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FROM THE BACKWATERS TO THE CARDAMON HILLS POST TOUR

Discover Kerala away from the backwaters and waterways featured during your cruise on this 5 - night journey into the hills and plains to experience a very different side of India’s southernmost state. This is the perfect pre or post adventure to complement your Keralan cruise.

 

DAY 1

DRIVE TO MUNNAR

After disembarkation, leave the tropical waterways behind and make your way up into Kerala’s Western Ghats driving through rural scenes of everyday life to Munnar. At an elevation of around 5000ft, this is one of South India’s eminent hill stations. The fresh air offers a welcome relief to that of the steamy backwaters below, and we find ourselves in a land of lush hills surrounded by tall peaks and scattered with tea plantations, waterfalls, and quaint dwellings.

On arrival at Windemere Estate, meet your hosts and enjoy a home cooked lunch. Then get settled into your room at this renovated plantation nestled among cardamom plantations on the slopes overlooking the Western Ghats.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a 2 hour walk around the private grounds taking in the endless views and the listening to the songs of the birds as the light begins to fade.

DAY 2

MUNNAR

After breakfast, explore Munnar and its surrounds. You will visit a living tea plantation and factory to learn the history of this industry that started in 1879. Your journey takes you past the Matupeety Dam, a local tourism attraction. The man-made lake is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and is quite a sight to behold.

Returning to your heritage accommodation. After a leisurely lunch, the afternoon is left free to enjoy walks or birdwatching around the estate. There are many viewpoints close to the lodgings and the pool is always available to cool off.

DAY 3

MUNNAR TO PERIWAR

After breakfast you will make your way to the Cardamom Hills, close to the state border with Tamil Nadu, to Periwar National Park known for its rolling forested hills, montane grasslands, temperate climate, and array of flora and fauna. The park is home to nearly 2000 species of flowering plants, including 140 orchids. Periyar’s forests of teak, sandalwood, banyan, and bamboo are also home to an array of wildlife. Elephants and tigers head a list of mammals including sloth bears, bison, flying squirrels, jungle cats, wild dogs along with around 270 species of birds.

Arrive at the ecologically minded Spice Village in time for lunch (on your own account). This is, essentially, a tribal village, reborn for the modern traveller. The rest of the day is free for you to soak up your surroundings, enjoy the pool, or an Ayurvedic treatment.

DAY 4

PERIWAR

In the early morning light, accompanied by a trained tribal guide, you will explore different nature trails traversing diverse habitats generally 4 to 5 km. in length and lasting about 3 hours. This is an interpretive program offering an excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The trails often pass through evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. This Nature walk allows you to feel nature, hear her whispers and smell her flowers.

In the afternoon, discover the vast array of herbs and spices grown in the surrounding areas such as pepper, vanilla, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ayurvedic herbs. Meeting the locals working among these spices is rewarding experienece in itself.

This evening you have the rare opportunity to witness a Kalaripayattu (Traditional Martial art) show. This is said to be the oldest of all the martial arts, dating back some 3000 years.

DAY 5

PERIWAR TO KOCHI

After breakfast, make your way down from the Ghats and return to Kochi.

Arriving in town around mid-day, check into your hotel which has the perfect location for exploring the sights of Kochi by foot, soaking up the atmosphere of the promenade busy with local families enjoying the sea breezes, or simply relax with a drink watching the boats come and go.

DAY 6

DEPARTURE

After breakfast you will be transferred to Kochi airport for your onwards flight.

Windermere Estate

Windermere Estate is a cozy 18-room plantation retreat in Munnar, surrounded by cardamom, coffee, and tea hills. Established in the 1940s, it offers a unique blend of simplicity and luxury, evoking the charm of a private estate home. With a focus on exclusivity, The grounds are extensive and offer plenty of walks with stunning views. Windermere provides heartfelt hospitality, allowing you to relax in its serene ambiance.

Bisonvally Road, Pallivasal, Munnar 685612 India

Tel: +91-484 242 5237 / 7575

Visit Hotel Website

Spice Village

Set amidst lush gardens of pepper vines, cardamom plants, and spices. Cottages are connected by winding paths, featuring chalet-style bungalows with traditional elephant grass roofs and comfortable en-suite furnishings. Amenities include a swimming pool, badminton and tennis courts, and an Ayurvedic center. Guests can explore local wildlife through slide presentations, a library, and an interpretation center. The restaurant's Tiffin Room offers cookery demonstrations, with a buffet featuring a variety of freshly cooked Keralan dishes.

