Highlight In Soul Of Kerala " Cochin delights you with its ethnic fishing villages and marvelous beach country, see the Mattancherry Palace, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town and experience the thrill of watching Kathakali dancers in action, tour the tea gardens of Munnar and so on.. "
Day 01 : Cochin
On arrival at Cochin Airport you will meet our tour executive welcomes you and assist you further assist to the Hotel check in and relax at the Hotel Cochin Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Frilled with backwaters and rich with old world charm, this city has lured many a great voyager to its shores. Arrive Cochin & check into hotel Tour of Cochin or "Kochi"- the palm green, commercial capital of Kerala is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea".
From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. later in the evening enjoy a Sunset cruise on Cochin Harbor, with a chance to watch Dolphins and later watch a demonstration of Kalaripayyatu – Keralian traditional Martial Arts Overnight stay at Cochin
Day 02 : Cochin – Munnar ( 140kms – 4hrs )
Post breakfast sightseeing of Cochin visit Dutch Palace (Mattancherry) – Built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555AD. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out some extensions & repairs. In the centre of the building is the coronation hall where the Cochin Rajas held their coronations. Rooms adjacent contain 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic Ramayana.
Jewish Synagogue – Built in 1568 the great scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates on which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles of Interest. This is the first synagogue in South India.
St. Francis Church (Fort Cochin) – the protestant church was built originally by the Portuguese in 1510AD and is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama was originally buried here. His mortal remains were taken to Portugal after 14years
Chinese Fishing Nets – Ancient traditional way for catching fishes in huge nets. Drive to Munnar, Breath taking beauty and a haven of peace and tranquility make Munnar one of the most idyllic tourist destinations in Kerala. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations, pristine valleys and mountains, exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests, aroma of spice scented cool air, Munnar has all these and more. Check in at the Resort later in the evening walk around the Tea Estate just to feel the Hill station overnight stay at Munnar
Day 03 : Munnar
Today you can go for sightseeing Munnar which includes the Raja Malai, a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats), Mattupetty dam, overnight at Munnar
Day 04 : Munnar – Periyar ( 140kms – 4hrs )
Post breakfast Drive to Periyar (Thekkady) Thekkady is tucked amidst lush green tea gardens, it is one of the best places to visit tea, coffee and spice gardens. Adjacent is the Periyar wild Life Sanctuary with its unsullied grasslands and "Blue Mountains". A boat ride in the lake running through the sanctuary provides an opportunity to watch wild animals such as Elephants, Deer and scores of Water Birds. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, one of the most important National Parks in India.
The sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which much is thick evergreen forest. The splendid artificial Periyar Lake adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can view wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake check in and Relax at the resort Overnight at Periyar
Day 05 : Periyar
Morning Take a boat ride at Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat on the water's edge. While cruising on Lake Periyar, you are likely to see animals like Wild Boars, Sambars, Wild Dogs, Langur Monkeys and Wild Elephants. Later In the evening attend a Traditional Kathakali dance performance. The Dance involves the enactment of an episode from the epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The performers convey moods, emotions and inner sensibilities by facial expressions and gestures. The costume of the Kathakali dance is a striking sight. The elaborate facial paint made from rice power treated with various colors, is an indication of the nature of the character being portrayed. The heroes have green faces; the villain’s red or black, while the holy men and female characters have yellow faces. Overnight at Periyar
Day 06 : Periyar – Kumarakom ( 130kms – 4hrs )
Post breakfast drive to Kumarakom, Kumarakom - An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you in to the heart of the scenic lake and later Transfer to houseboat, embark the houseboat by 12noon.
Cruise through the back water of Kerala, on the way you can see traditional Kerala village life remind unchanged for many years you also witness the merchants selling vegetables in a boat while the village people await at the bank of Vembanad Lake. Here your crew will prepare delicious Keralian meals from freshly brought vegetables from the market. Overnight at Houseboat
Day 07 : Alleppey – Kovalam ( 170kms – 4hrs )
You will be cruising at Kerala Backwater and reach Alleppey, With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers cruise crossing it, Alleppey is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life The internationally renowned beach, which is a strip of golden land lying side by side with the serene blue waters of Arabian sea and rich greenery of the coconut groves, has been developed into an integrated seaside resort Disembark the Houseboat at Alleppey and drive to Kovalam via visiting Krishnapuram Palace.
Kovalam consists of three consecutive crescent shaped beaches, a massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. There are numerous bars and cafes lined up on the shore side and you can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood or continental cuisine Check in at the resort relax at the beautiful beaches of Kovalam Overnight stay at Kovalam
Day 08 & 09 : Kovalam
Day leisure at the beach overnight stay at Kovalam
Day 10 : Kovalam – Trivandrum ( 30kms – 40mins )
Depending upon the flight schedule you will be transferred to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward journey back home.
