Northern Kerala Tour
Explore lesser-visited Northern Kerala, an area with rolling coffee and cardamom plantations, and remote coastal villages. A slow-paced itinerary starting from the bustling city of Cochin. Participate in village life in Palakkad, visit the local markets in Thalassery, watch a dramatic and colourful dance “Theyyam” before heading to beautiful Wayanad in the Western Ghats,
Stay in rural retreats, boutique hotels, coffee plantations, and a traditional homestay.
Touring style: Professional English speaking guide/driver, private basis.
Best time to visit November to March.
- Day 1: Arrival Cochin and transfer to your hotel.
- Day 2: Sightseeing in Cochin.
- Day 3: Drive to Palakkad via Guruvayur.
- Day 4: Explore Palakkad and enjoy a taste of village life.
- Day 5: Head to Thalassery. Enjoy a dramatic and colourful dance performance at the Parassinikadavu Temple.
- Day 6: Visit the local markets.
- Day 7: Relax in Neeleshwar.
- Day 8: Explore Bekal Fort and enjoy time on Bekal beach.
- Day 9: Head to Wayanad famed for its coffee and cardamom plantations.
- Day 10: Explore Edakkal caves and waterfalls
- Day 11: Drive to Calicut for your departure flight.
Day 1: Arrival Cochin and transfer to your hotel.
On arrival at Cochin Airport, you will be met for a private transfer to your chosen hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
In the evening enjoy a Kathakali dance performance.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 2: Cochin sightseeing
Proceed for a sightseeing tour to explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin which include - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese and the Dutch Palace.
Afternoon cookery lessons at the home of Nimmy & Paul who belong to the traditional Syrian Christian community in Kerala. Nimmy has been a professional cookery instructor for more than 20 years and is very passionate about serving great Kerala food.
Sunset cruise along Cochin Harbour.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 3: Drive to Palakkad via Guruvayur
Drive to Palakkad. On the way, visit Guruvayur Temple. Stay at a restored 100-year-old heritage house set in a rural village.
Overnight in Palakkad at Tharavad.
Distance and journey times:
Cochin to Guruvayur: 95 km, approx 2.30 hrs.
Guruvayur to Palakkad: 95 km, 2 hrs.
Day 4: Experience village life in Palakkad
A free day for you to join in the village activities – Temple visit, Village visit, Bullock cart ride, visit a pottery workshop and participate in a spot of toddy tapping.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 5: Head to Tellichery
After breakfast, drive to Tellichery, a vibrant fishing town. In the evening, visit Parassinikadavu temple to watch the dramatic and colourful dance form “Theyyam “.
Overnight at the hotel.
Distance and journey times: 210 km, 5 hrs.
Day 6: Visit the local markets
After breakfast, visit the bustling fish and vegetable markets as well as the ancient fort. In the afternoon, relax or join an optional cookery demonstration at your hotel.
Overnight in Tellichery..
Day 7: Head to Neeleshwar
After breakfast, drive to Neeleshwar. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Distance and journey times: 135 km, 3 hrs.
Day 8: Drive to Bekal to visit the Fort
A day trip to Bekal to visit the Fort.
Overnight in Neeleshwar.
Distance and journey times: 16 km, 20 mins. each way.
Day 9: Drive to the Wayanad region and stay in a working coffee plantation
After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the Western Ghats to Wayanad. You will stay at Tranquil's, a coffee and cardamom plantation estate.
Take a walking tour of the Coffee and cardamom plantation. In the afternoon, visit the Ambalavayal Heritage Museum.
Overnight at the hotel.
Distance and journey times: 150 km, 4 hrs.
Day 10: Visit Edakkal Caves or Muthanga wildlife sanctuary
Today you will visit the Edakkal caves, Soochippara waterfalls and the Kalpetta Sunrise Valley at Kadasseri.
Overnight at hotel
Optional: Jeep Safari at Muthanga wildlife sanctuary. Wildlife you may see here are sloth bears, sambhar deer, elephants, monkeys, tigers and panthers.
Day 11: Departure
Transfer to Calicut Airport for your departure flight.
Distance and journey times: 40 km, 1 hr.