Best of Kerala 8D/7N

• Tea Plantations, Mettupatty Dam, Devikulam Lake and Eravikulam National Park in Munnar
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Spice Plantations in Thekkady
• Houseboat cruise ride in Alleppey
• Kovalam Beach
• Napier Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery and Botanical Gardens in Trivandrum
• Visit Triveni sangam, Gandhi memorial museum, Vivekananda Memorial Rock in Kanyakumari

The Kochi International Airport is well connected to major cities across India and the world. From the airport, the main city centre is about 29 kilometres away.

Kochi is well connected to all the major Railway stations in India. Most of the Kerala bound trains have a stop at either of the two railway stations in Kochi – Ernakulam Town Station and Ernakulam Junction Station. From the railway station, one can board a bus, a taxi or a cab to reach the required destination in Kochi.

Kochi has a strong network of Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services that connects it to all the major cities in Kerala and with some of the major cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

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• We select & work with hotels having good feedback and which are usually well reviewed.

• Between 30 and 20 days of departure - No Cancellation charged
• Between 19 and 10 days prior to date of departure - 50% of tour cost
• Less than 7 days and In case of no show - 100% of tour cost

• GST @ 5% will be applicable on the total bill.
• Prices quoted are in Indian Rupees (INR) unless otherwise stated.
• Check Ins at all hotels are – between 12noon & 2Pm & Check Out time is – between 10am & 12noon
• As per Govt norm you are required to present your photo ID Proof such as Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID or Driving License at the time of Check in at the hotel. Pan Card is not accepted as proof of Identity in Hotels. Children must also carry an Identity card for Check Ins formality.
• Our offer is based on usage of base category rooms at the mentioned hotels (unless specified otherwise) and if this category of rooms is not available we shall try to confirm accommodation in next available higher category of rooms and shall advise supplementary cost involved while conveying the status.
• Vehicle and Transportation will be as per itinerary only and not at disposal.
• Refund on cancellation depends upon adherence to the given cancellation policy & terms.
• Supplementary charges will apply for booking falling during Long weekends, Public Holidays and Festival time such as Diwali, Christmas & New Year period.
• The Seller Reserves the right to change/modify or terminate the offer any time at its own discretion and without any prior notice.

Imp Note

Holidaymine and its suppliers will assist you to the best of their ability with any Query, clarification, changes or customizations – prior to conforming the booking. Your confirmation of this package and included hotels indicate that you have read and understood the following

• Itinerary and holiday plan
• Holiday Inclusions & Exclusions
• Cancellation policy and Terms & Conditions
• Agree to the hotels offered and accepted their service quality. • In event of any changes done in Hotels or Room Categories or any Deviation is taken from the confirmed itinerary‚ By the Clients‛; Any expenses incurred from such changes will have to be paid in full by clients directly to local operators / Hotels / activity providers.

Limitations and Liability-

• We keep the guest comfort as our prime priority and work in all possible manner and resources towards that, there are at times things beyond our control; hence
• Holidaymine & Its representatives shall not be responsible for any change in the itinerary due to landslides, flight cancellations, weather conditions or any unforeseen circumstances. The additional cost incurred will have to be paid in full by clients directly & will be in addition to the confirmed package cost.
• Any additional charges arising due to Local strike, Medical Emergency or Govt regulation will be billed additionally and will have to be paid in full by clients directly.
• If there are any Hike in entrance fees of monuments / museums, Taxes, fuel cost or guide charges – by Govt of India, the same would be charged as extra.

Munnar - Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.

Thekkady - The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great apportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Alleppey - Alleppey also known as Alappuzha is the one town in Kerala that is synonymous with the backwaters for which this spectacular state is famous. There is an intricate web of waterways in Kerala, where the sea playfully teases the shore. The lagoons gently brush past villages and overhanging grass, and throw back the palms' reflection off their blue-green-blue surface.

Kovalam - Kovalam is a beach town by the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala located around 16 km from the city center. Kovalam consists of three main beaches, the most popular being the Lighthouse Beach and Hawa Beach. Kovalam with its unspoilt beaches was once a hippie paradise, but it's increasing popularity among tourists has been a major dissuasion of late.

Trivandrum - Kerala's capital – for obvious reasons still often referred to by its colonial name, Trivandrum – is an energetic place and an easygoing introduction to city life down south. Most travellers merely springboard from here to the nearby beachside resorts of Kovalam and Varkala, but Trivandrum has enough sights including its zoo and cluster of Victorian museums.

Kanyakumari - It owes its popularity as a tourist destination to both its sanctity as a pilgrimage site and to nature’s generosity. The never-ending horizon, the confluence of three seas, brilliant sun rises and sunsets, the rare sight of the sun and moon sharing a horizon and a beach that is as beautiful as it is dangerous add their own allure to the magic of Kanyakumari. It is famous tourist destination most noted for its beautiful sunrise and sunset and the 'Sangam' that is the confluence of the 3 seas.

