{"id":104692,"date":"2022-09-27T12:48:58","date_gmt":"2022-09-27T11:48:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.flashpack.com\/?post_type=trip&p=104692"},"modified":"2023-07-12T13:25:59","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T12:25:59","slug":"south-india-slow-beauty-in-kerala","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/south-india-slow-beauty-in-kerala\/","title":{"rendered":"South India: Slow Beauty in Kerala"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spend the night on a houseboat in Kerala\u2019s backwaters, spot wildlife from a bamboo raft & embrace slow living with morning yoga<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":121106,"menu_order":300,"template":"","thumbnail_video":null,"checkout_hero_banner":null,"acf":[],"template_id":"IN2","duration":10,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Kerala_Thumb-1000x620.jpg","continent":"Asia","country":"India","countries":["India"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a31710","max":"\u00a32480"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac1980","max":"\u20ac2880"},"usd":{"min":"$2120","max":"$3095"},"cad":{"min":"$2790","max":"$4070"},"aud":{"min":"$3135","max":"$4555"},"nzd":{"min":"$3645","max":"$5260"},"hkd":{"min":"$15745","max":"$23140"},"aed":{"min":"DH7355","max":"DH10825"}},"about":"

Nicknamed God\u2019s Own Country; spend any amount of time in Kerala’s picturesque Eden and there\u2019ll be no questioning where the name came from\u2026
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

From misty tea plantation to remote backwater village, elephant-inhabited nature reserve to hippy-favored crescent beach; this 10-day adventure will see you discover serenity in India (yes, really) alongside a group of other peace-seeking adventurers.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll take to Kerala\u2019s famous backwaters aboard a boutique houseboat, complete with your own private chef, and kayak down a labyrinth of waterways to pass isolated villages. There\u2019ll be time spent tea-picking with locals, mastering the art of Keralan cuisine at the home of a local family on their spice plantation and taking part in morning yoga sessions as the sun burns through the dawn haze.<\/p>\n

And all those lush landscapes mean wildlife abound here, too. You could find yourself face-to-face with wild elephants, bison and langurs, be it on foot or from the vantage point of a bamboo river raft. And to finish? A stint on Kovalam\u2019s idyllic beaches \u2013 some of the best in India, so we\u2019re told.<\/p>\n

