Enchanting Kerala (201213)
An 11-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $2,925
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| Starting Price: | $2,925 |  |
| Tour Length: | 11 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | India | |
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Cities Visited: The spice trade has lured seafarers to Kerala for centuries, shaping its history and culture. Whereas today’s modern travellers are charmed by the tranquil backwaters, plantation covered hills and palm fringed beaches. Tour Pace: This tour is leisurely, with an abundance of free time to relax or maybe indulge in Ayurveda treatments for which Kerala is justifiably famous. But it’s also perfect for early risers who want to get the most out of the day, and those interested in the local history, art, culture and cuisine. Hotels: Your first hotel in Kochi is a unique mix of chic and classic. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the waterfront from your room. Elsewhere the hotels are more in the tropical resort style, spread out over verdant acres, effortlessly blending in with the natural landscape. |
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A Welcome Reception with delicious meal. (WR)Enjoy 2 Highlight Lunches at a private homes in Alleppey and Kochi, which also includes a cooking demonstration. (HL)Enjoy a farewell Celebration Dinner with drinks at the Kovalam hotel’s sea side restaurant. (CD)9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Hotel Dinner in Western or the local style, including tea, coffee and bottled water. (D)
Included First Class Services
Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorTravel in comfort and style on our modern, air-conditioned luxury touring coaches and minibusesInsight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterageInsight Traveller Welcome packArrival and departure transfers between the airports and your Insight tour hotels
Board your overnight flight (not included).
Day 2: KOCHI AT LEISURE
Welcome to India! On arrival at Cochin International Airport, you are greeted with a traditional floral garland. Transfer to your hotel on Willingdon Island, where your stylishly designed sea view room overlooks Cochin harbour. Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a Welcome Reception with a delicious meal.(Welcome Reception)
Day 3: KUMBHALANGI EXCURSION
This morning journey to the small island of Kumbalangi for a glimpse into the lives of the local villagers. Walk through the village, join the fishermen as they raise their Chinese nets or farmers working in the fields. Watch the locals spin golden palm fibers into coir or tap the palms for sap to make a potent drink called ‘toddy’. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. This evening you are invited to attend a performance of traditional Kathakali dance, characterised by elaborate makeup and large, colourful costumes.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4: KOCHI - THEKKADY
Your Kochi city tour includes a visit to the oldest Jewish synagogue in the commonwealth. Next witness the renowned mythological murals of Mattancherry Palace, built in 1557 by the Portuguese. Stop by India’s oldest European built Church of St Francis to see the tombstone of Vasco de Gama, interred here before his remains were returned back to Lisbon. Now immerse yourself in the fragrant world of Indian cooking. Visit a traditional Syrian Christian family in their home to learn the intricacies of Keralan cuisine. After your cooking lesson enjoy your lunch before driving to the sun-dappled highlands near the Tamil Nadu and Kerala border. The road winds through mountains, descending through a carpet of tea bushes, vast plantations of pepper, cardamom, coffee with spectacular views of mist-laden valleys. Check in to your resort located on the fringes of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
Day 5: PERIYAR EXCURSION
Visit the Spice Gardens of Periyar today for a better understanding of the aromatic spices, herbs, flowers, various fruit and plants. Afterwards, you are invited to get up close and personal with the local elephants, which still play an important role in Indian society. Perhaps help feed these amazing animals, give them a bath, or just watch them work with their Mahouts. Back at your eco friendly hotel there is time to relax. This evening, join an expert naturalist for a cruise through the waterways of the Periyar sanctuary in search of wildlife, including elephant, monkeys, deer or even a tiger.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6: THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM
Drive down to Kerala’s picturesque backwaters - a world of serenity and wonder, bursting natural beauty. Your hotel is situated on the shores of Lake Vembanad. Check-in, relax and enjoy. Perhaps enjoy an Ayurveda treatment, the ancient science of holistic healing for which Kerala is renowned.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7: KUMARAKOM AT LEISURE
