Kochi, a vibrant coastal city in southern India, beckons travelers with its rich cultural heritage and captivating natural wonders. This 4-day exclusive tour promises an immersive experience, from exploring the historic Fort Kochi and bustling Jew Town to witnessing the mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance. But the real highlight lies in the untamed beauty of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where a boat ride on the serene lake and an intimate encounter with elephants await. With comfortable accommodations and guided experiences, this tour offers a seamless journey through Kochi’s enchanting blend of tradition and modernity. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the itinerary and uncover the essence of this captivating destination.
This experience made our list of the 5 Best Tours In Thekkady.
Key Points
- 4-day tour exploring Kochi and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, priced from $327.74 per person with flexible booking and free cancellation.
- Itinerary includes cultural activities like Kathakali dance, elephant bathing, and spice plantation tours, with some optional activities incurring extra charges.
- Tour features 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, and transportation, but is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues.
- Highlights include visiting Fort Kochi, Jew Town, and Periyar Lake, with opportunities to witness Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstrations.
- Booking process is straightforward, with a flexible cancellation policy, and transportation options vary based on group size.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour encompasses a 4-day exploration of Kochi and the captivating Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Priced from $327.74 per person, this private group experience allows flexible booking with free cancellation.
Covering Kochi’s historic landmarks, it then ventures to Periyar to discover tea and cardamom plantations, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, and witness elephant bathing.
The tour includes 3 nights’ accommodation, 3 breakfasts, transportation, professional guides, and cultural activities like Kathakali dance.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues, the itinerary provides a well-rounded introduction to the region’s natural and cultural treasures.
Optional activities may incur additional charges, and personal expenses aren’t included.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Thekkady
Itinerary Highlights
This 4-day tour kicks off with arrival in the historic city of Cochin, where visitors explore Fort Kochi, admire the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and marvel at the colonial-era architecture of St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica.
In Mattancherry, they’ll discover Jew Town and the Pardesi Synagogue. The evening features a captivating Kathakali dance performance.
On day 2, the tour travels to Periyar, home to expansive tea and cardamom plantations. After checking into the hotel, guests visit the vibrant Kumily spice market.
The following day begins with a boat ride on Periyar Lake and an elephant bathing activity, followed by a guided tour of a spice plantation.
Evenings showcase a Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration.
Inclusions
This tour includes 3 nights of hotel accommodation and 3 breakfasts at the hotel if that option is selected.
Pickup and drop-off from the hotel, airport, or train station are also provided, along with transportation in an air-conditioned private vehicle if selected.
A professional private guide is available, and guests can enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, an elephant bath, and a boat ride on Periyar Lake, depending on the chosen inclusions.
The tour also provides 2 mineral water bottles per person per day, as well as all applicable taxes, gratuities, and camera fees.
Important Information
This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Participants will enjoy a private tour for their group only.
Transportation varies based on group size – sedans for 1-2 people, SUVs for 3-4, and vans for 5-10. Accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis, with an extra charge for separate rooms.
Participants should bring their passport or ID and wear comfortable shoes. Additionally:
- No alcohol or drugs are allowed.
- Optional activities may incur additional charges.
- New Year and Christmas gala dinners may have extra costs.
- Personal expenses and monument entrance fees aren’t included.
Additional Notes
Several optional activities may incur additional charges during the tour. For instance, visitors who wish to experience a Kalaripayattu martial arts performance or partake in a nature walk or trek will have to pay extra.
Plus, the cost of any New Year or Christmas gala dinners isn’t included in the tour price.
It’s important to keep in mind that personal expenses and entrance fees for monuments are also not covered.
While the tour package includes various inclusions, there are some optional activities and additional costs that travelers should be aware of when booking the Kochi and Periyar Wildlife Tour.
- Periyar Wildlife Tour With Luxury Services (03 Days Tour)
- Beauty of Nature, Cochin With Periyar Wildlife Tour(04 Days)
- Wilderness & Culture: One Day Tour of Thekkady With Jeep !!
- Exclusive Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Tour(02 Nights/03 Days)
- A Private Transfer: From Madurai to Thekkady Car & Driver
- Explore The Rustic Life Of Thekkady With Lunch
Exploring Cochin
On the first day, visitors explore the historic and vibrant city of Cochin, also known as Kochi.
They’ll visit:
- Fort Kochi, home to the iconic Chinese fishing nets
- St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India
- Santa Cruz Basilica, a magnificent example of Indo-European architecture
- Mattancherry Palace, known for its Dutch-influenced murals
After seeing the city’s rich cultural heritage, they’ll enjoy an evening Kathakali dance performance, a traditional Indian dance-drama.
This first day sets the stage for an unforgettable exploration of Cochin’s captivating blend of history, architecture, and performing arts.
Discovering Periyar
After exploring the vibrant city of Cochin, the tour heads to the picturesque Periyar region.
Here, visitors enjoy the serene tea and cardamom plantations, breathing in the fragrant spices. The highlight is a morning boat ride on the serene Periyar Lake, where they can spot wildlife like elephants, deer, and migratory birds.
Guests also get to experience an elephant bath, a unique and ethical activity that allows them to interact with these gentle giants.
The tour includes a guided spice plantation tour, providing insights into the region’s thriving spice trade.
In the evenings, visitors can enjoy traditional Kalaripayattu performances, a captivating martial art form.
Booking and Cancellation
How does one go about booking this Kochi and Periyar Wildlife Tour? The process is quite straightforward.
Customers can reserve the tour now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible booking policy makes it easy to plan.
The tour is a private group experience, with transportation options tailored to the group size. Accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis, with an extra charge for separate rooms.
Participants should bring their passport or ID and wear comfortable shoes. Plus, the tour has some restrictions, including no alcohol or drugs allowed.
- Flexible booking: Reserve now & pay later
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Private group experience with tailored transportation
- Twin-sharing accommodation with extra charge for separate rooms
- Restrictions: No alcohol or drugs allowed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Extend or Shorten the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended or shortened. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing customers to reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What Are the Luggage Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t mention any specific luggage restrictions. However, participants are advised to pack light and bring comfortable shoes, as the itinerary involves walking tours and outdoor activities.
Are There Any Special Dietary Options Available?
The tour does not explicitly mention special dietary options. However, travelers with dietary restrictions can likely make special requests which the tour operator may accommodate, depending on availability and feasibility.
Can I Request a Private Vehicle for the Entire Tour?
Yes, travelers can request a private vehicle for the entire tour. The tour overview indicates that transportation is provided in an air-conditioned private vehicle, which can be a sedan, SUV, or van depending on the group size.
How Can I Get Assistance During the Tour if Needed?
The tour includes a private guide who can provide assistance throughout the trip. Plus, the tour operator offers pickup and drop-off services, ensuring hassle-free transportation and support during the tour.
Recap
This 4-day Kochi tour offers an immersive experience, blending the rich cultural heritage of Cochin and the captivating wildlife of Periyar. Visitors can explore iconic sites, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, and embark on a boat ride and elephant bath at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and flexible booking options make this an enchanting and memorable journey.
You can check if your dates are available here: