North & South Kerala Tour Package -

Duration: 13 Days

Location: Vythiri, Cheruthuruthy , Cochin , Kumarakom , Alleppey Houseboat , Marari

“We had a wonderful time in Kerala – we all enjoyed it very much and experienced a lot..Rajeev & Anoop supported us in a very friendly way wherever we needed a help.We were very happy with our German escort,his knowledge on German language and his ability to adapt to changing situations.” —Ms Beate-Tour Leader Majesta Group Germany Nov 2016

05 Nov –Departure Germany

06 Nov –Calicut- Vythiri -2 hours

On arrival at Calicut, drive to Vythiri .Rest of the day to explore the unique beauty of Nature around you.Overnight at the resort.

Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The aroma of the soil mingles with the wetness of the air and tingles our senses like the caress of a cool wind. Further, the little stream lowing creates a beautiful sound and whoever listens to it feels the beauty of nature. One gets easily mesmerized with the beauty of the surroundings there…… At Vythiri, the entire philosophy revolves around this undying love. Even the rocks and boulders have been left in peace and the animals around the resort, undisturbed.A striking Jain temple, dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami represents one of the saints belonging to the Jain faith is situated just six kms from Kalpetta. This temple is in the wayanad district and is commonly known as Tippu’s fort. This is prominent as Tippu’s fort because Tippu used this place for storing ammunition. Hence, it gains the name sultans battery.

07 Nov – Vythiri

Breakfast at the resort.Later go for a guided village walk through a nearby village followed by a traditional lunch.Afternoon drive to Tholpetty National park for a jeep safari through the Park.Return to your resort by evening for overnight stay.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in 1973 by carving areas out of the Wayanad and Kozhikode Territorial Divisions. A separate Wildlife Division, the Wayanad Wildlife Division was constituted in 1985. There are 13 Reserved Forests in this sanctuary. Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Project Elephant Reserve No. 7. It is contiguous with Mudumalai Wild life Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu and Bandipur and Nagarahole National Park of Karnataka. Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary is significant because of ecological and geographic continuity with other protected areas such as Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Nagarhole N.P., of Karnataka in north-eastern portion and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu in south-eastern side offering an unique eco system enriched with wildlife, forming natural corridor for the seasonal migration of long ranging animals within the greater conservation unit.

Tholpetty is one of the two ecotourism centers in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Visit to this ecotourism center provide unforgettable wilderness experience, frequent sightings of free ranging wildlife like herds of elephants, guars, deers, monkeys, tigers, leopards, bears, many species of reptiles, fishes, butterflies, birds including vultures etc.Ecotourism in Tholpetty is much helpful in creating deep conservation awareness in the minds of visitors. It is a main source of livelihood income for local tribes and local tourist guides. Ecotourism in this Sanctuary is managed by Tholpetty Eco-Development Committee (EDC) under supervision of Kerala forest department,Govt of Kerala.

08 Nov – Vythiri

After breakfast at the resort,you may opt either to relax at the serenity of the resort or you may go for a sightseeing to the nearby Pookkot Lake,Soochippara Waterfalls,Kuruva Islands etc. Overnight at the resort in Vythiri.

Pookot Lake:Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookote is one of Wayanad’s top visitor draws. This natural lake near Lakkidi is just a short distance off the National Highway 212.It has been developed as a recreational centre having boating facilities, children’s park, shop for souvenirs and spices, and a fresh water aquarium. Replete with a café and restaurant, this is a good setting for day outings with family.Soochippara Waterfall:The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi are really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height are a treat to the eyes. The pool below provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing, etc. The tree top huts at Soochippara give a unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding spring.

The Kuruva Island, 950 acres of evergreen forest on the tributaries of east following river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbance of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare spicies of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is 17 kms. east of Mananthavady and 40 kms. north west of Sulthan Bathery.