For those who want to rise early this morning there is an included bird watching tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Set within lush acres of woodland, you will become acquainted with the variety of migratory birds that flock in their thousands from the Himalayas or as far afield as Siberia. Return to the hotel for breakfast and the rest of the day is free to enjoy the Backwater environment or indulge in Ayurveda treatments.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 8: KUMARAKOM - KOVALAM
Transfer to the local jetty to board your houseboat for a half day cruise on the backwaters. Before the advent of modern day roads these houseboats were the main form of transport. Disembark in Alleppey for a walking tour of the town and a typical local lunch in a private home, a wonderful experience. This afternoon drive to Kovalam, famous for its beautiful golden beaches and swaying coconut palms.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)
Day 9: KOVALAM
For those who wish, your are invited to an early morning Yoga session. For both the nimble and novices alike, it’s a great way to start the day. After breakfast at hotel, drive to Trivandrum for a city tour including the temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery and the Napier Museum which provides a glimpse into Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Return to Kovalam where the afternoon is at leisure to take advantage of the palm fringed beaches.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 10: KOVALAM AT LEISURE
Today is completely free to relax on the beach or indulge in Ayurveda treatments at hotel. This evening enjoy a traditional Kalaripayattu martial art show followed by farewell Celebration Dinner with drinks to round off this fantastic tour.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)
Day 11: RETURN TO USA
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast with transfers to Trivandrum Airport.(Buffet Breakfast)
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
8/24/2012 - 9/3/2012 |
$2,925 |
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9/7/2012 - 9/17/2012 |
$2,925 |
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9/21/2012 - 10/1/2012 |
$2,925 |
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10/5/2012 - 10/15/2012 |
$3,699 |
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10/19/2012 - 10/29/2012 |
$3,699 |
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11/2/2012 - 11/12/2012 |
$3,699 |
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11/16/2012 - 11/26/2012 |
$3,699 |
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11/30/2012 - 12/10/2012 |
$3,699 |
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12/14/2012 - 12/24/2012 |
$4,499 |
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12/28/2012 - 1/7/2013 |
$4,699 |
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1/11/2013 - 1/21/2013 |
$3,699 |
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1/25/2013 - 2/4/2013 |
$3,699 |
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2/8/2013 - 2/18/2013 |
$3,699 |
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2/22/2013 - 3/4/2013 |
$3,699 |
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3/8/2013 - 3/18/2013 |
$3,699 |
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3/22/2013 - 4/1/2013 |
$3,699 |
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4/5/2013 - 4/15/2013 |
$3,699 |
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4/19/2013 - 4/29/2013 |
$3,699 |
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| Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. | ||||
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Kochi: Visit the integrated tourism village of Kumbalangi for a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. Attend a performance of traditional Kathakali dance. Visit the oldest Jewish synagogue in the commonwealth. Visit Mattancherry Palace, with its famous mythological murals. Visit St Francis Church where Vasco de Gama was buried. Join a Syrian Christian family in their home for a cooking demonstration.Thekkady : Enjoy a morning visit to a spice plantation. Witness bathing and feeding of the elephants in the Spice Garden. Visit the spice market. Enjoy an evening boat cruise with a naturalist on Lake Periyar in search of wildlife.Kumarakom: Enjoy an early morning bird watching tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Take in the scenic beauty of the Kerala Backwaters as you cruise by traditional houseboat.Alleppey: Enjoy a walking tour of the town.Kovalam: Enjoy an early morning Yoga Session. Experience a traditional Kalaripayattu martial art show.Trivandrum: Tour the city with visits to the Napier Museum, Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple and Sri Chitra Art Gallery.
