If you are travelling all that way to dive, why not spend some time exploring the traditional culture and exotic beauty of Kerala? We can arrange tailor-made tours around the southern tip of India that was voted by National Geographic as one of the world's ten "paradises found" because of the fertile hills, paddy fields, backwater canals and tea and spice plantations that you can explore on a private, guided tour from a local's point of view.
Diving
The best time to dive is between November and May. Mantas appear in large numbers between October and December. Water temperatures are typically around 26C. Pods of dolphin are often seen escorting dive boats and underwater you can expect to see plenty of rays, eels, turtles, and plenty of opportunities for macro photography as well.
Please note: Due to monsoons, there is no diving in Bangaram from 1/MAY - 30/SEP.
Day 1: London - Cochin
Fly from London to Cochin (with one connection).
Day 2: Cochin
On arrival, you will be met by a local representative and will be transfered to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure or you can spend the day exploring the markets, museums and restaurants of Cochin, or take in a cultural Kathakali dance show.
Overnight at 3* The Killians Hotel Cochin. (BB)
Day 3: Cochin - Periyar
After breakfast, transfer approximately 5 hours (190 Km), by air-conditioned car to Periyar in the Thekkady district, home to 27 tiger reserves. Take a wildlife cruise on Lake Periyar looking out for elephants, monkeys, bison and spotted deer. In February, you have the best chance of spotting tigers.
Overnight at 3* Muthoot Cardamom County hotel in Periyar. (BB)
Day 4: Periyar - Kumarakom
Depart for Kumarakom after breakfast. Travel 4 hours (130 Km) by air-conditioned car to the exotic waterways of Kumarakom, where you will see migratory birds at the bird sanctuary as you cruise down the romantic backwaters. Enjoy the unique experience of spending the night on a traditional houseboat.
Overnight on Lakesong Houseboat in Kumarakom. (BB)
Day 5: Kumarakom - Cochin airport - Agatti
(Flights depart Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays)
Head back to the airport in Cochin after breakfast in 2 hours (80 Km) in an air-conditioned car where you will check in for your flight to Agatti. You will fly in a small aircraft to Agatti Island (75 min). Upon arrival, you will be transferred by boat to Bangaram Island where you will spend the next 7 nights. The resort offers basic accommodation in 30 beach huts with balconies and en-suite facilities.
Overnight at 3* Bangaram Island Resort. (FB)
Days 6 -12: Bangaram
Spend your days exploring the impressive number of dive sites around Bangaram with two boat dives per day catering to every level of experience.
Stay 6 nights at 3* Bangaram Island Resort (FB)
Day 12 : Bangaram - Agatti - Cochin
(Flights depart Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays)
After breakfast, transfer to Agatti by boat in time for your connecting flight to Cochin. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Abad Airport Hotel, just opposite to Cochin Airport (BB)
Day 13: Cochin - London
After breakfast you will be driven to the airport and you will fly to London.
FLIGHT INCLUSIVE TOUR PRICE GUIDE
FROM
TO
PRICE GUIDE
FROM - 01/10/2010
TO - 20/12/2010
£1565
FROM - 21/12/2010
TO - 10/01/2011
£1945
FROM - 11/01/2011
TO - 31/01/2011
£1565
FROM - 01/02/2011
TO - 28/02/2011
£1945
FROM - 01/03/2011
TO - 30/04/2011
£1565
Prices shown are in UK pounds sterling including flights, twin / double standard room share and transfers where necessary. This is a guide only, please contact us to confirm availability, price and to check for any special offers.