A slower paced adventure, but an adventure all the same. This is God\u2019s Own Country. Would you like to come in?<\/p>\n","highlights":{"Spend the night on a houseboat as you coast along Kerala\u2019s remote backwaters, complete with private chef":"Spend the night on a houseboat as you coast along Kerala\u2019s remote backwaters, complete with private chef","Follow a tea trail to join local tea pickers at work before going back to one of their homes for more stories and (of course) a cup of tea":"Follow a tea trail to join local tea pickers at work before going back to one of their homes for more stories and (of course) a cup of tea","Watch a dramatic open-air Kathakali dance performance, illuminated by dozens of brass oil lamps":"Watch a dramatic open-air Kathakali dance performance, illuminated by dozens of brass oil lamps","Kayak down remote waterways, passing waving children and the busy farmers of isolated riverside communities ":"Kayak down remote waterways, passing waving children and the busy farmers of isolated riverside communities ","End with a stint on Kovalam\u2019s beaches, some of the most pristine in India":"End with a stint on Kovalam\u2019s beaches, some of the most pristine in India","Master the intricacies of Keralan cuisine with a cooking class at a local family\u2019s spice plantation":"Master the intricacies of Keralan cuisine with a cooking class at a local family\u2019s spice plantation","Cardamon County, Periyar":"Cardamon County, Periyar","Blue Jelly Houseboat, Alleppey":"Blue Jelly Houseboat, Alleppey","Fragrant Nature, Kochi":"Fragrant Nature, Kochi","Fragrant Nature, Munnar":"Fragrant Nature, Munnar","Rhythm, Kumarakom":"Rhythm, Kumarakom","Travancore Heritage, Kovalam":"Travancore Heritage, Kovalam"},"lang":"us","trip_type":[{"term_id":8452,"name":"Beach Escapes","slug":"beach-escapes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8452,"taxonomy":"style","description":"More often than not, destinations that are perfect for solo adventures tend to come with picturesque coastlines and pristine beaches. That\u2019s why our list of beach vacations is long.","parent":0,"count":28,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":11528,"name":"Escape The Crowds","slug":"escape-the-crowds","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":11528,"taxonomy":"style","description":"Volcanic islands, black deserts, remote oases\u2026 Sometimes, you just need to get as far away as possible and escape the crowds. If that\u2019s the case, let us take you on an off-grid adventure.","parent":0,"count":32,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":11659,"name":"Slow Travel","slug":"slow-travel","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":11659,"taxonomy":"style","description":"","parent":0,"count":5,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":8456,"name":"Wellness","slug":"wellness","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8456,"taxonomy":"style","description":"From Tuscany to Croatia and beyond, our wellness adventures are all about decompressing. With yoga, surfing, food, wine and beautiful landscapes all on offer, how you do that is purely down to you.","parent":0,"count":7,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":8457,"name":"Wildlife","slug":"safari-trips","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8457,"taxonomy":"style","description":"There are few moments more magical than spotting exotic and indigenous creatures in their natural habitat for the first time. It\u2019s why we\u2019ve crafted a series of global adventures around safaris and wildlife interactions, so why not take your pick?","parent":0,"count":20,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"}],"hidden":false,"seasons":["spring","autumn","winter"],"scenery":["beach","city","jungle"],"activities":["boat_trip","cooking_class","cycling","hiking","local_culture","nightlife","tasting","wildlife","yoga"],"activity_level":["relaxed"],"key_locations":"kerala","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive in Kochi (COK)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"The call of Kochi","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Your adventure begins in Kochi, a colorful port-city that\u2019s been attracting traders and travelers for over 600 years. A private transfer will greet you at the airport, ready to whisk you to your boutique hotel. After time to freshen up, you\u2019ll meet your group before heading out together to explore the charming streets of this intriguing thumb-shaped peninsula. You\u2019ll discover an eclectic blend of crumbling colonial relics, ancient mosques and Jewish synagogues, breathing history at every turn. Stroll along the natural harbor, where you\u2019ll see fishermen casting giant Chinese nets out to sea, and weave through alleyways lined with galleries, boutiques and trendy cafes. You\u2019ll enjoy a few sundowner drinks with your group, before making your way to a local restaurant for dinner.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"The call of Kochi","text":"

Your adventure begins in Kochi, a colorful port-city that\u2019s been attracting traders and travelers for over 600 years. A private transfer will greet you at the airport, ready to whisk you to your boutique hotel. After time to freshen up, you\u2019ll meet your group before heading out together to explore the charming streets of this intriguing thumb-shaped peninsula. You\u2019ll discover an eclectic blend of crumbling colonial relics, ancient mosques and Jewish synagogues, breathing history at every turn. Stroll along the natural harbor, where you\u2019ll see fishermen casting giant Chinese nets out to sea, and weave through alleyways lined with galleries, boutiques and trendy cafes. You\u2019ll enjoy a few sundowner drinks with your group, before making your way to a local restaurant for dinner.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrive in Kochi (COK)","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-Itinerary1.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Kochi sightseeing | Cooking lesson ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Sunrise city & Keralan cuisine","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Sunrise in Kochi is the most fascinating time of day, and you\u2019ll catch an early-morning ferry to Ernakulam as the city comes to life. After a delicious South Indian breakfast, you\u2019ll set off to explore some of the city\u2019s famous sites including the oldest European church in India. For lunch, you\u2019ll be immersed in the spicy world of authentic Indian curries, with a bespoke cooking demo at the plantation home of locally renowned chef Nimmy Paul. Later, you\u2019ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Kerala\u2019s unique art form, Kathakali, as you watch the performers prepare their elaborate make-up and costumes. These \u2018story plays\u2019 are a fusion of Indian theatre and indigenous folk-dance, and you\u2019ll witness a highly dramatic show, illuminated by towering brass oil lamps.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Sunrise city & Keralan cuisine","text":"