SAVE Up To $600 Per Couple On Select 2012 Insight USA Tours
2012 USA SALE - SAVINGS OF UP TO $600
Save up to $300 per person on select 2012 Insight Vacations USA itineraries
| Tour Name | Tour Duration | Departing | Was | Now | Saving | Promo Code |
| American Parks Trail | 10 | May 13, 27 | $2525 | $2325 | $200 | 12USSALE1 |
| Best of California | 9 | Jul 20 | $2595 | $2395 | $200 | 12USSALE2 |
| Best of Eastern Canada & USA | 16 | May 27 | $4175 | $3875 | $300 | 12USSALE3 |
| Capitals of Eastern Canada | 7 | Jul 8 | $1799 | $1599 | $200 | 12USSALE4 |
|
Coastal New England and Canada’s Maritimes |
13 |
Jun 29, Jul 13 |
$3525 | $3225 | $300 | 12USSALE5 |
| Enchanting Canyonlands | 7 |
May 19, Jun 16 & 30, Jul 21 & 28 |
$1975 | $1775 | $200 | 12USSALE6 |
| Grand Canadian Rockies | 13 | May 28 | $6275 | $5975 | $300 | 12USSALE7 |
| Great Western American Adventure | 15 | Jul 20 | $4350 | $4050 | $300 | 12USSALE8 |
| Hawaiian Dreams | 10 | Jun 16 | $3750 | $3450 | $300 | 12USSALE9 |
| Hawaiian Dreams with Kauai | 12 | Jun 16 | $4595 | $4295 | $300 | 12USSALE10 |
| Maritimes Landscapes | 8 | Jul 2, 16 | $2375 | $2175 | $200 | 12USSALE11 |
| Southwest Discovery | 11 |
May 11, Jun 15 |
$2535 | $2335 | $200 | 12USSALE12 |
Terms and Conditions: Price is in American dollars and is per person, land only, based on double occupancy. For new bookings only made after March 31, 2012 on departures listed above for 2012 travel. Subject to availability. Excludes Early Payment Discount and any other promotional offer. Please note if the booking is made within 45 days from the departure date full Payment will be due at the time of booking. No bookings may be made after June 26th, 2012. Other conditions apply.
SAVE Up To $700 On 2012 Insight Europe Tours
SAVE UP TO $700 ON 2012 INSIGHT EUROPE TOURS
AIR-INCLUSIVE DEPARTURE: Save up to $700 per couple on Insight Gold, and $500 per couple on Premium Europe tours.
LAND-ONLY DEPARTURE: Save up to $500 per couple on Insight Gold, and $300 per couple on Premium Europe tours.
BOOKING WINDOW: March 31st - June 28th, 2012
TRAVEL WINDOW: April 15th - October 25th, 2012
Terms and Conditions: Booking and full payment for entire vacation package must be made by June 28, 2012. Offer is valid for new bookings made from March 31, 2012 through June 28, 2012. Travel must begin between April 15, 2012 and October 25, 2012. Offers valid on any airline. Offers not valid to Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, or any tours with train and tours with cruise. Save $700 ($350pp) offer valid only on air-inclusive Insight Gold Europe tours; Save $500 ($250pp) air offer valid only on air-inclusive Premium Europe tours. Normal name change policy applies. Fuel surcharges, taxes and fees are included in quoted rate. Once payment is received, air tickets are non-refundable. Save $500 ($250pp) land offer valid on land-only Insight Gold departures; Save $300 ($150pp) land offer valid on land-only Premium Europe departures only. Offers are combinable with brochure discounts found in our 2012 Premium Europe & Britain brochures except Early Payment Discounts. Offers are not combinable with Hot Deals or each other. Offers may be withdrawn at any time and are subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions are met. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20
SAVE $300 Per Couple On Insight Winter Tours
Save $300 on autumn, winter and spring vacations!
BOOKING WINDOW: April 16, 2012 - July 12, 2012
TRAVEL WINDOW: November 1, 2012 - March 31, 2013
Terms and Conditions: $300 per couple savings ($150 per person) valid when booking and deposit (plus applicable insurance) for vacation package is made by July 12, 2012. Offer valid for new bookings made on Winter Europe brochure vacations from April 16, 2012 through July 12, 2012. Travel must begin between November 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. Offer not valid to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, and tours with cruise inclusions. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts found in Insight Vacations’ 2012/13 Winter Europe brochure except Early Payment Discounts. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions being met. Offer ends July 12, 2012. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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