With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering between 500-2700 meters in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate, long shoreline and serene beaches are the hallmarks as are tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Exotic wildlife & roam within forest reserves. Sprawling plantations `competing’ with lush paddy fields are a photographer’s delight. Enchanting art forms can be witnessed at magical festivals. With a fair balance of historical & cultural monuments Kerala offers a unique experience. And what’s more, each of these charming destinations are a short driving times from the other – a singular advantage no other destination offers.

Join us on an escorted journey to India’s greenest state, affectionately branded as `God’s Own County.’ With three decades of experience in tourism, L’orient Travels offers you sights, an intimate experience, professional service,– all combining to offer you a holiday of a life time. Highlights range from a rafting tour in Periyar to an invigorating ride on a deluxe houseboat. What’s best – with an escorted holiday you have nothing to worry about. All needs take care of; you need to simply relax & absorb the experience.

Testimonial

Thank you for all you have done to make this trip so fascinating. Your enthusiasm is infectious and I appreciate your calm handling of the various `crises’ we encountered. This trip to India has been enriching.

I most appreciated the conversations we had that were reflections of core values and outlooks on life. You were willing to give of yourself beyond your professional duties and that enriched this experience!

When I get home and have time and emotional space to `relive’ the vacation, am sure I will be struck all over again by the enormity of all we experienced.  Best wishes as you continue to lead tours. I will certainly endorse you as I share my experiences.  – Diana Boot

Highlights of your tour

Arrive Kochi, transfer to hotel.
Walking tour of Fort Kochi- an obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India. Renowned for its cantilevered fishing nets at Vasco-da-Gama square, watch locals lower nets into the sea & the catch being brought in. Visit the oldest European Church dating to1503 (contains the tombstone of Vasco Da Gama) ,though his remains were later transported to Lisbon The Pierce Leslie colonial Bungalow built in 1862 reflects a mix of Portuguese & Dutch influence while the Koder House built in 1808 is a supreme example of transition from colonial to Indo-European architecture. End your day with a visit to Greenix Village for an evening of delightful dance performances ranging from Kathakali to Kalaripayattu.

Highlights of your tour

Begin with a visit to the Dutch Palace where you see beautiful murals, royal palanquins & three dimensional portraits of the Maharaja of Kochi.  Rebuilt by the Dutch in 1664 the Jewish Synagogue (oldest in the Commonwealth) contains 18^th century hand painted, willow-patterned tiles from Canton in China, great scrolls of the Old Testament and ancient scripts. Shop later for antiques on Jew Street! . Rest of your day includes a memorable boat ride from Fort Kochi to Bolgatty Island followed by a visit to the first eco tourism village in India. Kochi will leave behind many FB picture moments!!!

Highlights of your tour

Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Munnar at a height of 1600 meters has sprawling tea plantations, picture-postcard towns, winding lanes & splendid mountain views. Once every twelve years there is a bloom of the Neelakaranji flower that bathes the hills in blue. En-route to Munnar we organise a program to Thattekad National Park on the Ernakulam-Munnar road. Home to more than 300 varieties of birds, including drongos, darters, nightjars & kingfishers.

Highlights of your tour

Your day’s program includes visits to a Tea Plantation & Museum, followed by a visit to Eravikulam National Park, famed for the Nilgiri Thar (Antelope). Enjoy the cool afternoon breeze at Devikulam. With its exotic flora & fauna, this pretty hill station is a feast for the eyes. We organise a boating tour at a languid pace.

Highlights of your tour

Over 1965 flowering plants, 171 grass species & 140 species of orchids are found at Periyar Tiger Reserve four hours driving time from Munnar. Well known mammals include wild elephant, wild boar, lion tailed macaque, flying squirrel to name a few can be spotted here. Afternoon visit a spice plantation (5 kms) away for a panorama of coffee, pepper & cardamom plantations, before the actual adventure begins the next morning!

Highlights of your tour

Eight hour rafting & trekking tour – Your best chance of spotting herd of wild elephants come to quench their thirst & bathe at Lake Periyar. Be enamoured in the delightful company of otters, wild boars, spotted deer & scarcely spotted wild dog. This is definitely `God’s own country.’ Enjoy the evening with a well-deserved Ayurvedic Massage (on your own cost) at resort.

Highlights of your tour

Mirror still lagoons, picture book lakesides, palm fringed canals, shores bustling with glimpses from day to day life in the country side. Welcome to the backwaters of Kerala. Kettuvalloms or Houseboats (Riceboats) are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry services, gradually the Kettuvalloms went off the scene. A glide in a “Kettuvallam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. The houseboat is your home for twenty hours. Local Keralan meals are provided during your stay in a luxury houseboat with a sit-out, kitchenette, bedroom & washroom.

Highlights of your tour

The meeting point of three oceans – Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean & Bay of Bengal is where you spend this night. Romantic sunsets & spectacular sunrises are local offerings, while a visit to Vivekananda’s Rock Memorial may inspire you to reach a new spiritual goal.

Highlights of your tour

The golden sands of Kovalam, inviting waters of the ocean, quaint fishing villages, non-descript places of religious worship is what Kovalam has to offer. For those wishing to unwind we suggest Ayurvedic Therapeutic Massages at the resort you are staying in.

Highlights of your tour

Day free for rest & relaxation.  For those who still wish to wander – we’ve organised an optional visit to Thiruvallam where you can go on canoe rides, kayaking or cruising to the nearby islands. Afternoon visit a local fishing village, it’s also the only location where the sea recedes during the monsoon.

Highlights of your tour

It’s the last day of your program before boarding you flight back to your destination. Pay a brief visit to Napier Museum containing paintings of Raja Ravi Verma. We leave you with an enchanting view of the Padmanabha Swamy temple around which this green city & the state’s capital is built on seven low lying hills.

Optional & charged extra

Fabulous way to end your sojourn, visit the India Coffee House for a snack & a steaming cup of filter coffee.