Experience the very soul of Kerala – God’s Own Country on this beautifully crafted journey covering heritage cities, misty hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, serene backwaters, and a traditional houseboat stay. From the colonial charm of Cochin and tea-covered hills of Munnar to the rich wildlife of Periyar and the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom & Alleppey, this tour offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, relaxation, and authentic Kerala experiences.
- Arrival and cultural exploration of historic Cochin
- Visit iconic landmarks like Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue & Chinese Fishing Nets
- Kathakali dance performance with makeup demonstration
- Scenic drive to Munnar, Kerala’s most famous hill station
- Leisure time amidst tea plantations & misty valleys
- Guided wildlife experience at Periyar National Park by boat
- Relaxing stay at Kumarakom on the banks of Vembanad Lake
- Sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake with birdlife sightings
- Overnight stay on a traditional Kerala houseboat in Alleppey
- Scenic backwater cruise through coconut-lined canals
Day 1
Arrival Cochin By International Flight
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Arrive at Cochin International Airport, following customs, immigration
formalities and baggage collection, you will be accorded as you EXIT the
ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 2
Cochin Sightseeing
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After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for a full-day
sightseeing tour of Cochin visiting Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing
net & ST. Francis Church.
Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays and Jewish Holidays) is also known as Mattancherry Palace
built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin 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 and national holidays).
Jewish
Synagogue (Closed on Fridays &
Saturdays and Jewish Holidays) was 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
Chinese Fishing Nets - The Chinese
Fishing net that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching
fish by local fishermen in Fort
Kochi. Said to have been
brought from China
by traders of Kubalai Khan's Court, they are used at high tide.
ST. Francis Church - 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 traveller, Vasco da Gamma were initially buried and 14 years
later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal.
Bolghatty Palace is situated in
Bolghatty Island
a narrow palm fringed Island easily accessible
from the mainland. The Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Later, it became
the seat of the British Resident and today this has been converted into a hotel
run by KTDC. In
the evening, you will be taken to a Kathakali
dance center where you will witness the most elaborate of the dance forms
in southern India. Here you will witness the artists readying themselves up
with the make up for the final performance.
Overnight
at the hotel.
Day 3
Cochin – Munnar (102 Kms / 4 Hours)
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After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Cochin to
Munnar.
Munnar is the nature-lover’s paradise. Snuggling in the green and serene
Kannan Devan Hills lays the quite and restful resort of Munnar. Panoramic views
of low-flying clouds and mist filled valleys make it a pretty little heaven
with a cool bracing climate. It was opened out of virgin forests a century ago
by pioneering planters. Spend the
rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 4
Munnar Sightseeing
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Munnar is
Kerala’s premium hill station. A hill station transcending excellence – Munnar
is surrounded by gently undulating hills swathed in the soothing green of vast
tea estates makes it perfect tourist destination in south India. Situated at an
altitude of 1600 m above sea level, its bracing climate with the laidback
atmosphere and its delightfully refreshing colonial air makes it the most
sought-after destinations. And Munnar is the most popular spot in Kerala.
The holiday facilities, peaceful environment and the tranquillity that it
provides make it the perfect serenity spot to rejuvenate and revive the most
jaded of travellers. Munnar lies in Idukki district, at the confluence of three
mountain rivers. It is pronounced “Moon-aar”, meaning ‘three rivers’ in
Malayalam. The rivers; Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala meet in the center
of the town. Late afternoon, you will go for a stroll in Tea
Estates. Meet the local people engaged in tea Industry.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 5
Munnar–Thekkady(70 Kms / 1.50 Hrs.)
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After buffet breakfast at the hotel you would be driven from Munnar to
Thekkady, which is also known as Periyar. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in
at your hotel.
Afternoon, proceed to Periyar
National Park to
view the wildlife by boats.
Set in the heart
of the Cardamom Hills of Kerala the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve,
offers a rare opportunity to enjoy South India’s wild life and beauty. The park
has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Herds of elephant and sambar, gaur and wild pigs and wander down to
the lakeside and can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake. Periyar also harbours the leopard, wild dog, barking
deer and mouse deer. On the rocky outcrops along the lake, monitor lizards can
be seen basking in the sun.
Return to the hotel after your boat ride. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 6
Thekkady (Periyar)-Kumarakom (120 Kms/3Hrs)
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After buffet
breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Kumarakom which is located on the shores of the enchanting
Vembanad Lake.
Upon arrival in
Kumarakom, proceed for check-in at your hotel.
It is a beautiful town situated in the hills and is surrounded by some of
the most fertile and beautiful scenery in the state with serene palm-fringed
backwaters on the west and the Western Ghats on the east.
Late
Afternoon proceed for a boat ride i.e. Sun set cruise on Vembanad Lake.
You will come across many rare species of birds present in the Kumarakom
bird sanctuary, returning to their nests with the sunset.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7
Kumarakom – Houseboat – Alleppey
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Morning leisurely buffet
breakfast in hotel. Rest of the morning is
free for independence activities at leisure. In the afternoon check out from
the hotel and proceed to embankment point for boat cruises on an unforgettable
journey to Alleppey, passing through the coconut-palmed canals. Kumarakom is a
centre for houseboat cruises. Traditionally, the houseboats were called
Kettuvallam, which means a boat made by trying together pieces of wood.
Unbelievable as it may sound, not a single nail is used in the making of a
Kettuvallam. Jack wood planks are joined together with coir rope and then
coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nuts shells.
Overnight at the houseboat.
Day 8
Alleppey - Cochin
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Morning
leisurely buffet at houseboat.
Disembark at Alleppey Jetty
and you would be received by your chauffer who will then driving you to Cochin.
Upon arrival in Cochin, you will be met
by our representative and straight away transferred to the airport to board
flight for onward destination.