Cochin 02 Nights/Munnar 01 Night/Periyar 02 Nights/Kumarakom 01 Night/ House Boat 01 Night at Alleppy.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
On arrival in Cochin transfer to hotel & check in.
Evening witness Kathakali dance show in a local theatre.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Cochin
Morning buffet breakfast at hotel
Later in the after noon proceed for the sightseeing tour of Cochin.
Begin with Dutch Palace also known as Mattancherry Palace. It was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555 AD. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace. At no time did the Portuguese or Dutch stay here. Its interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are some lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins. [Closed on Fridays] Then visit Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest here. [Closed on Friday & Saturday] You will also visit St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi. The Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the remains of the inveterate traveler, Vasco-da-Gama were initially buried and 14 years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal. Santa Cruz Basilica Church is also worth visiting. Some beautiful paintings can be seen here.
Evening at 16.30 Hrs. sunset harbour cruises in Fort Cochin.
Overnight stay at hotel in Cochin.
Day 03 |
Cochin/Munnar by surface – 150 Km, Approx. 04 Hrs Drive. |
Morning buffet breakfast at hotel Later after breakfast drive to Munnar by surface (135 Kms, 3 Hrs) Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a heaven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile 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.
On arrival in Munnar transfer to hotel & check in
Rest of the day free for independent activities of your own on beautiful hill station and a soft trek through the Tea Plantations.
Overnight stay at Hotel Fort Munnar in Cochin
Day 04 |
Munnar to Periyar – 120 Km, 03.5 Hrs. Drive. |
After breakfast drive to Periyar. Arrive Periyar & transfer to your hotel. Thekkady is one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world, with the animals of the wild and the simple mountain people
Late afternoon, proceed to Spice plantation visit the Spice Plantations of Kerala. Kerala is known for its fabulous spices. Traders from ancient Phoenicia made tours to Kerala to carry back its aromatic spices to Mediterranean lands. Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and more… the spices of Kerala were used in the West to all flavors to food and wine and to preserve meat during the cold European winter.
Overnight at Hotel
Early morning proceed for a soft trek through the wild life sanctuary.
After noon enjoy the Elephant ride and later in the evening take a stroll in the spice town of Kumily, relax or explore the city on your own.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 06 |
Kumarakom, 160 Km, 4.5 Hrs Drive |
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After breakfast drive to Kumarakom (145 Kms, 03 ½ Hrs) enroute stopping at Kottayam
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanadu Lake in Kerala. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and is noted for its bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The Vembanadu Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is also habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen, Shrimp and Prawns. It is a major tourist attraction. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets. The people on the banks of Vembanadu Lake are generally peace-loving and follow a neat and healthy lifestyle. Their dressing is immaculate, usually spotless whites. The food mainly consists of rice and fish. Fish is a very important item in their menu for lunch and dinner.
Upon arrival check-in at hotel
Evening shared cruise at backwaters organized by the resort.
Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day 07 |
Kumarakom – Alleppy by House Boat |
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Day at leisure for independent activities till noon.
12.30 Hrs.check in to the House boat arranged exclusively for you from your resort boat jetty.
House boats of Kerala, offers a panoramic view of one of the most picturesque aspects of the God's Own Country. One can cruise in it through the palm-fringed backwaters, throughout a night in waxing moonlights. The lullaby of the waves and the dazzling delights of the moonlit night can be experienced by spending a couple of nights aboard the Kettuvallam. The traditional houseboat of Kerala is one of the most enduring images of the backwaters. These houseboats are converted version of the "Kuttanadan Kettuvallams". (Boats Anchors by 1800 hrs & starts sailing on following morning by 0730 hrs)
Overnight on board houseboat. [All meals onboard]
Breakfast onboard from the House Boat.
0900 Hrs.check out from the House boat and on time transfer to Cochin International Airport to catch the flight back to home or to the next destination. |