Worldwide Escorted Tours

What’s included ✔ Return flights Heathrow to India with Emirates (via Dubai) ✔ Where you’ll stay Cochin, 4 H Holiday Inn Cochin Cheruthuruthy, 3 H River Retreat Munnar, 4 H Tea County Resort Thekkady, 4 H Aranya Nivas Alleppey, Traditional Houseboat Trivandrum, 4 H Uday Suites ✔ 29 meals ✔ 11 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Intermediate Day 1: UK to Cochin Depart the UK on your overnight flight. Day 2: Cochin D On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure before dinner. Day 3: Cochin B/L/D After breakfast, begin your tour of Cochin. See the ancient Chinese influence in the impressive fishing nets, still used today, and take a ride through the village road in a tuk-tuk. Next, see the Mattanchery Dutch Palace and India’s oldest European church, St Francis before returning to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. Day 4: Cochin to Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur B/L/D After breakfast disembark and journey to the Athirapally Waterfalls. Then head on to Thrissur and visit historical buildings such as the Vadkumnathan and Paramekkavu Devi Temples. Continue to your hotel in Cheruthuruthy (Thrissur District). Day 5: Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur B/L/D After breakfast, enjoy a 45-minute Ayurvedic massage (timing will be fixed by the Ayurveda consultant). After a relaxing morning, head out with a chance to gain insight into the local culture with ‘A Day with the Masters’, an introduction to the world of Kerala’s traditional performing arts. Day 6: Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur to Munnar B/L/D Travel to Munnar, stopping en route for lunch, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Day 7: Munnar B/L/D Embark on a full-day tour of Munnar. Gaze upon the dazzling waters of Mattupetty Lake, listen to the range of echoes at Echo Point, and bask in blissful serenity of Kundala Lake. Continue to some of the most elevated tea plantations in the world, before visiting the Rajamalai National Park. Day 8: Munnar to Thekkady B/L/D The tour will then journey to Thekkady, a stunning area located high in the Cardamom hills containing tea gardens, rubber, coffee and pepper plantations. Following lunch, a visit to a plantation and spice market awaits you. Day 9: Thekkady to Alleppey B/L/D A highlight of Thekkady is the Periyar National Park, India’s largest wildlife sanctuary. Board a boat upon Periyar Lake, where you will have the chance to spot a range of wildlife including Bengal tigers. Later today, journey to Alleppey, and board a traditional houseboat for your overnight cruise along the winding backwaters, enjoying stunning rural scenery of the surrounding Kerala villages and waters. Day 10: Alleppey to Trivandrum B/L/D After breakfast, travel to Trivandrum and stop at the Jatayupara Earth Centre. Visible from afar, the world’s largest bird sculpture which pays tribute to the mythical bird from Hindu epic, Ramayana. Day 11: Trivandrum B/L/D This morning, enjoy a city tour of Trivandrum. Witness the magnificent Kanakakunnu Palace and marvel at the Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple. Return to your hotel for another Ayurvedic massage and farewell dinner. Day 12: Trivandrum to the UK B Transfer for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. What you’ll see  Explore Cochin and Trivandrum  Enjoy a cruise on a traditional houseboat through Alleppey’s winding backwaters  Visit the rolling hills and lush tea plantations of Munnar  Embark on a Periyar Lake boat safari  Witness the mighty cascade of Athirapally Waterfalls Characterised by winding rivers, exotic wildlife, and lush landscapes, Kerala exudes tranquillity and beauty. Discover the most captivating areas including an overnight backwaters cruise and wildlife spotting in Periyar National Park. Periyar, Thekkady Kerala Explorer THIS TOUR EXPLORE Departures & from prices Oct 24 £1,699 Apr 25 £1,699 Nov 24 £1,899 May 25 £1,549 Jan 25 £1,899 Oct 25 £1,799 Feb 25 £1,799 Nov 25 £1,899 Mar 25 £1,999 • Lead-in price based on 1 May 25 • Tipping paid locally £36 pp per tour Extend your tour Kerala beach stay, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £215 , 5 H Full Board from £265 Ayurvedic Treatment Experience, 3 nights Full Board from £219 Dubai city stay, 2 nights B&B, 4 H from £159 , 5 H from £195 No Single Supplement Rooms with no single supplement are available. Once sold, supplement starts from £269 SOLO GROUP DEPARTURES FROM £1,749 Includes: Private vehicle & driver/guide or driver and local guides; return flights; accommodation, meals & excursions as per Group Tour PRIVATE TOURING FROM ONLY AN EXTRA £199 PP • AVAILABLE DAILY • 16  Central Asia, India & Sri Lanka Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk