We were skeptical about the tour while booking with Kesari as we did not have a good experience with other tour operators and were not too sure about the location. However, we finalized Kerala Kanyakumari Tour and we did not repent of our decision. This was by far the best tour we have ever had. To say it was Excellent would not encompass our feelings about it. We will remember this tour as the best time of our journey and best Kesari experiences.
Managing a tour in a state where people speak only in their local language or English is a big task but was simplified our tour leaders Swapnil and Sachchinand. They not only managed our sightseeing but were also knowledgeable with lots of info about the best things to see and do in the places we visited.
Though it was the travel peak season, our tour was carried out smoothly, without any hassles. Our luggage was well taken care of.
On our Kerala Kanyakumari Tour, all stays were luxurious with different atmospheres. Starting with the Star Suites at Kochi that was elegant and modern. It had good food too. The Lunch at Taj Malabar was fabulous. Orchid Highlands at Munnar was a treat from the lavish Gala dinner with a Christmas bash the next day to the special cake to caps and Christmas chocolates for all the tour members.
The Mattupttey dam ride was superb followed by the visit to ECHO POINT where we shouted are hearts out only to hear it echo back to us. Both the tour leaders never left the group and participated in each activity with us.
At Periyar, Thekkady Swapnil told us about the forest reserve Resort Aranya Niwas. Yes, it really was amidst a deep forest with the Periyar Lake close by. We enjoyed the Periyar River ride and shopped at the Kumily village for spices. We were offered refreshments after every three hours of the journey right from snacks like chivda, wafers, chakli, khakra etc. For a long journey that even gave packets of amla supari.
Next on our Kerala Kanyakumari Tour list was Lakesong at Kumarakom with the Vembanad Lake Backwater Houseboat ride. This lake stretches from Kumarakom to Kochi. The journey from Kumarakom to Kanyakumari was a long one with plenty of road diversions and narrow roads. But our bus driver was the one-man army. I have always had travel sickness, but on this tour, only the journey to Munnar affected me due to Ghats.
At Kanyakumari, we were told groups had not been allowed to visit the Rock memorial for the last five days. But our tour leader Swapnil somehow got permission and we were at the Rock memorial amidst the sea. The Tri-Sangam was breathtakingly beautiful where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal meet at a point. The Kanyakumari Temple was also good. Hotel Sparsa at Kanyakumari gave us a traditional welcome with shell garlands.
Last but not the least was Hotel Samudra with a private access to Kovalam beach. With a sunrise at Kanyakumari, we all captured sunset at Kovalam. The cherry on top was Padmanabha temple visit. The last night of the tour was also the last night of 2017. We celebrated it at Hotel Samudra with a special cake cutting by Kesari. Whether it was travel or playing games Swapnil and Sachin made every effort to make all moments memorable and enjoyable. Special thanks to our bus driver.
Some memorable mentions were the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets. Boat ride across the Kochi, the PURANPOLI LUNCH WITH GHEE AT MUNNAR, Eravikulam park, Gandhi Mandapam, the bird sanctuary at Kumarakom, The Ravishing Kairali show and traditional Kathakali show, wax museum, Napier museum, art gallery.
Thank u Swapnil and Sachin for fulfilling some adamant demands of Saree shopping, elephant ride, and special Kerala spa. Committed to Work are phrases which truly describe the Kesari team. Thank u Kesari. My 10-year-old daughter Sukhada enjoyed this tour to her fullest. The best part was the books given as prizes during Kerala Kanyakumari Tour