09 Nov -Vythiri-Nilambur-(2 Hours)Cheruthuruthy(1 Hour)

After an early breakfast, drive to Nilambur to visit Asia’s first Teak Plantation and Museum.Later visit the Royal Palace township.You will be received at one of the Palace Homes to witness a cultural performance folowed by a traditional lunch.Early evening drive to Cheruthuruthy to check into your hotel for overnight stay.

Nilambur Kovilakams or palaces situated at the foot of the Western Ghats along the banks of the river Chaliyar, are architectural marvels known for their beautiful frescoes and wood work. These residences of the local rajas were built according to traditional Kerala architecture and boasts of excellent skill and craftsmanship.

The generous rulers of Nilambur who eventually emerged as one of the richest and most prosperous royal families of Kerala always gave impetus to the welfare of the society and played a significant role in shaping and evolving the Ernad Taluk into a modern township. Nilambur Kovilakam was one of the richest families in Kerala with over 125000 acres land as asset. But unlike many other royal families Nilambur kovilakam gave away a major chunk of its assets for the well being of the society without taking anything in return. More than 48 thousand acres of land was given to Muthumala wildlife sanctuary on lease which later came under the Government.

The well-known Teak Museum is regarded as the first of its kind in the world and the only one in India; it is a house to the treasures of historical, aesthetic and scientific aspects of Teak. The museum was established on the campus of the sub-centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) in 1995. The museum was established here owing to the historical significance of the region. The world’s first Teak (Tectona grandis) plantation was raised in Nilambur way back in the 1840s in order to ensure a steady supply of Teak timber to the British.

The ground floor of the double-storied museum exhibits a translite of Kannimara Teak, the oldest naturally growing teak tree located at the Parambikulam wild-life sanctuary and the life-size replica of the trunk of the largest known teak tree growing in the Malayattoor forest division. Another translite of a giant tree present in the oldest teak plantation in the Conolly’s Plot at Nilambur offers the visitors a glimpse into the teak plantation activities undertaken 160 years ago. The 142 mtr long hanging bridge across Chaliyar River to Conolly’s plot is also an interesting part of the visit.The largest Teak in this plantation has 4.9 Mtrs width.Some of the other attractions here are the traditional granary and a miniature model of sailing vessel called Uru made of teak wood.

Detailed description on the flower, fruit and natural regeneration of teak as well as the prominent characteristics of these species of trees are exhibited in the first floor of the museum. In addition to this, the various methods of seed-grading, presowing treatment, preparation of teak stumps, vegetative propagation of teak and the different stages in the complete rotation cycle of teak from seed to mature tree are also on display.

Apart from teak, the mueusm also has a collection of over 300 butterflies, moths and insects found in teak plantations. Another exclusive section in the museum deals with the various physical disorders of teak, disease-causing insects and pests, plantation and other nursery diseases.Some of the special attractions of the Teak Museum at Nilambur are a series of interesting paintings portraying tree felling operations, a collection of photographs on the phonological events of teak at different seasons, exhibits on traditional harvesting tools and wood samples of different ages from various parts of the world.

The 800-metre long bio-resources nature trail on the museum campus is indeed, an interesting one. This nature trail passes through a heavy growth of shrubs, trees and bamboos. One can also find the different species of birds and reptiles here. There are 50 naturally grown tree species and 136 endangered and near-extinct tree species of the Western Ghats planted in this nature trail. About 58 species of birds, both resident and migratory, has been recorded in this area. A medicinal plant garden consisting of 150 species is also another attraction worth seeing

10 Nov-Kalamandalam-Day with Masters-Cochin

After breakfast, visit Kalamandalam ,the university for performing arts.You will attend a guided program-Day with Masters till noon to visit the classrooms where students learn different types of performing arts.Afternoon drive to Cochin for overnight stay.

‘A Day with the Masters’ is a pilgrimage to the most sacred temple of arts, giving a world class experience to the visitors, with an unique menu of presentations that bring out the grandeur of the institution. This premier cultural tourism product of the ‘Gods Own Country’ is jointly promoted by Kerala Tourism and Kerala Kalamandalam.

