European and Worldwide Holidays 2020 - 2021

162 K E R A L A Kovalam Ten miles south of Trivandrum is the best known beach resort in Kerala with many hotels overlooking the sea. At its heart are three sheltered sandy bays providing safe bathing. Varkala Varkala is regarded as having one of the finest beaches in Kerala and offers picturesque sunsets. The beach cliffs create natural water spouts and spas and the area offers fascinating architecture. Backwaters The famed Backwaters of Kerala are made up of an interlinked network of rivers, lakes and waterways which thread the coastal plain and stretch from Trivandrum, 150 miles north through spectacular scenery to Cochin. Poovar An attractive beach area south of Kovalam. Access is along the river that wends its way lazily from the highway through coconut palm groves. Kollam One of the oldest ports in Kerala, Kollam is another access point to the Backwaters. Colourful and busy Kollam is known for being a trade hub as well as its glorious beaches. OPTIONAL STOPOVERS Stopover in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Oman or Mumbai for 2 nights on Bed & Breakfast from £99 Subject to availability. Please ask for further details. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec °C 32 32 33 33 32 30 30 30 30 30 31 31  21 26 40 119 216 341 239 156 175 268 192 69 Kerala - °C - Average high temperature   - Average monthly rainfall (mm) FLYING TIME 12 to 17½ hrs LANGUAGE Malayalam & English TIME ZONE GMT +5½hrs ELECTRICITY 230 Volt PRIVATE TRANSFERS from £26 pp VISA Required Due to some flights arriving in the early hours, you have the option of booking a room at the 4 H Vivin Luxury Suites, close to the airport. Rooms available from 4am-12pm before transferring to your beach hotel. Prices are from £20pp on B&B and include airport transfers. Single supplement-£15. Not available over Christmas. CULTURAL ADD-ONS from £229 See page 167 for details VISAS - e-TOURIST VISA (eTV) is available through The Travel Visa Company - call 01270 250 590 and quote ‘Mercury Holidays’. ARABIAN SEA  ALLEPPEY  COCHIN POOVAR KOVALAM KOLLAM VARKALA THEKKADY COCHIN INTERNATIONAL TRIVANDRUM INTERNATIONAL KERALA Kerala is one of the most fascinating and distinctive states in India, with networks of tropical waterways, hidden villages and an inviting, palm-fringed coastline. Kerala’s enchanting culture, warm climate and dramatic landscapes combine to create a relaxing and captivating destination. KERALA HIGHLIGHTS Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary This vast region of beautiful mountain scenery and jungle is home to a range of exotic local wildlife. Backwaters, Kerala Elephant, Periyar River RESORTS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FLIGHT GUIDE Prices are based on selected flights from Heathrow. For all flight information including regional flights, please refer to page 6-7. CURRENCY Indian Rupees