Shopping in Kerala is as exciting as touring the mystical place. Kerala is famous for its local crafts and you will find a traditional touch in each and every craft item in Kerala. The main shopping hubs in Kerala are as follows:

Kochi - Among the most interesting shopping options in Kochi is art and antiques. Local artists display and sell their work at the ambient art galleries that dot the city. Handicraft and antiques are available at emporiums and in the Jewish Quarter of Fort Kochi. MG Road is the main shopping area in Kochi. You can buy spices at Fort Kochi around the synagogue area. You can also look out for Chinese fishing nets which are quite popular in Kochi.

Trivandrum - The prime shopping district in Thiruvananthapuram is MG Road, where there are a number of shopping complexes and shopping stores selling everything from local spices to handicrafts made out of wood, horn, metal, coir and handloom. Among the must buy souvenirs for shopaholics are rosewood and sandalwood carvings, brass and bell metal lamps, coir mats, spices, coffee, tea and cashew nuts. Other Kerala specialties include gold jewellery, traditional saris, Kathakali masks, bronzes and delightfully yummy banana chips, which are also an integral part of Kerala's cuisine.

Alleppey - Alleppey's best bargain is its coir- the district manufactures a massive amount of coir, and the material is used to produce everything from mundane mats to innovative objects d'art- rugs, wall hangings, bags, hammocks, cushions, blinds and more. Mullakkal Street is Alleppey's top shopping district, and has a number of shops where buyers can pick up souvenirs. Other good buys in Alleppey are spices- especially cardamom and pepper, canned seafood and silks.

Kovalam - Shopping in Kovalam is all about buying handicraft products made of wood and seashell, decorative items and spices. Statues made of teak wood and rose wood are popular among visitors. Along the beaches, there are many local shops from where you can buy jewellery made of seashells. Apart from these, there are decorative items as well. You can also try the colorful sandals and sarongs available in the local shops along the beaches. SM Handloom Centre is the main shopping center where you will find beautiful clothes for women.

Wayanad - Shopping in Wayanad includes pure honey, spices and handicrafts. The honey and spices produced in Wayanad is renowned all over the globe. Pepper is much sought after among the visitors. Artifacts, antiques, Munnar tea, coffee and handicraft items are equally popular. Garments and furniture can be bought at excellent prices.

Calicut - Shopping in Calicut is about buying handicraft items, spices and tea. The clothing industry of Calicut offers plethora of options to the buyers. Silky Textiles on S. M. Cross Road is a good option for buying silk. Color Bar and Ladies Park are the other well-known showrooms for textile. For purchasing handloom fabrics, head to Comtrust Store on Town Hall Road. Since Calicut is known as the 'City of Spices' don't forget to buy different kinds of spices including pepper, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. If you wish to avail authentic spices at reasonable rates, then you can buy the same from the gardens. The spice gardens here are worth visiting. Vilangakunnu village in Calicut is well-known for tea and coffee plantations. Several varieties of tea are grown; Black Tea, Green Tea, Oolong Tea are the different varieties of tea grown in this village.

Money - The currency of India is Indian Rupees (INR). The currency exchange departments are present in almost every Indian city. You can also exchange your currency in 5 star and 4 star hotels, no other currency is valid except for Indian currency (INR).

Banks - Banks are open for transaction from 10:00 - 15:30 hrs on weekdays and from 10:00 - 12:00 hrs on Saturdays.

Credit Cards - Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centres honour major credit cards.

Time
(Hours fast (+), slow (-) on IST)
USA: -10.30, Germany: - 4.30, Canada: - 10.30, France: - 4.30, Australia: + 4.30, Spain: - 4.30, UAE: - 1.30, UK: - 5:30.

Best time to Visit -
High season: September-May
Monsoon Rejuvenation programmes: June-August

Travel Kit - Cotton outfits; hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc.

Drugs - Heavy penalties including imprisonment for possession of narcotic drugs.

Ayurveda - Go only to those Ayurveda centers that are classified/approved by the Department of Tourism.

Food - All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala food.

Emergency Numbers -
Police control room: 100
Fire station: 101
Ambulance: 102, 108

Police Helpline -
While traveling on Highways (Highway Alert Number): 9846 100 100
While traveling in Trains (Railway Alert Number): 9846 200 100
Website: www.keralapolice.org

Temple Codes - Some temples do not permit entry to non-Hindus. Strict dress codes are followed in most of the temples. Footwear is banned inside the temple premises.

Festivals and Fairs - There are quite a few festivals in Kerala that are celebrated all over the state and are well attended by the local people as well as tourists.

• The Ashtamudi Craft & Art Festival is held in Kollam (End-December beginning January).
• The tourism edition of Allepey's Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race is in mid-January. (The real thing is dated for the second Saturday of August.)
• Thiruvananthapuram hosts a classical music festival over the last few days of January.
• The Ettamanur Festival at Ettamanur, near Kottayam, in (February/March) features a procession of gaily-decorated elephants.
• The Pooram Festival at Thrissur has similar attractions, and follows two months later.
• The most famous is the harvest festival, Onam, in August/September. Celebrated with feasting and festivities all over Kerala, Onam is the most important festival of the state.