Sunrise in Kochi is the most fascinating time of day, and you\u2019ll catch an early-morning ferry to Ernakulam as the city comes to life. After a delicious South Indian breakfast, you\u2019ll set off to explore some of the city\u2019s famous sites including the oldest European church in India. For lunch, you\u2019ll be immersed in the spicy world of authentic Indian curries, with a bespoke cooking demo at the plantation home of locally renowned chef Nimmy Paul. Later, you\u2019ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Kerala\u2019s unique art form, Kathakali, as you watch the performers prepare their elaborate make-up and costumes. These \u2018story plays\u2019 are a fusion of Indian theatre and indigenous folk-dance, and you\u2019ll witness a highly dramatic show, illuminated by towering brass oil lamps.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Kochi sightseeing | Cooking lesson ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-Itinerary2.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Morning yoga | Munnar hill station","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Morning yoga & emerald mountains","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Begin your day with a private yoga session. This ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Feeling zen but energized, you\u2019ll leave city life behind and set off for the terraced tea hills of Munnar. South India\u2019s largest tea-producing region was a favourite summer resort of the British colonial government, its elevated climate providing relief from the heat of the plains. The journey here is incredibly scenic, winding through the emerald-green hills of the Western Ghats, dotted with waterfalls and sparkling lakes. High up in the mist-clad mountains, your beautiful hotel awaits. After checking in, you\u2019ll have the rest of the evening to relax.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Morning yoga & emerald mountains","text":"

Begin your day with a private yoga session. This ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Feeling zen but energized, you\u2019ll leave city life behind and set off for the terraced tea hills of Munnar. South India\u2019s largest tea-producing region was a favourite summer resort of the British colonial government, its elevated climate providing relief from the heat of the plains. The journey here is incredibly scenic, winding through the emerald-green hills of the Western Ghats, dotted with waterfalls and sparkling lakes. High up in the mist-clad mountains, your beautiful hotel awaits. After checking in, you\u2019ll have the rest of the evening to relax.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Morning yoga | Munnar hill station","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-Itinerary3.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Munnar tea plantations","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Tea picking with a view","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Rise at dawn to admire the highlands glowing with sunrise through the morning mists. You\u2019ll start the day with a bike ride along the relatively flat road leading to the Letchmi Tea Estate. This is one of the most picturesque plantations in Munnar and the landscape as you cycle is a visual treat. Passing through the village, you\u2019ll see everyday life playing out, with domestic animals on the side of the road, neatly lined homes of plantation workers and vibrantly colored temples. After breakfast, you\u2019ll travel by minibus to the Lockhart Estate, a tea plantation dating back to 1879. Here, you\u2019ll follow a trail out to where the tea pickers are working, join them in picking the leaves before learning how the leaves are weighed and processed. To round off your visit, you\u2019ll visit the home of one of the pickers and enjoy a special tea tasting before a relaxing evening back at the resort.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Tea picking with a view","text":"

Rise at dawn to admire the highlands glowing with sunrise through the morning mists. You\u2019ll start the day with a bike ride along the relatively flat road leading to the Letchmi Tea Estate. This is one of the most picturesque plantations in Munnar and the landscape as you cycle is a visual treat. Passing through the village, you\u2019ll see everyday life playing out, with domestic animals on the side of the road, neatly lined homes of plantation workers and vibrantly colored temples. After breakfast, you\u2019ll travel by minibus to the Lockhart Estate, a tea plantation dating back to 1879. Here, you\u2019ll follow a trail out to where the tea pickers are working, join them in picking the leaves before learning how the leaves are weighed and processed. To round off your visit, you\u2019ll visit the home of one of the pickers and enjoy a special tea tasting before a relaxing evening back at the resort.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Munnar tea plantations","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-Itinerary4.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Cardomom Hills | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Aromatic spices & ancient martial arts","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

