Worldwide Holidays 2023-2024

Hundreds of Worldwide Holidays are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk 157 Kovalam Ten miles south of Trivandrum is the best known beach resort, Kovalam. Named after its endless rows of coconut trees, it is Kerala’s most developed resort, with a host of hotels and restaurants dotted along the main tourist stretch of Lighthouse Beach. At its heart are three sheltered sandy bays providing safe bathing. 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. Poovar Located in the backwaters of Kerala, Poovar is an attractive beach area south of Kovalam. Access is along the river that wends its way lazily from the highway through coconut palm groves. The waters of the Arabian Sea combined with the warm golden sand make a Poovar holiday one you will never forget. 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. Must see highlights Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary This vast region of beautiful mountain scenery and jungle is home to a range of exotic local wildlife. Kerala 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. What you need to know Currency: Indian Rupees Visa: Required - e-TOURIST VISA (eTV) is available through The Travel Visa Company - call 01270 250 590 and quote ‘Mercury Holidays’. Flight Guide: Prices based on selected flights from London. Regional departures available. See page 177 for flight information. Flight Time: 12-17½ hours Language: Malayalam and English Time zone: GMT +5½ hours Resort transfers: Standard transfers start from £19 per person or book a private transfer from £41 per person Due to some flights arriving in the early hours, you have the option of booking a room at the 4 H Vivin Luxury Suites. 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. < Optional Stopover Stopover in Dubai , Abu Dhabi or Doha for 2 nights on Bed & Breakfast from £99 . Subject to availability. See page 176 for stopover details. Cultural Add-Ons Add something extra to your Kerala holiday with a Mini Tour of Kerala from £229 , a 3 night stay in Kerala’s Backwaters from £299 , or a Treasures of Kerala Tour from £329 . Please see page 161 for further details. Kerala Abu Dhabi Tea Plantations Alleppey Lighthouse