In the South West corner of India lays the State of Kerala - ' God's Own Country ' - between the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Kerala, a peaceful and beautiful part of India, with its palm fringed beaches, backwaters, rivers, bright green paddy fields, endless coconut groves, spice plantations, ever green tropical forests and beautiful people attracts travellers around the world.
Duration :06 Nights / 07 Days
Destinations Covered :Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Alleppey - Kovalam
Program (5 Nights / 6 Days)
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1
Arrive Cochin
The "Gateway of Kerala". Meeting & assistance at airport & transfer to Hotel.
Overnight at hotel -
2
Cochin/Munnar
After breakfast city sightseeing of Cochin " the Queen of Arabian Sea" due its strategic importance over the centuries. Visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. After lunch, proceed for fascinating journey to Munnar "the Gateway to Hills" (150 km- 4hrs.) enjoying the stunning panoramic view of the Cardamom hills & green carpets of tea plantation enroute.
On arrival Munnar check in at Hotel. Dinner & Overnight at hotel -
3
In Munnar
After breakfast explore Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Visit Eravikulam National Park where one can see the very rare mountain goats locally called the Nilgiri Tahr, the Mattupetty Dam & Dairy Farm, Old Munnar Town, the town market.
Meals & Overnight at hotel -
4
Munnar/Thekkady
After breakfast proceed by urface to Thekkady (120 km-4 hrs) where located the Periyar National Park & Tiger Reserve. On arrival at Thekkady check in at Hotel. After lunch at hotel, at late afternoon game viewing cruise on the Lake Periyar by boat with naturalist. The variety of wildlife, which include Elephants, monkeys, deer, wild boar and very rarely, a Tiger. Quite a lot of unique birds can also be spotted.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel -
5
Thekkady/Kumarakom/House Boat
After breakfast proceed by surface to Kumarakom on the banks of the Vembanad Lake (120 kms. 3hrs). On reaching the Jetty, check-in to the Kettuvallam (Houseboat) for overnight cruise across the backwaters. The luxuriously furnished Kettuvallam is made entirely of jackwood planks tied (kettu) together with strong coir rope to form a huge barge(vallam). The boat is constructed without using a single nail and is coated with a special resin obtained from boiling cashew kernels. Each a masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship, the Kettuvallam lasts, not for years, but for generations. Each House boat has furnished bedrooms (1 to 5 rooms AC or Non AC), modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling, an open lounge and a crew comprising of an oarsmen,a cook and guide. During the cruise on Kettuvalam, & have a glimpse of the village life at close quarters, an unique and unforgettable experience. Enroute you can see any romantic beauty of the nature which will remind you that you are in the "Gods Own Country". You can view coconut palm fringed canals and local people going for a fresh catch of the day & Tapping of toddy (Local beverages) from palm trees.Enjoy the sunset from House boat.
Lunch, Dinner & Overnight in House Boat -
6
House Boat/Alleppey/Kovalam
After breakfast disembark from the House boat at Alleppey which is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the Malabar coast. After a brief tour of Alleppey, proceed to Kovalam (180 kms. 3.30 hrs.). where located the world famous Beach popularly known as "Paradise of South". Upon arrival Kovalam check in at Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure OR go for ' God's own Country's most popular Ayurveda Rejuvenation Treatments/ Massages.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel -
7
In Kovalam
After breakfast proceed for an excursion to Kanya Kumari (Cape Comorin) - situated 87 km away from Thiruvananthapuram, it is located at a junction at the southernmost tip of India where the three water bodies, namely, Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet. From here, one can see the sun rise from the Bay of Bengal and set in the Arabian Sea. Take motor launch for visit to Vivekananda Memorial, Gandhi Mandapa & Kannyakumari Temple - a holy place for Hindus. While going to Cape Comorin, on the way visit the Padmanabha Swami Temple.Return to hotel in the evening. Meals & Overnight at hotel. Day 08 Kovalam/Trivandrum/ Depart - After breakfast, morning free at leisure & relax on the beach or experience the famous Kerala Ayurveda Rejuvenation Treatments/ Massages.Lunch at hotel. Hotel check-out at 1 PM. Late afternoon transfer from Kovalam hotel to Trivandrum airport to connect flight for onward destination carrying sweet memories of Incredible !ndia.