After a leisurely breakfast, it\u2019s time to continue your journey. The aroma of spices will fill the air as you cross the countryside towards Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – one of the premier reserves of Southern India, home to wild elephant, bison, antelope, langur and sambar. After settling into your new hotel, you\u2019ll spend the afternoon at a spice plantation in the Cardamom Hills, learning how the plants are grown, harvested and processed, including the painstaking peeling and drying of cinnamon and the hand pollinating vanilla. This evening, you\u2019ll have a ringside seat at a Kalaripayattu performance. Dating back to the 12th century, this flamboyant martial art is fascinating to watch as the graceful masters perform acrobatic rolls, jumps and dives to defeat their opponents.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Aromatic spices & ancient martial arts","text":"

After a leisurely breakfast, it\u2019s time to continue your journey. The aroma of spices will fill the air as you cross the countryside towards Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – one of the premier reserves of Southern India, home to wild elephant, bison, antelope, langur and sambar. After settling into your new hotel, you\u2019ll spend the afternoon at a spice plantation in the Cardamom Hills, learning how the plants are grown, harvested and processed, including the painstaking peeling and drying of cinnamon and the hand pollinating vanilla. This evening, you\u2019ll have a ringside seat at a Kalaripayattu performance. Dating back to the 12th century, this flamboyant martial art is fascinating to watch as the graceful masters perform acrobatic rolls, jumps and dives to defeat their opponents.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Cardomom Hills | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-Itinerary5.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Bamboo rafting | Kumarakom","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Bamboo rafting & village crafts","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

This morning is all about wildlife and you\u2019ll start your day with a nature walk accompanied by a local expert. As you explore the diverse habitats of the Periyar reserve, you\u2019ll learn about the birds, butterflies and other exotic species inhabiting the hills while listening to the sounds of the forest. Next, you\u2019ll take to the river on a raft made from bamboo. Jungle animals often come down to the water to drink and there\u2019s a high chance of spotting giant squirrels, nilgiri langurs, elephants, gaur and sambar as you glide silently across the lake. Many of the guides are former poachers who now earn a living by protecting the wildlife they once hunted. This afternoon, you\u2019ll catch your transfer to the sleepy backwater town of Kumarakom.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Bamboo rafting & village crafts","text":"

This morning is all about wildlife and you\u2019ll start your day with a nature walk accompanied by a local expert. As you explore the diverse habitats of the Periyar reserve, you\u2019ll learn about the birds, butterflies and other exotic species inhabiting the hills while listening to the sounds of the forest. Next, you\u2019ll take to the river on a raft made from bamboo. Jungle animals often come down to the water to drink and there\u2019s a high chance of spotting giant squirrels, nilgiri langurs, elephants, gaur and sambar as you glide silently across the lake. Many of the guides are former poachers who now earn a living by protecting the wildlife they once hunted. This afternoon, you\u2019ll catch your transfer to the sleepy backwater town of Kumarakom.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Bamboo rafting | Kumarakom","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-ItineraryBamboo.jpg"],"day":6},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Backwater kayaking | Alleppey houseboat","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Backwater kayaking & houseboat life","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Work up an appetite for breakfast with an early-morning yoga session. Today, you\u2019ll be embarking on a kayaking adventure through Kerala\u2019s glistening backwaters – a vast network of canals, rivers and lakes extending hundreds of miles across the state. You\u2019ll encounter peaceful scenes here, secluded from the outside world: groups of school children flying kites, crab fishermen reeling in their catch, women in vibrant saris spinning reels on the riverbanks. From here, you\u2019ll travel to Alleppey where you\u2019ll board your next accommodation: a houseboat. Late afternoon, you\u2019ll embark on a memorable sunset cruise before mooring up for a freshwater feast and a peaceful night on board.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Backwater kayaking & houseboat life","text":"