Kumily Road, Kumily, Thekkady 685509 India

Tel: +91 75940 12555

Visit Hotel Website

The Brunton Boatyard

Oozing with character, this property was resurrected from a Victorian ship building yard, based on the historic Cochin's harbour. The hotel's interiors are an eclectic blend of English, Portuguese and Dutch influence. It has 22 rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Each room opens up to views of the sea. Perfectly located to explore the heart of Cochin with the harbour, the spice market, and the Chinese fishing nets all withiin easy walking distance.

1/498, Calvetty Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India

Tel: +91 75940 12555

Visit Hotel Website

Rates include

Five nights accommodation at advertised hotels (or similar based on availability), including breakfast on days 2,3,4 and 5, lunch and dinner on days 1and 2, excursion and entrance fees as per itinerary, entrance fees and taxes. Transportation by Toyota Innova Crysta or equivelent.

Meals included

Land tour includes meals as follows; Day 2: Breakfast, Day 3: Breakfast, Day 4: Breakfast, Day 5: Breakfast, Day 6: Breakfast.

Rates exclude

International flights, visa, travel insurance, not mentioned beverages and meal.

Price per traveller in USD

Accommodation Type Price per Traveller
Departures between 01 Apr 24 and 31 Mar 25
Sharing (2 Pax) US$1,393.75
Single (1 Pax) US$2,723.75
Departures between 01 Apr 25 and 31 Mar 26
Sharing (2 Pax) US$1,533.13
Single (1 Pax) US$2,996.13
Departures between 01 Apr 26 and 31 Mar 27
Sharing (2 Pax) US$1,686.44
Single (1 Pax) US$3,295.74

Extension Code: LTID-BCH-POST-1

  • Please advice arrival/departure flight details in order to arrange the transfer accordingly
  • Check in time 14.00 / Check out time 11.00

Please note: your hotel will be confirmed after we have received your deposit payment. Prices are subject to change. Hotel subject to availability. We will try to offer you an alternate accommodation if the requested hotel would not be available.

Passport Information

Please ensure you send Pandaw a copy of your passport at least 50 days prior to your travel date. Your passport must be:

  • The passport validity can't be less than six months
  • All passport will require at least 2 blank pages

Supplements

  • Spice Village
  • Spice Village - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2024 - 10 Jan 2025 USD56.25 per room per night
  • Spice Village - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2025 - 10 Jan 2026 USD56.25 per room per night
  • Spice Village - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2026 - 10 Jan 2027 USD56.25 per room per night
  • Spice Village - Mandatory New Year Eve Dinner - 31DEC USD145.00 per person
  • Spice Village - Peak Season Supplement - 01 Feb 2025 - 28 Feb 2025 USD56.25 per room per night
  • Spice Village - Peak Season Supplement - 01 Feb 2026 - 28 Feb 2026 USD56.25 per room per night
  • Spice Village - Peak Season Supplement - 01 Feb 2027 - 28 Feb 2027 USD56.25 per room per night
  • The Brunton Boatyard
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Festival Supplement - 01 Feb 2025 - 28 Feb 2025 USD8775.00 per room per night
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Festival Supplement - 01 Feb 2026 - 28 Feb 2026 USD87.75 per room per night
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Festival Supplement - 01 Feb 2027 - 28 Feb 2027 USD87.75 per room per night
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2024 - 10 Jan 2025 USD84.18 per room per night
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2025 - 10 Jan 2026 USD84.18 per room per night
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2025 - 10 Jan 2026 USD87.75 per room per night
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2026 - 10 Jan 2027 USD87.75 per room per night
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2026 - 10 Jan 2027 USD84.18 per room per night
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Mandatory New Year Eve Dinner - 31DEC USD157.00 per person
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Mandatory New Year Eve Dinner - 31DEC USD157.00 per person
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Peak Season Supplement - 01 Feb 2025 - 28 Feb 2025 USD84.18 per room per night
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Peak Season Supplement - 01 Feb 2026 - 28 Feb 2026 USD84.18 per room per night
  • The Brunton Boatyard - Peak Season Supplement - 01 Feb 2027 - 28 Feb 2027 USD84.18 per room per night
  • Windermere Estate
  • Windermere Estate - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 USD63.75 per room per night
  • Windermere Estate - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 USD63.75 per room per night
  • Windermere Estate - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 USD63.75 per room per night
  • Windermere Estate - Festive Supplement - 21 Dec 2027 - 31 Dec 2027 USD63.75 per room per night
  • Windermere Estate - Mandatory Christmas Eve Dinner - 24DEC USD99.00 per person
  • Windermere Estate - Mandatory New Year Eve Dinner - 31DEC USD99.00 per person
  • Windermere Estate - Peak Season Supplement - 01 Jan 2026 - 01 Mar 2026 USD41.25 per room per night

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