12-Nights Best of Kerala & Maldives: Cochin, Munnar, Backwaters & More from $4,025

Goway Travel

OFFER ID 1607212

Discover the essence of Kerala and the Maldives on this 13-day India vacation, venturing from Cochin’s historic streets to Munnar’s lush hills and valleys, Alleppey’s scenic backwaters, and Male’s breathtaking white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Begin along Kerala’s shores in the historic city of Cochin, renowned for its rich cultural diversity. Immerse yourself in Cochin’s storied past with a tour of Fort Cochin, constructed by Portugal’s Alfonzo de Albuquerque in 1500, where you’ll find the St. Francis Church, India’s first European church noted for its simple design and beautiful floor tiles. Uncover the city’s ancient Jewish heritage at several antique shops and spice auction rooms, offering glimpses into the lives of the Jewish community that settled in Cochin near 587 BCE. Discover the iconic Chinese fishing nets along Fort Cochin’s shores before continuing to Munnar.

Settle into your first-class Munnar hotel, nestled in lush hills and surrounded by verdant valleys, scenic waterfalls, and vast tea plantations, before embarking on a guided town tour. Learn about the region’s history as you explore the fascinating Tea Museum and marvel at the spectacular views from the Anaimudy viewpoint, where the sight of Southern India’s highest peak promises to take your breath away.

Continue to the Periyar Highlands and explore the wildlife-rich Periyar National Park, a local spice plantation, and the Periyar Reserve by boat on an unforgettable houseboat adventure. Search for elephants, bison, deer, several bird species, and the occasional tiger before exploring the significance of spice harvesting in the region and boarding the Kerala Backwaters Houseboat in Alleppey.

Float through Alleppey’s coconut-lined canals that have provided a safe and efficient means of transporting goods and people between Kerala’s heartland and coastal towns. Marvel as the scenery changes from papaya and mango trees to coconut harvesting, coir factories, and paddy fields as you inch closer to your final escape in Male.

Enjoy five nights of leisure, unwinding on pristine beaches, exploring tropical forests, and swimming in secluded blue lagoons. Immerse yourself in quintessential Maldivian luxury as you scuba or snorkel along coral reefs beaming with over 200 species of coral and over a thousand species of colourful fish.

12 nights from $4,025 per person

Featured Destinations

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Male Atoll

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Munnar

Kochi (Cochin)

Kochi (Cochin) is the great, old Keralan spice city. It consists of mainland Ernakulam, islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, Fort Cochin and Mattancheri on the southern peninsula and Vypeen Island north of Cochin. Because of the area’s dense tropical forests, extensive ridges and ravines, it has been sheltered from invaders and the rest of India. This encouraged Keralites to welcome maritime contact, and therefore influence from the outside world. In Cochin there is still a small community of descendants from Jewish settlers who fled Palestine 2,000 years ago. When the Portuguese arrived here some 500 years ago, they were surprised to find Christianity already established along this coast. People from far-off lands have been coming to Kerala since ancient times in search of spices, sandalwood and ivory. Such long contact with people from overseas has resulted in the blending of various cultures and has given Keralites a cosmopolitan outlook.

Excursions

Cochin: Highlights - 7.5 hours

9AM- 10:30AM
Disembark the ship drive for 45 minutes to Tripunithura and visit the Hill Palace which was the official residence of the Cochin Royal family built in 1865. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala and in surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park. A fully fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's first ever heritage Museum are the main attractions. Displayed inside are 19^th century paintings, murals sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the royal family.

Cooking demonstration and lunch can be arranged at a local home ( on direct payment basis)

2PM- 4PM

In the afternoon, before returning to the ship which is towards the Silk Route trading post of Fort Cochin, these days a `Heritage Zone’. Beginning with the Chinese and Arabs in the 13^th century, the Portuguese arrived in 1500 A.D. followed by the domination of the Dutch and British. See St. Francis Church originally built in 1510 and the first to reflect European influenced tradition. Portuguese hero Vasco Da Gama died on the site and was buried in the cemetery.

At Matancherry, there’s the Dutch Palace built in 1557 by the Portuguese as a gift for the Maharaja of Cochin in exchange for trading rights. The Palace houses royal costumes, palanquins, furniture and weapons but its striking feature is a series of murals painted on wooden walls. Later, stop by the Pardesi synagogue, at the heart of what is locally called Jew town. (Closed for a visit on Fridays and Saturday)

4PM - 4:30PM Thereafter return to the pier.

Added Value:

Great introduction to Cochin city.
The Tour covers the main highlights of the city i.e Depart the Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry, the Dutch Palace and later Jew Street (or Spice Street) in Jew Town.

- Tour Duration: 7 hours
- Tour can operate : Morning
- Physical activity level : Moderate
- Wheelchair Accessible : No

Closing dates : Fridays - Dutch Palace in Mattancherry and Fridays & Saturdays – Jewish Synagogue.

Inclusions:

- Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of a local English speaking guide.
- All the entrance fees and camera fees.
- Credit card and bank charges.
- All the prevailing taxes.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

02/05/2025 - 12/31/2025

from $4,025 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $4,025 per person

Length

12 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. Special savings cannot be combined with any other offer and the amount is subject to currency exchange rates at the time of booking. Airfares rates may increase or decrease please ask your Goway Destination Specialist at the time of booking. All prices are per person and quoted in U.S. dollars. Single supplements may apply. Blackout dates/seasonal supplements may apply. Accommodations, inclusions and itineraries are subject to change based on specific departure dates. From pricing is based on the lowest seasonal pricing for this tour, and rates may vary by date of departure. Please inquire about details of your preferred travel dates. Please inquire for a list of included and excluded exclusions. Departures: Daily

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1607212

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