Day 01: Arrive Cochin. Transfer to Hotel. After noon tour of Cochin.
Day 02: Cochin to Munnar
Day 03: Munnar sightseeing
Day 04: Munnar to Periyar (Also known as Thekkady)
Day 05:Periyar/Kumarakom (4 hrs)
Day 06: Kumarakom to Kovalam via Jatayu Earth Centre
Day 07: Kovalam/ Kanyakumari/Kovalam
Day 08: Kovalam to Trivandrum airport (25 kms/45 mts drive minimum)
Hotels Envisaged:
Places |
| Hotels |
Fort Cochin | 1 Night | Abad Fort |
Munnar | 2 Nights | Greenridge |
Periyar | 1 Night | Silvercrest |
Kumarakom | 1 Night | Manor Backwaters |
Kovalam | 2 Nights | Jasmin Palace. |
Cost includes:
*Accommodation in a double room with applicable taxes.
*Services of air-conditioned medium car with knowledgeable drive as per the itinerary.
Day 01: Arrive Cochin
Upon arrival, transfer from Cochin airport to your hotel in Fort Cochin. (90 mts )
One of India’s most interesting towns, a principle port and the centre of the spice trade on the Malabar Coast Kochi is rich in history and retains a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. The first European settlement in India, Kochi was founded by Vasco da Gama in 1502, however it was the British who influenced this colourful city the most with it being under direct British political control from 1795 up until India’s independence.
Afternoon (or next day morning as per your arrival time) explore Fort Kochi. Visit St Francis Church the oldest European church in India before walking down to the waterfront to witness the fascinating Chinese fishing nets and peruse the market stalls. Afterwards, return to your car to visit Mattancherry Palace, the nearby merchant houses and a fine synagogue (closed on Friday &Saturday). Mattancherry Palace (closed on Friday) was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights and today houses exhibits of clothes, weapons and furniture as well as having numerous remarkable murals painted on the wooden walls. Continue to the synagogue, adorned with beautiful Cantonese ceramic tiles, before stepping out and exploring the local streets which still teem with traders who selling varieties of rice, ginger, garlic, chilli and antiques from street side warehouses.
Evening Watch Kathakali Dance show at 6 PM for 1 hr(entrance fee Rs 500 per person) and monument entrance fee also have to be taken by the guest).
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Cochin to Munnar (140 Kms/4 hours)
After breakfast leave for Munnar situated in the Cardamom Hills of Kerala. Situated in a part of the Western Ghats known as the High Ranges, Munnar, which in Tamil means ‘Three Rivers’ is located at the confluence of three mountain streams – the Kundala, Mudrapuzha and Nallathanni and is home to some of the world’s highest tea-growing estates. Being 1524m above sea level the ascent up to the town is punctuated with spectacular scenery, sandalwood forests and tea plantations complete with teams of brightly clothed pickers. Once the summer resort of the British Government in South India, Munnar’s miles of tea estates, winding lanes, bustling markets, craggy peaks and fresh mountain air make the town an ideal place in which to retreat and relax. Alternatively Munnar and the surrounding countryside is also perfect for walking with the nearby Eravikulam National Park offering rewarding walks and beautiful views of the valleys. On arrival Check in at Hotel. Later visit Munnar. Sightseeing locations are bit far from each locations so Munnar sightseeing cannot be done in a single day. Coordinate with your driver to visit all the places in two days time.
Day 03: Munnar
Explore Munnar.Church of South India, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Eco Point, Tea Plantations etc. Tea Museum and Tea Processing (closed on Mondy). (entrance need to be taken at all places). Eravikulam National Park is located 14 kms away , and up to a certain point only our vehicle is allowed; from there you will have to go by Govt Van or by walk – to see Mounatin Goat ( Nigiri Tahrs . Sighting is not guaranteed) – if you are interested then proceed to see this otherwise skip it . There is an adventure park in Munnar in Anachal area mainly for the Balloon ride and Elephant Safari (on customer risk) etc. If you are interested, you can inform the driver.
Day 04: Munnar to Periyar (Also known as Thekkady) (110 kms/3-4 hrs)
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Cardamom Hills on the Border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Periyar was established in 1934 and is one of the largest sanctuaries in India. It is one of the best sanctuaries in which to observe herds of elephants the 21-mile long lake is artificial built by the British in 1985 for irrigation purposes. The scenery, shapes and colors often remind people of the Scottish Highlands. Viewing is best by boat at sunrise and sunset - there is also a rich variety of bird life and other animals that may be seen include bison, wild boar and Sambar. Check in at your Hotel.
On arrival you may proceed to book the ticket for the boating ( last boat ride 3.30 pm & next day at 7 am till 03.30pm ) . Boating is the major attraction in Periyar to see the wild life on Periyar lake ( No jeep safri here to see the wild life , otherwise you will have to book the mini trek ( by walk thru the forest minimum 02 hrs ( need to book it in advance) . Boating & Trekking done by Govt Forest Department. In Boat other travellers also there. Evening explore Periyar Market and spice shops.
Day 05:Periyar/Kumarakom (4 hrs)
Morning Spice Plantation tour before or after breakfast. Later , leave for Kumarakom. Kumarakom, the famous backwater tourist destination in Kerala is located in the district of Kottayam. Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. This rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarkom is located on the Vembanad lake amidst mangrove forests and coconut groves. Kumarakom is an enchanting picnic spot and provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind. On the scenic Vembanad lake you will come across plenty of traditional country crafts or houseboats, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora and marine life. You may go for Small motorized Shikkara Boating or Motor Boat cruise on backwaters (charges will be there).
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: Kumarakom to Kovalam via Jatayu Earth Centre (5-6 hrs drive).
After breakfast, disembark House Boat at Alleppey and proceed to Kovalam. Jatayu Earth Centre is on the way to Kovalam. There is rope way to go up the hill and they also have steps (830 steps). Charges will be there for rope way and entrance.
India’s most spectacular beach resort, Kovalam is a sheltered natural bay. Enjoy the luxury of its sun and surf. A beach paradise. The boundless blue of the Arabian Sea and the unwinding miles of fine sanded beaches washed by the surf which roars and hisses at the feet of the stalwart palms.
Enroute, you may stop for a visit of Trivandrum. Sightseeing places are Trivandrum Zoo, Napier Museum, Srichitra Art Gallery etc. You may also wish to visit Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, the most religious icon of the city and richest temple in the world (subject to temple timing). Dress code is there but its available on rent there). Overnight stay at Hotel in Kovalam.
Day 07: Kovalam/ Kanyakumari/Kovalam (90 kms approx and minimum 2.5 hrs drive one side)
After breakfast, Proceed to Kanyakumari, which is also called Cape Comorin. Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of the Indian Mainland and at the confluence of Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. It is enchanting to see sunrise and sunset from and into the sea at one single location in India. Later proceed for a half day sight-seeing tour of Kanyakumari visiting the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial & Thiruvalluvar Statue. You may also include visit of Padmanabhapuram Palace at Marthandam enroute Kanyakumari.
Day 08: Kovalam to Trivandrum airport (25 kms/45 mts drive minimum)
After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to Trivandrum airport for your onward journey.