Christmas in Kerala
Christmas in Kerala
Christmas in Kerala
16 Days
Visiting: India
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2420
Physical rating:
Level2
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$5927
$5548 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Operator discount: -$379
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through southern India with a festive touch – "Christmas in Kerala." Explore Chennai and Pondicherry, marvelling at the historic sites. Discover the cultural wonders of Madurai's markets and the scenic beauty of Lake Periyar along with Munnar's tea plantations. Celebrate Christmas in Kochi with an Oriental Orthodox Mass and conclude your exploration with a tranquil backwaters cruise. This adventure seamlessly blends cultural richness with the breath taking landscapes of southern India, creating cherished memories.
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Arrive Chennai
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Chennai, where on arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure, until dinner.
Day 3: Chennai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embark on a festive journey in Southern India! Begin at Marina Beach, soaking in the sun and Christmas spirit. Explore the historic Fort St. George, home to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the oldest Anglican church in India, St. Mary's Church. Move on to the enchanting Kapaleeswarar Temple, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance.
Day 4: Pondicherry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, you'll head to Pondicherry with a stop enroute at the Mahabalipuram rock carvings. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these ancient rock-cut sculptures feature intricate depictions of Hindu mythology and ancient Indian art. Your day will conclude with an overnight stay in Pondicherry.
Day 5: Pondicherry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Immerse yourself in Pondicherry's spiritual aura at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and delve into the area's rich history at the Pondicherry Museum. Experience the distinctive allure of the French quarter with a delightful rickshaw ride, followed by leisure time to explore its vibrant streets that beautifully blend French and Indian influences.
Day 6: Velankanni
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's journey takes you south to Velankanni, making a lunch stop in Chidambaram. Upon arrival visit the esteemed Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, also known as Vailankanni Church. This significant pilgrimage site is renowned for its association with miraculous healing. People of various faiths come to seek blessings and offer prayers to the Virgin Mary.
Day 7: Madurai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embark on a journey to Madurai after breakfast, taking a detour through Chettinad. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region by touring a tile-making factory, observing the intricate process of tile production. Visit a traditional house that stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural legacy of Chettinad before exploring the local market. Finally, proceed with your drive to Madurai and check in at the hotel upon arrival.
Day 8: Madurai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover the cultural gems of the city by starting with a trip to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, devoted to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Immerse yourself in the regal history of Madurai at the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. As the day progresses, witness the enchanting Aarti ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple, participating in the evening ritual alongside devotees, as lamps illuminate, prayers are extended, and the energy of the temple comes to life.
Day 9: Periyar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning's journey is to Periyar. Enjoy a scenic drive with a visit to a local spice village and market along the way. Upon reaching Periyar, cap off the evening by experiencing the ancient and dynamic Kalaripayattu martial arts show. Originating in Kerala, this traditional martial art is distinguished by its fluid movements, precise techniques, and deep cultural roots. Marvel at the skilled performers as they display this ancient art form, demonstrating a captivating blend of strength, agility, and discipline.
Day 10: Munnar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a peaceful morning boat ride on Lake Periyar, enveloped by the verdant landscapes of Periyar National Park. While navigating the serene waters, keep a keen eye out for the diverse wildlife that often graces the lake, such as elephants, deer, and various bird species. After the boat ride, your journey will proceed to Munnar.
Day 11: Munnar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embark on a morning trek in Eravikulam National Park, savouring the fresh mountain air. Explore a local tea plantation in Munnar to learn about the tea-making process and the nuances of cultivation. Conclude your day at the Tata Tea Museum, discovering the history of Munnar's tea industry through interactive exhibits.
Day 12: Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On this Christmas Eve, travel to Kochi, renowned for its rich history and cultural diversity. To embrace the festive spirit, enjoy a Christmas dinner at the hotel, relishing the flavours of Kerala's cuisine with your fellow travellers. Later in the evening, immerse yourself in Kerala's unique Christmas traditions by attending a traditional midnight mass at an Oriental Orthodox Church. The midnight mass is a culturally rich and spiritually fervent occasion, fostering a sense of togetherness.
Day 13: Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Merry Christmas! Enjoy a festive day in Kochi, dressed in traditional Keralan attire for Christmas Mass at St. Francis Church. Explore Kochi's cultural sites, including the Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue, and Chinese fishing nets. After a Christmas brunch at your hotel, experience an enchanting evening at the Kathakali Dance auditorium. Witness the intricate preparations before a captivating Kathakali dance performance, showcasing artistry through costumes, facial expressions, and rhythmic movements.
Day 14: Backwaters
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience a unique Boxing Day by travelling to Alleppey Jetty Point, where you'll board a traditional houseboat. Cruise through the scenic canals of Kerala's backwaters, making stops to explore villages, visit charming churches, and discover ancient temples, immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region. As the houseboat moors in the evening, enjoy a special night filled with the enchanting rhythms of Folk Music and Dances.
Day 15: Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and travel to Kochi. Enjoy lunch in the city before exploring the local markets, including the spice market, to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
Day 16: Depart Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Check out our Q&As
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Friday - Saturday
Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024Saturday - Sunday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wendy Wu allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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How we Keep you safe on our Tours
Your safety and well-being will always be our Number 1 priority which is why we’ve instituted the most stringent COVID health and safety protocols on all of our tours. Here is a brief summary of the steps we are taking to ensure you will be safe, secure and satisfied when you travel with us.
Guides and National Escorts
Our National Escorts and guides will conduct a Health and Safety briefing with you before the tour begins and will help everyone ensure they adhere to social distancing, hygiene practises and local regulations. They will carry a supply of face masks and hand sanitiser for you to use free of charge and will, of course, observe the highest level of personal hygiene at all times.
Should anyone on the group fall ill your National Escort will ensure the individual receives swift medical attention and can only return to the group once cleared to do so.
Transport & Sightseeing
Vehicles will be thoroughly cleaned with disinfectant after each excursion service, overnight and between different groups.
You will always have at least one seat between you and your fellow tourers, hand sanitiser will be given to the group on each embarkation and vehicles will be thoroughly ventilated prior to passengers boarding.
Drivers will always embark vehicles after clients, disembark the group vehicle prior to clients disembarking, and maintain social distancing and a high level of personal hygiene at all times.
Your guides will assess the situation on the ground avoiding large crowds – where possible, alter timings and splitting the group into smaller sizes.
Accommodation
Wendy Wu Tours will only offer hotels that have undergone a detailed hygiene assessment, have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with government standards.
We will ensure these protocols include staff practising social distancing and wearing appropriate PPI, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in all areas and food safety.
Dining
All the restaurants we visit will be researched and inspected regularly to ensure that they follow the strictest health, cleanliness and safety guidelines.
All waiting staff will wear face masks and gloves and we will arrange à la carte dining, waiter-served meals or waiter-assisted buffets throughout the tour. We will not share open-buffet meals with other hotel or restaurant guests.
Hand sanitiser will be provided to the group before and after every food and beverage service.