Work up an appetite for breakfast with an early-morning yoga session. Today, you\u2019ll be embarking on a kayaking adventure through Kerala\u2019s glistening backwaters – a vast network of canals, rivers and lakes extending hundreds of miles across the state. You\u2019ll encounter peaceful scenes here, secluded from the outside world: groups of school children flying kites, crab fishermen reeling in their catch, women in vibrant saris spinning reels on the riverbanks. From here, you\u2019ll travel to Alleppey where you\u2019ll board your next accommodation: a houseboat. Late afternoon, you\u2019ll embark on a memorable sunset cruise before mooring up for a freshwater feast and a peaceful night on board.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Backwater kayaking | Alleppey houseboat","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-Itinerary7.jpg"],"day":7},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Chowara beach","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Lazy beachside living","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Wake up to perfect stillness, the beautiful landscape reflected in the silent waters of Vembanad Lake. After breakfast on board, it\u2019s back to dry land and onwards to the coast. The beach town of Kovalam gained notoriety as a 1970s hippy hangout – and it\u2019s easy to see why. With its azure sea and endless white crescents of sand backed by cascading palms, this is Southern India at its most stunning. You\u2019ll be staying just out of town in the fishing hamlet of Chowara – a luxurious beachside retreat nestled in 15 acres of lush tropical gardens. Once you\u2019ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to spend however you please.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Lazy beachside living","text":"

Wake up to perfect stillness, the beautiful landscape reflected in the silent waters of Vembanad Lake. After breakfast on board, it\u2019s back to dry land and onwards to the coast. The beach town of Kovalam gained notoriety as a 1970s hippy hangout – and it\u2019s easy to see why. With its azure sea and endless white crescents of sand backed by cascading palms, this is Southern India at its most stunning. You\u2019ll be staying just out of town in the fishing hamlet of Chowara – a luxurious beachside retreat nestled in 15 acres of lush tropical gardens. Once you\u2019ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to spend however you please.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Chowara beach","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-Itinerary6.jpg"],"day":8},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Beach day | Optional trip to Kanyakumari","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Sunsoaked charms & candlelit feasts","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Another sun-soaked day lies ahead. There\u2019s plenty to be savored here, from volleyball and nature walks to poolside drinks and beachcombing. If you still have energy left for sightseeing, you might want to take the optional day trip to Kanyakumari at the southernmost tip of India. The meeting point of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, it\u2019s one of the few places in the world where you can watch the sunrise and the sunset simultaneously over the ocean. In the evening, gather with your group for a farewell candlelit feast, with a spread of fragrant curries and seafood dishes to tuck into. Raise a toast to your new-found friends and an incredible nine-day adventure.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Sunsoaked charms & candlelit feasts","text":"

Another sun-soaked day lies ahead. There\u2019s plenty to be savored here, from volleyball and nature walks to poolside drinks and beachcombing. If you still have energy left for sightseeing, you might want to take the optional day trip to Kanyakumari at the southernmost tip of India. The meeting point of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, it\u2019s one of the few places in the world where you can watch the sunrise and the sunset simultaneously over the ocean. In the evening, gather with your group for a farewell candlelit feast, with a spread of fragrant curries and seafood dishes to tuck into. Raise a toast to your new-found friends and an incredible nine-day adventure.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Beach day | Optional trip to Kanyakumari","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-Itinerary8.jpg"],"day":9},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Depart from Trivandrum (TRV)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Goodbye, Kerala","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you might have time for a last dip in the pool before arranging your transfer back to the airport. Want to see more of India? Enjoy a prequel to this trip with our longer adventure in Rajasthan<\/a>, Kerala\u2019s majestic northern neighbor.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Goodbye, Kerala","text":"

