Trip Includes
- Accommodation for (8) nights on twin or double share basis in superior class (4*) hotels or resorts.
- Breakfast at hotels except on houseboat where it will be on full board.
- English speaking local guides.
- Sightseeing admission fees.
- A private minivan for all transfers and sightseeing.
- Boat ticket in Lake Periyar.
- Currently applicable taxes
Trip Doest Not Include
- Airfares.
- Lunch and dinner except during the houseboat trip.
- Drinks, tipping, laundry, phone, internet usage and other expenses of personal nature.
- Extra expenses due to nature and unforeseen events.
- Travel insurance.
- Additional fees for camera.
- Early check in and late checkout fees.
Note on itinerary
We do our best to adhere to the itinerary but its subject to change for a number of reasons beyond our control such as weather, travel conditions, government holidays etc. The sightseeing or the travel order may change to adjust the local conditions.
Hotels
The hotels in this trip are first class properties, classified 4 star by local standard with adequate amenities and facilities. You will have private bathroom with running hot and cold water. During the backwater cruise, you have one night in a traditional houseboat. Usually, the houseboats have one or two bedrooms with en suite bathroom. If listed hotels are not available under circumstances we will provide you the best available alternative.
Meals
Your trip includes daily breakfast at your hotel. During your accommodation in houseboat while cruising in the backwaters of Kerala, meals are prepared and served by the boat crews. You will have opportunity to try local cuisines and also western style dishes are available in most tourist class restaurants. Please, budget $10-15 per meal.
Tour Guide
You will have a private tour guide to accompany you throughout the tour. Your guide will be a local individual, well versed in English and knowledgeable about the local history, geography, culture and religion. You will meet your guide upon arrival in Cochin. Tour Guide and driver are the different persons.
Transportation
Depending on the group size, we provide good conditioned minivan or minibus for all transfers and sightseeing. Your vehicle will be well kept, air-conditioned and driven by an experienced driver.
Getting in and away
The trip starts in Cochin, now called Kochi and concludes in Kovalam. Cochin has an international airport served by major Asian and Middle-eastern airlines. Flights to Kochi arrive from major cities of India, Middle-east and South-east Asia. If you are already traveling in South India, you can also get to Kochi by train or public transports. The trip concludes in Kovalam and the nearest airport -Trivandrum is 45 minutes' drive away.
Best Time to Travel
In terms of weather, South India is usually hot but the period between the months of October and March has comfortable the temperature. April and May are the hottest months but due to its proximity with the tropics, it's not so humid. Monsoon season begins from June and lasts in early September and this is the right time if you are into Ayurveda treatment.
Booking Deposit and Payment Schedule
US$ 300 deposit is requested along with the completed trip registration and normally balance payment is due 90 days prior departure but we may also request you second payment if need be. Payment by credit card except the initial deposit will attract additional 3.5% fee. We reserve the right to refuse certain form of payment.
Cancellation and refund
Notice of cancellation and refund request must be received in written form.
Cancellation charges
- 90 days prior departure: Administrative fee US$ 150 per person
- 60-89 day's prior departure: US$ 300 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.
- 45 days to 59 days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher.
- 30 days to 44 days prior departure: US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.
- Less than 30 days: 100%.
Cancellation and refund of air tickets cost will be as per rules and regulations of the concerned airlines plus a service charge of US$ 25 per segment will be levied. Cancellation terms and conditions of certain services may vary which will be informed per case to case basis.
No refund or adjustment to other services will be made for any unused land or air services for any reason whatsoever, once tour begin. We highly recommend that all travelers purchase trip cancellation insurance.
We reserve the right to cancel any trip prior to departure for any reason whatsoever, including insufficient signup or logistical problems that may impede trip operations. We also reserve the right to refuse your participation on the tour with or without any reason. So, please do not purchase your international airfare until your participation on the tour is confirmed by us.
Final trip dossier
A comprehensive trip dossier will be sent to you about 2 months before the trip date. The trip dossier includes the final itinerary, list of confirmed hotels and flights and service details. The document will also include the travel notes including weather, packing suggestions, currency information etc.
Travel Insurance
While we plan and do our best that your trip goes smoothly as planned but there are always chances of unforeseen events and conditions such as illness, accident, inclement weather conditions, and flight cancellation or missed connection or loss of baggage etc. that may cause interruption or delay or total cancellation of your trip putting your hard earned travel investment in jeopardy. It's also possible that you may need medical assistance, emergency evacuation or medical transportation when you get ill or involve in an accident when you are traveling in remote areas. Far & High's Tour cost does not cover any of these expenses or losses and so we strongly recommend you that you should protect yourself and your travel investment against those unfavorable conditions.