On arrival at Cochin, proceed to Munnar. A breathtakingly beautiful - haven of peace and tranquility which cannot be portrayed in a single canvas. Situated at 1,600m above sea level with unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains, you’re often up above the clouds watching veils of mist clinging to the mountain tops. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji/Strobilanthes. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once in every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018. On the way to Munnar visit Cheeyappara & Valara waterfalls. The Cheeyappara Waterfall cascades down in seven steps. Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Your day in Munnar promises to be filled with exploration and immersion in its natural wonders. Starting with a visit to Mattupetty Dam, you'll be greeted by the impressive sight of this concrete gravity dam nestled amidst the mountains. The surrounding landscapes of tea plantations, rolling grasslands, and Shola forests offer a feast for the eyes. The Shola forests, in particular, provide a perfect setting for trekking and birdwatching, immersing you in the rich biodiversity of the region. Next, you'll head to Kundala Dam, where the famed Neelakurinji flowers bloom once every twelve years. The hills and valleys surrounding Kundala Lake come alive with the breathtaking sight of these rare blue blossoms. En route, you'll make stops at Echo Point and Pothamedu View Point, both offering unique perspectives of Munnar's beauty. Echo Point, with its lush greenery, provides an opportunity to experience the natural phenomenon of echoing sound amidst the serene surroundings. Pothamedu View Point treats you to panoramic vistas of coffee, tea, and cardamom plantations, inviting you to indulge in leisurely nature walks or adventurous treks. As the day winds down, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, refreshed and inspired by the unparalleled beauty of Munnar. Enjoy your evening, and anticipate the adventures that await you tomorrow!
Your journey from Munnar to Thekkady promises to be another exciting chapter in your Kerala adventure. As you leave the serene landscapes of Munnar behind, you'll soon find yourself immersed in the natural beauty and wildlife wonders of Thekkady. Known as a haven for natural spices, Thekkady is home to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's finest wildlife reserves. Encompassing 777 square kilometers and featuring a 26-square-kilometer artificial lake, Periyar offers a sanctuary for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and prepare for a day of exploration. Your first stop will be the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you'll have the chance to encounter herds of wild elephants, sambar deer, tigers, gaurs, lion-tailed macaques, and more. While the sanctuary may sometimes feel like "Disneyland-in-the-Ghats," its stunning mountain scenery and jungle walks ensure an enjoyable and immersive experience. Later in the evening, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake (additional cost), where you can spot wild animals in their natural habitat against the backdrop of the setting sun. After a day filled with adventure and wildlife encounters, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, refreshed and inspired by the natural wonders of Thekkady. Enjoy your evening, and anticipate the new experiences that await you tomorrow!
Your journey from Thekkady to Alleppey promises to be a continuation of Kerala's enchanting landscapes and cultural experiences. As you bid farewell to the wilderness of Thekkady, you'll soon find yourself in the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, often hailed as the "Venice of the East." Alleppey's immense natural beauty and intricate network of waterways offer a serene backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel or houseboat, where you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless charm of backwater cruising. If you're staying in a houseboat, your journey through the narrow canals amidst the paddy fields, coconut lagoons, and coir villages will be a highlight of your visit to Alleppey. Drifting along the tranquil waters, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Kerala's countryside, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. As the day comes to a close, take this time to refresh yourself and unwind in the serene surroundings of Alleppey. Whether you're staying in a hotel or a houseboat, your overnight stay promises to be a peaceful and rejuvenating one, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of Kerala's backwaters. Tomorrow holds more adventures, but for now, savor the tranquility of Alleppey and the memories you've created along the way. Enjoy your evening, and prepare for another day of exploration in "God's Own Country."
After early breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Kanyakumari. On arrival check into the hotel and proceed for local sightseeing tour in the afternoon. Kanyakumari is located at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent and represents the site where the spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda spent days in meditation upon a rock off of the coast. Padmanbhapuram Palace, Suchindram Temple, Devi Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda Memorial, Gandhidham and Triveni Sangam are some of the sightseeing attractions in Kanyakumari. Enjoy the sunset in the evening and overnight at Kanyakumari.
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Trivandrum, city of the Holy Ananth which is named after Ananthan, the cosmic serpent with a thousand heads. Visit Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple (260 yrs old) - the most religious icon of the city built by the Travancore Royal family, here the deity Padmanabha reclines on the sacred serpent & is made from over 10,000 salagramam (sacred stones) that were transported from Nepal by elephant. Secondly visit Puthe Maliga Palace Museum - a 200 year old palace which has carved wooden ceilings, marble sculptures & imported Belgian glass. Inside you’ll find Kathakali images, an armoury, portraits of maharajas, ornate thrones & other artefacts.
By evening proceed to Shankumugham Beach, the beach is well known for its breathtaking sunset view which is such memorable moment whose beauty will refresh your mind. The beautiful sculpture of a mermaid is a major attraction here, this giant statue is more than 35m long. Later return to Kovalam. Overnight stay at the Hotel
After breakfast proceed to Poovar. Poovar is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land. A rare find in Kerala.Poovar is basically a fishing village and the only way to reach Poovar is through water, it is known for its pristine and virginal beauty, Poovar Beach is haunted by those who love solitude. Day free for leisure in Poovar Island. Overnight stay at Hotel in Kovalam.
After breakfast proceed to Kochi & transfer to the hotel. Later head out for sightseeing covering the historical towns of Fort Cochin & Mattancherry which consists of wonderfully built atmosphere - thick with the smell of the past.Jewish Synagogue - a 400-year old synagogue. Enter the synagogue & the large main hall arrests your attention with display of rare antique objects that add to the grandeur of the place.
Secondly, The St. Francis Church well-known for its beautiful architecture & ambience & is believed to be one of the oldest churches built by the Europeans in India.Santa Cruz Basilica - (at extra cost) one of the eight Basilicas in India, this church is one of the finest & most impressive churches & visited by tourists the whole year round.Vasco House (built in the Portuguese style of architecture) is believed to be the house where Vasco Da Gama stayed during his visits to Kochi, right until his death in 1524.Later visit Fort Kochi beach & Chinese Fishing Nets - Nowhere else in India could you find such giant fishing nets from China. Back to the hotel for an overnight stay at Hotel.
As your journey through Kerala comes to a close, it's time to bid farewell to the captivating landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of "God's Own Country." After breakfast, you'll check out from your hotel in Alleppey and head to the Cochin airport for your departure back home.Reflecting on the beautiful memories you've created during your time in Kerala, from the lush tea plantations of Munnar to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, you'll carry with you a treasure trove of experiences that will stay with you forever.
As you travel back home, may the memories of Kerala's natural beauty and the warmth of its people continue to inspire and uplift you. Refresh yourself for the journey ahead, and may your travels be safe, comfortable, and filled with fond memories of your time in "God's Own Country."Farewell, and until we meet again, may your adventures continue to enrich your life with joy and wonder. Safe travels!
Munnar 2 nights, Thekkady 1 night, Alleppey 1 night, Kovalam 2 nights, Kochi 1 night