Introduction

This Package (please check our other Kerala packages as well for suitability) takes you on a fascinating journey through the serene and culturally rich destinations of Coimbatore, Pollachi, Valparai, Athirapally, and Cochin in South India.

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Pollachi, where you can explore the local village life, visit the temple, and enjoy delicious vegetarian cuisine. The next day, delve into the agricultural practices of Pollachi and experience the spiritual aura of Shenbaga Vilasam. You can also explore the ancient temple of Lord Choleshwara and Goddess Shenbagavalli in Samathur village.

Your journey continues to Valparai, passing through the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can visit Monkey Falls and Aliyar Dam. In Valparai, you'll immerse yourself in lush tea plantations, visit a tea factory, and explore the natural beauty of the region. The tour then takes you to Athirapally, where you can spot wildlife in the rainforest, visit Athirapally Falls, and enjoy trekking opportunities.

The adventure in Athirapally includes a guided jungle trek and a visit to a tribal colony to learn about their traditional way of life. Finally, you'll head to Cochin, where you'll explore historical sites like St. Francis Church, Dutch cemetery, Chinese fishing nets, Jew town, and the Mattancherry Palace before departing for your onward destination from Cochin airport or railway station.

This itinerary promises a blend of culture, nature, and spirituality, providing a memorable and enriching travel experience in South India.

Best time to visit Kerala

The best time to visit Kerala, a picturesque state in southwestern India known as "God's Own Country," largely depends on your preferences and the experiences you seek. Kerala experiences three distinct seasons:

Winter (October to February)

This is generally considered the best time to visit Kerala. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and little to no rainfall. It's an excellent time for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and enjoying the beaches, backwaters, and hill stations. The famous Kerala festivals like Onam are celebrated during this season.

Summer (March to May)

Kerala's summer season can be quite hot and humid, especially in the coastal areas. However, this is a good time to visit the hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad, where the weather remains cool and refreshing. Beaches can also be enjoyable in the evenings.

Monsoon (June to September)

Kerala experiences heavy monsoon rains during these months. While the lush green landscapes are at their most vibrant during the monsoon, it can be challenging for travel due to the continuous rainfall, flooding, and potential roadblocks. However, if you enjoy the rain and want to experience Kerala's backwaters at their fullest, this season could be appealing. Just be prepared for travel disruptions. Weather will be hot and extremely humid.

In summary, the best time to visit Kerala for most travelers is during the winter months, from October to February, when the weather is comfortable and ideal for exploring the various attractions of the state. However, if you specifically want to enjoy the beauty of the monsoon season, you can plan your visit during the rainy months, but be prepared for weather-related challenges.

Tour Duration

8 days and 7 nights (Coimbatore to Cochin)

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival in Coimbatore – Pollachi

When you arrive at the Coimbatore railway station/airport, avail assisted transfer to Pollachi by our representatives. As you arrive at Shenbaga Vilasam, enjoy a traditional welcome and get set to explore this serene village, dotted with simple homes. If you want, you can also visit the village temple or the house of the local craftsmen. Back to your accommodation, where you savor vegetarian delicacies. Please take note that alcohol is prohibited here. Overnight stay at Pollachi

DAY 2: Shenbaga Vilasam

Spend day 2 in getting first-hand knowledge on the agriculture practices of Pollachi. Then, one can opt for a spiritual journey during your stay at Shenbaga Vilasam, where several saints have stayed and preached. Soak-in the incredibly positive energy. Later, you can also pay a visit to the 700-year-old ancient temple of Lord Choleshwara and Goddess Shenbagavalli, located in Samathur village. Stay overnight at Shembaga Vilasam.

DAY 3: Pollachi - Valaparai (65 km/2 hr 10 min-Approx.)

Wake up early in the morning with breakfast in your room. This day is going to be an exciting one. After having your meal, check out from the hotel and hit the road to Valaparai. En route crosses through the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. On the way, halt at Monkey Falls and Aliyar Dam. On reaching Valaparai, check-in at one of the 3 bungalows named after their former British owners. The rest of the day is at leisure. Explore the surroundings on your own. Overnight stay at Valaparai.

DAY 4: Explore and Relax at Valaparai tea plantation

Rise and shine in the morning and enjoy the luscious breakfast. Then, you can start your day by taking a leisure walk through the lush aromatic tea plantation and interacting with the workers. Later, you can visit the most extensive tea factory in the Valaparai area. You might also gain some knowledge about making your very own tea. Finally, explore the local attractions such as water bodies, temples, and forests. Enjoy the green views, the lovely weather, and the fresh air. Overnight stay at Valaparai.

DAY 5: Valaparai to Athirapally (83 km/ 3 hr-Approx.)

On the 5th day of the tour, give your taste buds a treat of a morning meal, and check out from the hotel. You will get a swift transfer through a stunning stretch to reach Athirapally. As you arrive, check into the resort amid the Sholayar ranges of virgin rainforest. Later, explore the area and the rainforest, spotting various animals and birds of the region. Next, visit the perennial Athirapally Falls. After cascading from the height of 80 feet merges into River Chalakudy. Treat your eyes to the lush surroundings. You can also opt for a 4 km trekking. Overnight stay is in Athirappally.

DAY 6: Explore and relax at Athirapally rain forest

This day of your offbeat Kerala tour is dedicated to experiencing the charm of the rainforest of Athirapally. Rise and shine with sunshine and have your delicious breakfast. Next, you can opt for a guided jungle trek, for which prior approval from the Forest Department is required. You can spot some exotic as well as endangered animals, birds, plants, and trees in the Athirapally Forest. The expert guide will share all their knowledge of the forest with you. Later, you will explore the tribal colony of this forest. You can learn about the traditional lifestyle and enjoy camping with them. Stay overnight in Athirapally.

Day 7: Athirapally – Cochin (67 km/2 hr-Approx.)

Get up from your bed in the morning and have a tasty traditional kerala morning meal. After having your breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and leave for Cochin. On arrival in Cochin, check-in at the pre-booked hotel. Then, after taking some rest for a while, you will start your sightseeing tour in Cochin. Visit St.Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, the very-popular Chinese fishing nets, and the Jew town with its four-century-old synagogue. Next in line is the Mattancherry Palace or Dutch Palace, the erstwhile home of the Verma kings, which now has been turned into a museum. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 8: Cochin (Departure)

From Cochin airport or railway station, depart for your onward destination.

Package Inclusion & Exclusion

Inclusions

1. Accommodation on a double sharing basis (Adults) or Triple sharing (2 Adults one kid)
2. Transport from ( and to) railway station/ airport to respective hotels for all days during the trip, including all sightseeing ( if not mentioned otherwise in the exclusion list)
3. Food as per MAP package (Breakfast, Lunch/ Diner, Evening Snacks)

Exclusions

1. Transport cost, where availing local/ govt vehicles are mandatory ( e.g. Jungle safari, visiting to border locations, availing horses or mules for specific sightseeing spots etc.) in these cases the tourist has to pay on actuals as necessary
2. Extra / special food (beverages) ordered during or outside any meal under tour package
3. Entry fees & parking fees to any sightseeing spot
4. During unforeseen natural events (e.g. landslides, roadblocks due to snowfall, floods, cancellation of flight / railways etc.) the guest might have to pay extra amount to avail immediate and necessary services as applicable. Tripsee will provide all support to ensure guest’s safety, security and best interest during such events.
5. Any other expense not mentioned in the itinerary