Day 01 : Arrive Cochin
Arrive Cochin by air upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The beautiful coastal town of Kochi offers a unique fusion of tradition and modernity. Reputed as one of the most scenic natural harbours in the world, the city has been a port of call for many mariners from across the world. Rest of the day at leisure, Relax & retrieve.
Day 02 : Cochin – Munnar (140 kms/3.5 hrs)
Morning guided city tour of Cochin visiting: covering Fort Cochin and Mattancherry (Dutch Palace) - the entrance to the backwaters from the Arabian Sea, the district where trading commenced. The influence of the Portuguese, Dutch and British, as well as those of earlier explorers from China and the Arab countries is seen in a variety of architecture. The Europeans mainly assisted in the development of the spice trade, and later the tea trade, as well as the many products produced from the coconut tree. This all contributed to the growth of the region, St Francis Church in Fort Cochin, said to be the first Anglican Church in India , also where Vasco Da Gamma, the famous navigator, was buried in 1524. Later his remains were returned to his native country Portugal. Also visits Chinese Fishing Nets – introduced by traders from the court of Kublikhan. Afternoon drives to Munnar en-route enjoying the scenic beauty & upon arrival check in to hotel, Relax & retrieve.
Munnar - a small town in Kerala at the confluence of the mountain streams Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai and Kundala, like the name itself says - three rivers, surrounded by wild jungles, wet and cool for most of the season, situated at an altitude of 1700 mtr. Far away from the din and buzzle of the town life and the hurly-burly city life, unique Munnar, with its incomparable charm and the richest green tropical rainforests, is the calm, serene, peaceful place of repose, where you can enjoy tranquillity to the last drop. It is the quiet, undisturbed, placid abode where you feel dizzy raptures, aching joy. Rest of the day enjoy the surroundings and overnight at your hotel.
Day 03 : Munnar
Morning city tour of Munnar visiting few popular tourist spots of Munnar. They are Anaimudi, the Christ Church, the Nilgiri tahr, The Evarikulam National Park and Madupetty Dam. Relax & retrieve.
Day 04 : Munnar - Thekkady (Periyar) (106 kms/2.5hrs)
Morning drive for Thekkady and on arrival check-in at your hotel
Thekkady- a mystical travel destination in Kerala conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The entire district has picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.Rest of the day explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, near the border with Tamil Nadu, is in a beautiful setting and designated a part of Project Tiger in 1973, though tigers are very rarely seen and its better known for its elephants. Bison, sambar, wild boar and barking deer are fairly common, in addition to 246 species of birds; there are 112 species of butterfly. Smaller animals include black Nilgiri langur; bonnet and lion tailed macaque, Giant and Flying squirrel and other spectacular flight of flying foxes (fruit bats) the sanctuary offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the animals via boat rides on the man-made lake, which the wildlife area encircles. Relax & retrieve.
Day 05 : Thekkady – Kumarakom (114 kms/3 hrs)
Morning drives to Kumarakom en-route visiting countryside and on arrival check in at your hotel. Kumarakom is a picturesque clean village that reflects the true natural beauty of Kerala. It has recently been developed as a tourist centre and has made s distinct place among the tourists. Boat races, houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing are the attractions that make it a special place to explore. One of the major attractions of Kumarakom is the backwater. Rest of the day at Leisure, Relax& retrieve.
Day 06 : Kumarakom
Morning explore Kumarakom. One of its popular tourist attractions is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lilies - this is Kumarakom. Rest of the day is at leisure. Relax & retrieve.
Day 07 : Kumarakom – Alleppey (50 kms/1.5 hrs)
Morning start your journey towards Kottayam en-route visiting countryside and on arrival check-in into a beautifully decorated houseboats to Alleppey. The picturesque small town of Alleppey with its exotic charm and awesome and serene surroundings never fails to enchant your mind and soul. Travelling through the coconut fringed canals watching many exotic tourist spots en-route provide you an immense satisfaction. You also enjoy delicious meals on board. You stay overnight on the houseboat. Kerala's unique houseboat known as Kettuvalloms helps the tourist in discovering the fascinating backwaters and lively villages of Kerala on a houseboat cruise. The Kettuvalloms (houseboats) of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length. Thus, these extravagant houseboats take you along a vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals and provide you excellent facilities of inland navigation. Apart from excellent outlook, these houseboats are extremely eco-friendly, as it is made of bamboo poles, coconut fibre, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. Excellent Facilities-The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Parts of the curved roof of wood or plaited palm open out to provide shade and allow uninterrupted views. Whenever you will wish, the houseboat stops to let you photograph some of the most scenic points or slowed its pace where the scenery was more beautiful. Relax & retrieve.
Day 08 : Alleppey – Kovalam (174 kms/ 4hrs)
Disembark from the house boat and drive towards Kovalam and on arrival check-in at your hotel. Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. Rest of the day is at leisure. Relax & retrieve.
Day 09 : Kovalam- Cape Camorin-Kovalam (74 kms one way/1.5 hrs)
Morning, stroll down the beautiful beaches of Kovalam followed by journey to Cape Camorin. Visit Vivekananda Rock & Ashram, Amman Devi Temple and to see the 3 Seas meet over here (Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean & Arabian Sea) Sun Set from here is very scenic.Drive back to Kovalam in the evening. Relax & retrieve.
Day 10 : Kovalam -Trivandrum - Mumbai/Delhi – home-town
Morning drive for Trivandrum, the beautiful city, a quick city tour covering - Padmanabha Swamy Temple: Napier Museum: This 19th century structure displays a rare collection of archaeological artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The Indo-Saracenic structure boasts of a natural air-conditioning system that bears testimony to the technological progress of that period. After tour, departure transfer to the airport in time to board the flight for Mumbai or Delhi and on arrival take a connecting flight for your home-town.