The program consists of the following:

An audio-visual presentation – Saga of Kalamandalam
A Presentation and visit to the Koothambalam – the traditional temple theatre
A Visit and Exposition of 10-15 Kalaris (teaching classes) – Classical dances – Mohiniyattam,
Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi; Kathakali – Vesham(acting), Make-up, Vocal music, Cholliyattam; Koodiyattam.; Percussion instruments – Chenda, Maddalam, Mizhavu, Thimila and Mridangam; Karnatic classical Music and Thullal
A Presentation on Kerala Mural Painting , ‘Nrittyolpathi’, the origin of Dance
A visit of the Art gallery, to see costumes, head-gears, masks and jewellery.
A glimpse of the old Kalamandalam Campus on the banks of Nila; Portrait-gallery and the tomb of poet laureate Vallathol Narayana Menon, founder of Kalamandalam.

Cochin known as ‘queen of the Arabian Sea’ is the commercial capital of Kerala and perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India. Cochin has Asia’s best preserve Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the oldest European Church in India – the St. Francis Church.

11 Nov – Cochin

After breakfast drive to Poothotta Backwater Village for a guided Country Boat Cruise through an island village to watch the backwater village life followed by lunch at a farm house.Afternoon for sightseeing of Cochin. Evening visit Pepper Trails Kitchen for a cookery demonstration followed by dinner.Overnight at the Hotel.

Village backwater Cruise – A journey in a country boat into the pristine purity of a typical village backwater of Kerala…. goes through the zigzagging narrow canals and paddy fields fringed with coconut palms…..watch rare birds….country boat making….a natural fish farm where you can go fishing…. You will witness coir making,toddy tapping before you end up your exclusive experience in our Farm House for lunch -a delicious traditional Kerala dish under a tree…..While scrolling through this amazing village,you will watch the common life of the villagers for their livelihood.You will see them fishing in the river,the women do the coir making,a toddy tapper who does his job as a routine,men climbing the coconut trees to pluck the coconuts,later peeling the same to prepare to dry and make oil extraction possible.Its all about a life experience which you will cherish throughout your life.

Cochin Sightseeing – St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where Vasco da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The “Dutch Palace” was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring – a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites – which gives the effect of polished marble.

Fort Cochin & Mattancherry are twin cities carry a flavor of the colonial era.Jewish,Arabs,Portuguese British all came to Cochin for trading and Mattancherry was the spice trade head quarters due to the proximity of Cochin Port.While Fort Cochin became the administrative head quarters,Mattancherry maintained its trading status.The colonial stature and buildings still make Fort Cochin a favourite destination for tourists.Its getting an upgrade once its declared as the first heritage city in India.Fort Cochin was also a part of Muziris route.It will be interesting thing on religious harmony to know that around 13 religious communities are harmoniously living in Fort Cochin and Mattancherry.Christians,Muslims,Hindus,Jews,Jains,Sikhs etc are few among them.

Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual and different from the rest of India. Cooking in Kerala is all about discoveries, aromas and colours. Kerala cuisine is very hot and spicy and offers several gastronomic opportunities to those willing to experiment with the local cuisine. Traditionally, in Kerala food is served on a banana leaf. One has to take food with right hand. Tender coconut water is a refreshing nutritious thirst quencher..Seafood’s are main diet of Coastal Kerala. Here at Pepper Trails, we are trying to pass on a tradition of our kitchen to the World.

The cookery demo will be conducted at short distance away from Kochi, in the beautiful ambiance of a Kerala’s modern architectural bungalow, nestled on the top of a valley in its natural setting with a peaceful ambience combined with refreshing environment, promising to make your another day in Kerala a wonderful experience. Enjoy a warm welcome by the breath taking lush green landscape complimented by a welcome drink and… now you are a part of our home… This cookery demo is not just being in the kitchen, will give you hands on experience, you’ll learn to prepare 3-4 variety of Kerala’s delicacies in a friendly, relaxed, informal environment. Each dish will be demonstrated, prepared and cooked. You will then be able to enjoy tasting each dish and take home the recipes as a memento of your delicious day .