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you might have time for a last dip in the pool before arranging your transfer back to the airport. Want to see more of India? Enjoy a prequel to this trip with our longer adventure in Rajasthan<\/a>, Kerala\u2019s majestic northern neighbor.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Depart from Trivandrum (TRV)","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-Itinerary9.jpg"],"day":10}],"alternative_itinerary":null,"theme":null,"gallery_uris":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-USPHouseboat-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-USPTea-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-USPDance-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-USPKayak-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-USPBeach-1.jpg","https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN1-USPLocal-1.jpg"],"trip_highlights":[],"included_highlights":[],"included":["a","b","p","Max. 14 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[],"faqs":[{"question":"Which airport do I need to fly into? Plus airport code","answer":"Fly into Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi. You\u2019ll need to secure an open-jaw ticket as you\u2019ll be departing from a different airport.\u00a0\n"},{"question":"Which airport do I need to depart from? Plus airport code","answer":"Depart from Trivandrum International Airport\u00a0(TRV).\u00a0\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)? ","answer":"Before 2pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 7 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 60 minutes away from the airport.\n"},{"question":"What time should my flight depart on the last day?","answer":"There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 45 minutes away from the hotel.\n"},{"question":"Do you include airport transfers? ","answer":"If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.\nArrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.\nA departure transfer is not included, but taxis to the airport are good value, especially if you split the cost with others in your group. Your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.\n"},{"question":"Are tips included? ","answer":"Tips are not included in this adventure. Your Pack Leader can advise on suitable amounts to tip local activity guides or services where appropriate, and we will provide a suggested tipping budget closer to your departure date. Please note that all tipping is optional and will depend on what you feel comfortable with.\n"},{"question":"Do I need a visa?","answer":"You will need a visa to enter India. Please check with your local consulate\/embassy or India\u2019s government website to see if you are eligible to apply for an e-visa: https:\/\/indianvisaonline.gov.in\/evisa\/tvoa.html\u00a0\nIn the section that asks for a reference, please use the following details:\n\nReference name: Creative Travel Private Limited (Mr. Dimple Singh)\nAddress: 283, Udyog Vihasr, Phase 2, Gurugram- 122016, Haryana, India\nPhone number: +911244567777\n\nYou will need to have six months\u2019 validity remaining on your passport as a minimum requirement and you must be able to show a return ticket.\n"},{"question":"What are the current Covid entry requirements? ","answer":"Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety page.\n"},{"question":"What other vaccinations and medication will I need? ","answer":"We recommend checking with your local travel clinic six to eight weeks before your trip to see if any medications or vaccinations are required.\n"},{"question":"What level of fitness do I need for this trip? ","answer":"A moderate level of fitness is fine. There are no difficult hikes on this adventure.\u00a0\n"},{"question":"Will this itinerary change? ","answer":"Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control \u2013 but we\u2019ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.\n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"Blue Jelly houseboat","short_description":"Laidback living on Kerala's backwaters","description":"What better way to explore Kerala\u2019s vast backwaters than aboard a houseboat. With a private crew to attend to your every need and prepare a fresh Keralan feast, you\u2019ll be free to sit back with a cocktail and watch the world drift by.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-StayBlueJelly1.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Fragrant Nature, Munnar","short_description":"","description":"With mountain vistas all around, you\u2019ll be fully immersed in the landscape at this tranquil five-star hill retreat. The elegant rooms have fireplaces to keep you cozy and the state-of-the-art spa is known for its rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-FragrantNature2.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Travancore Heritage","short_description":"Luxe retreat overlooking one of Kerala's best beaches","description":"Perched on a cliff overlooking one of Kerala\u2019s best beaches, this is a view you won\u2019t forget in a hurry. Kick back in a hammock between swaying palms, find a quiet spot in the lush 15-acre gardens or wander barefoot along the pristine sand.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IN2-Heritage.jpg","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/104692"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/121106"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104692"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}