Kerala for you Rundreise

Discover Kerala on your own terms with this tour. There’s no set programme or timetable. Your transport and accommodation are arranged, but the rest is up to you: decide each day how you’d like to spend your time. At the homestay stays at the end of the tour, you’ll experience Indian hospitality at close quarters.

• 7 nights with half board in standard hotels
• Journeys as per itinerary in an air-conditioned car

Itinerary subject to change.

Day 1: Cochin
Welcome at Cochin Airport. The afternoon is free to explore this picturesque, historic port city. Founded in 1341, Cochin was once an important stop on the trade route between Europe and China. Overnight in Cochin.

Day 2: Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady. One of India’s most beautiful nature reserves, it offers a wealth of activities, such as visiting a spice plantation or watching a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is considered one of the oldest forms of dance. Performers typically portray demons and gods from Hindu mythology, with vividly painted faces and elaborate costumes. Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 3: Thekkady
In Periyar National Park, known as an elephant and tiger reserve, you can enjoy gentle walks or a boat trip. A Kalaripayattu performance is another special experience. This martial art is considered the oldest in the world and the mother of Asian martial arts. Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 4: Alleppey
Drive to Alleppey. Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is an ideal starting point for tours of the backwaters. A trip through the fascinating network of waterways in the hinterland of the Malabar Coast is sure to be one of the highlights of a visit to Kerala. Overnight in Alleppey.

Day 5: Trivandrum
Drive to Trivandrum. Kerala’s capital became the capital of the Kingdom of Travancore in 1750 and is now a centre for the IT industry and tourism. Overnight at Mary's Homestay.

Day 6: Trivandrum
Trivandrum’s sights include a museum with a collection of historical and contemporary art, an art gallery, a zoo considered one of the best-designed in Asia, an aquarium, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Padmanabhapuram Palace. The Hindu temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple complex, which covers 2,400 square metres, also includes a pond surrounded by old Brahmin houses. Overnight at Mary's Homestay.

Day 7: Trivandrum
Ponmudi Hill Station, near Trivandrum, is an ideal destination for a walking excursion. The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats is home to abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery, with dense forests, crystal-clear streams and rocky terrain. Overnight at Mary's Homestay.

Day 8: Departure/Onward journey
Transfer to your onward resort nearby or to Trivandrum Airport (TRV).

Not included: Lunch, tips, personal expenses for drinks and souvenirs. Photography/filming permit.