12 Nov – Houseboat

After breakfast,drive to Alleppey to board the Houseboat for a night’s stay.Your meals are freshly cooked and served on board. Explore the amazing backwater life of Kerala! Overnight at the Houseboat.

What is truly magical about a houseboat is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen where are cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad locals, on board. The name Backwaters brings you the very thought of Houseboats. Food and leisurely times spent on-board with the feeling and privacy of house as well as enjoying the natural beauty. A Cruise amidst marvelous mangrove forests, captivating coconut canopies, swaying palms, mangrove forests, pulsating paddy fields sprinkled with enchanting waterways and canals decked with white lilies, can be quite a rejuvenating experience for the weary traveler. Enjoying a cruise in these backwaters is not to be missed, as it leaves you feeling fully rejenuvated. The banks of these backwaters in Kerala are the most enchanting picnic spots. You get to experience the native way of living.The experience on the Houseboat is not the one to be explained by words.Its to be lived and evolved by yourself

13 Nov – Kumarakom

After breakfast on board, the Houseboat will drop you at a resort set on the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom, which is famous for its backwater & scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. You may opt to go for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage.Also you go for a village walk through the nearby villages.Overnight at the Resort.

The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. And that is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.

14 Nov – Kumarakom

Full day to explore the backwaters.You may opt to visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary by taking a boat which will be interesting.If you are interested you may try to join the local farmers working in the paddy fields or try your luck on fishing.Overnight at the Resort.

Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake and a picturesque, clean village like most places in Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres, the bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

The village of Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake, is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, spread across 14 acres, has an interesting variety of birdlife.If you are a bird enthusiast, visit the sanctuary between June and August, the breeding season of resident wetland birds such as Indian Darter, Little cormorant, different species of egrets and herons, white ibis, several species of kingfishers, etc. Between the months of November and May, the bushes and woods of the sanctuary play host to some rare migratory birds. The Vembanad lake body attracts waterfowl like pin-tailed duck, garganey teal, spot-billed duck, birds of prey like osprey, marsh harrier, steppe eagle, etc.Bird lovers can also take a boat trip to the nearby Kaipuzha Muttu, Pathiramanal, Narakathara, Thollayiram Kayal and Poothapandi Kayal to watch local birdlife and migrants which could easily be more than a hundred species.

15 Nov- Kumarakom – Marari

After a leisurely breakfast ,check out and drive to Marari Beach (45 Minutes Drive). On arrival, check in at a Beach Resort. Day free to enjoy the beach activities. Overnight at the resort.

Marari originates from “Mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holiday maker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at it’s best.

16 Nov- Marari

Day free to enjoy the beach activities. You may opt to have a rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage,or a visit to the local temples etc..Overnight at your Resort on Marari Beach.

Marari Beach is an endless vista of sand and surf, but it is more. An authentic experience of the world of Kerala’s traditional fishing villages, and a recreation of an ancient, harmonious way of life. The village of Mararikulam lies on a forgotten shore, midway up the Malabar coast, where the Indian Ocean finally decides that it has now become the Arabian Sea.

17 Nov- Marari

Day free to enjoy the beach activities. Overnight at you resort on Marari Beach.

There is a lot to do in and around Marari.The serene village extends many unique experiences like the local townships,fishing villages,active churches and temples and so on.You may also drive to Alleppey town for a little shopping.

18 Nov-Cochin Departure (2 Hours Drive)

Like all good things, your holiday experience comes to an end but you will always carry with you memories of this unique and unforgettable experience.Today you will be assisted and transferred to Cochin International airport for your flight home!!

Accommodations suggested Deluxe