A sliver of dense greenery sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the timbered Western Ghats, the state of Kerala is blessed with distinctive geographical features and lush tropical landscape combined with the beautiful backwaters intoxicates every newcomer. Explore the beautiful backwaters of this densely populated coastal strip on a traditional city volume boat, following the narrow, overgrown canals right into the heart of the villages.
Highlights
Cochin: Chinese Fishing Nets; Vasco Da Gama Square, Jewish Synagogue, spice markets
Munnar: Tea Gardens, Spice Garden, Hill station
Periyar: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Boat Ride, Nature Trek
Kovalam & Alleppy: House Boat accommodation with cruise in Back Water.
Kanyakumari: meeting point of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean
Best season: October to March
Duration: 08 nights/ 09 days
Day 1 : Arrival in Cochin
Welcome to India, country of culture, heritage, nature & hospitality. Our Representative will receive and greet you upon arrival. The venerable city of Cochin is Kerala’s prime tourist destination, spreading across islands and promontories in stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the backwaters. Striking spice markets, Chinese fishing nets, a synagogue, Portuguese palace, India’s first European church, Dutch homes, and a village green that could have transported from England’s Home Countries can be all found in a day’s city’s walk.
Arrive and transfer to hotel. Overnight, stay in Cochin.
Day 2: Cochin
After breakfast, proceed for local sightseeing of Cochin. The tour starts with Chinese Fishing Nets; these huge elegant nets that line the northern shore of the Fort Cochin add grace to an already characterful waterside view and are the most familiar image of Kerala. They are suspended from arc poles and are operated by levers and weights which require at least four men to operate. Vasco Da Gama Square, the tapered boardwalk that runs parallel to the beach, is the best place to observe the nets being dropped and pulled out of the sea.
Jewish Synagogue established in 1568 and was rebuilt in 1662 and can be found is Jewish community which dates back to 2000 years. Known for its attractive interiors with hand painted 18th century blue and white tiles from Canton, each tile is different from each other and depicts a love affair between the Mandarin’s daughter and a commoner.
The Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. are also nice for sightseeing. Take a boat ride and visit BOLGATTY PALACE and VYPPIN ISLAND.
In the evening proceed to witness the world renowned Kathkali dance presentation. It is an essential part of the Kerala experience, this noisy and colorful ritualized drama is stunning; arrive early to watch the characters come alive as intricate make- up is applied.
Overnight, stay in Cochin.
Day 3 : Cochin to Munnar (140 kms / 4 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Munnar, arrive and check in the hotel.
Munnar is Kerala’s main tea growing center of the country. Popularly known as a hill station, it is rather a Raj styled resort with iron roof cottages and factories surrounded by huge swathes of rolling green tea plantations. Nestled in majestic peaks, it even houses peninsular India’s highest peak, Ana Mudi and offers a spectacular setting to observe. The panoramic sight of the Cardamom hills & green carpets of tea estate is a treasured experience. On arrival check in resort and rest of the day is at leisure at resort.
Overnight, stay at resort.
Day 4: Munnar to Periyar National Park (Thekkady) (110 kms / 3 hrs drive)
After breakfast, proceed for local sightseeing of the city. The tour starts with Ervikulam National Park. Spread across in the area of 100 square kilometers of moist evergreen forest and grassy peaks of the Western Ghats is the last stronghold of one of the world’s rarest mountain goats, the Nilgiri Tahr.
Proceed to Thekkady
Thekkady is the best place to explore jungles in south. It is one of the largest and most visited wildlife reserves in India; the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is beautifully nestled in a Cardamom hills region of the Western Ghats. You can spot a variety of animals such as sambhar, elephants, Malabar giant squirrel, purple headed parakeet, striped necked mongoose and many more. It serves a good base for day trips to Western Ghats, which are surrounded by tea factories, spice plantations and striking waterfalls.
Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Day 5: Nature trek in Periyar National Park (Thekkady)
After breakfast, you will visit the rare species of plants and animals by taking a NATURE TREK into the Park and then a short walk. Sambhar, elephants, Malabar giant squirrel, purple headed parakeet, striped necked mongoose and many more can be easily spotted in the reserve.
In the afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. On your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.
Later, visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available. As you step in the air, the breeze is filled with aroma various spices, freshly picked and brought to market. The center of the bazaar is the main attraction cardamom sorting area where you will observe tribal women sorting sifting through fragrant green pods in heart shaped baskets.
Overnight will be at Thekkady.
Day 6: Thekkady to Kumarokom by road, Backwater cruise begins (140 kms / 4 hrs drive)
After breakfast, check out and proceed for Kumarakom. Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. Kumarakom is basically an island on a Vembanad Lake and is nestled amidst lush green tropical waterways. It even serves as a home to many winter migratory birds. Dawn is the best time to view these beautiful migratory birds when the first rays of the sun fall through the lush tropical canopy. Species include the darter or snake, bird, little cormorant, night heron, gold backed woodpecker, crow pheasant, white breasted water hen and tree pie.
The backwaters of Kerala are one of the most memorable experiences of the country which are sandwiched between the sea and the hills. This mystifying maze of sparkling waterways, serene lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets is wrinkled with thick tropical greenery and preserves rural Kerala lifestyle that are hidden from the world.
The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Lunch will be served on the boat freshly prepared by the crew.
In the evening the boat will anchor by the lush paddy fields and enjoy the tranquility of the water around.
Dinner would be laid out in the boat. Spend night on houseboat.
Day 7: Backwater cruise to Alleppey, Alleppey to Kovalam by road (160 Kms / 4 hrs drive)
Breakfast will be on board.
Cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening. Disembark the boat at the ultimate point where your driver will be waiting for you to drive to KOVALAM.
Situated at the distance of 14 kms from Thiruananthapuram, Kovalam is a coastal village and is the most developed resort of Kerala. Although, you will find hippy travelers who had started residing there three decades ago. The city went through a slow transformation from an incomprehensible fishing village to a modern holiday destination. Though visited often, the very stunning Kovalam beach radiances in its un-spoilt exquisiteness and offers a soothing holiday to a tired and nomadic soul.
Reach and check in at the resort. The day will be free to explore and relax at the beach.
Overnight will be at Kovalam.
Day 8: Excursion to Kanyakumari by road (90 Kms / 2 hrs drive one way)
After breakfast, proceed for full day excursion to Kanyakumari. The southernmost tip of the country is significant for association of the virgin goddess, Kanya Devi and is also is a meeting point of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Observing the sunrise and sunset from this point is a big attraction. The best moment is during a full moon day when you can speculate sunset and moonrise at the same point from the same horizon.
The sea shore Kumari Amman Temple is devoted Goddess, Kanya Devi, who has been local guardian of the shoreline. The image of Kanya Devi wears a stud in the nose is so magical that it is visible even from the sea. Resembling the British prewar, Gandhi Mandapam is a modern replicates of the Orissan Temple and has been designed in such a way that sun rays strikes the auspicious spot where Mahatma Gandhi ashes was laid before immersion in the sea.
In the evening return back to Kovalam.
Overnight will be at Kovalam
Day 9: Kovalam to Trivandrum, tour ends
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Trivandrum airport to board flight as per time with sweet memories of GOD’S OWN COUNTRY – KERALA.
TOUR ENDS!!
