Transfer to Kumarakom and board a houseboat on Vembanad Lake.
• Day 7: Spend the morning in Alleppey before returning to Kumarakom.
• Day 8: Enjoy a leisurely day in Kumarakom, indulging in Ayurvedic treatments and relaxation.
• Day 9: Depart Kumarakom for the Cochin Airport in the afternoon.

Included Experiences

Throughout the 9-day tour, travelers enjoy a range of included experiences.

In Cochin, a professional local guide leads a full-day tour of the city’s highlights, including the Portuguese Church, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets.

Travelers also visit a spice plantation in Thekkady and explore the tea plantations of Munnar.

A boat ride in Periyar National Park offers a chance to spot wildlife.

The highlight is a night spent on a traditional houseboat on Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom.

Other inclusions are a Kathakali dance performance and 24/7 trip coordinator support.

Excluded Expenses

While the Kerala tour by car and driver includes a range of experiences, certain expenses aren’t covered in the package.

This includes international and domestic flights, as well as the visa to India.

Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites, parks, and any potential camera fees are also excluded.

Plus, meals, drinks, personal expenses, and items not mentioned in the inclusions are the responsibility of the traveler.

Tipping is discretionary.

• International and domestic flights
• Visa to India
• Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites, parks, and camera fees
• Meals, drinks, personal expenses, and items not mentioned in inclusions
• Tipping is discretionary

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Cancellation Policy

The tour provider offers flexible cancellation options. Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.

This policy provides peace of mind for those who may need to change their plans unexpectedly. It’s important to note that any cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time won’t be eligible for a refund.

Travelers are advised to review the cancellation policy carefully before booking to ensure they understand the terms and conditions.

This flexible approach allows for greater flexibility and helps ensure a stress-free travel experience.

Packing Essentials

Comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy footwear are essential for the Kerala tour. Visitors should pack lightweight, moisture-wicking apparel that can handle the warm, humid climate.

A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended to protect against the sun. Plus, modest attire is required when visiting temples, churches, and mosques.

The tour involves some walking, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. Other recommended items include:

• Camera and charger
• Light rain jacket or umbrella
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle

Dress Code

Modest attire is required when visiting temples, churches, and mosques during the Kerala tour. Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops should be avoided, as they are considered inappropriate. Instead, wear long pants, skirts, or dresses that cover the knees, and shirts or blouses with sleeves. Footwear should also be respectful, with closed-toe shoes preferred.

Acceptable	Unacceptable	Recommended
Long pants	Shorts	Closed-toe shoes
Skirts/dresses below knee	Short skirts	Shirts/blouses with sleeves
Shirts/blouses with sleeves	Sleeveless tops	Modest, loose-fitting clothing

Following the dress code ensures a more meaningful and respectful experience during the cultural visits on the Kerala tour.

Important Notes

Cancellation of the Kerala tour by car and driver is free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund.

Travelers should pack comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen. A modest dress code is required when visiting temples, churches, and mosques.

Additional expenses will be settled on-site. While the tour is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour coordinator is available 24/7 to assist.

Notably, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

• Comfortable shoes, hat, camera, and sunscreen recommended
• Modest attire required for religious sites
• Expenses settled on-site, subject to change
• Not suitable for pregnant women

The Sum Up

This Kerala tour offers an immersive experience in India’s tropical paradise. Travelers will explore historic sites, verdant tea plantations, and spice plantations, as well as enjoy a serene boat ride and a traditional houseboat stay. With professional local guides and comfortable transportation, this 9-day tour promises an unforgettable adventure in Kerala’s enchanting beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: