Destinations: Cochin-Munnar-Thekkady-Periyar-Thekkady-Kumarakon-Houseboat-Alleppy-Kovalam-Trivandrum.

ITINERARY

Day 1. Arrive Cochin

Arrive Cochin by Flight. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. One of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi earlier known as Cochin, is the oldest European settlement in India. Many influences including Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese are contained within its environment. With its wealth of historical associations and beautiful setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin or Kochi, reflects the eclecticism of Kerala perfectly. Traders from the West came to Kerala as far back as the 3rd century B.C. and took back with them spices, ivory and teak. Much later, in the 15th century, the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British came to this region in the guise of merchants, some to stay on as colonial rulers. They all left their impression on the town. Modern Cochin is a splendid mosaic myriad where Portuguese architecture and British influences all blend harmoniously with the basic thread of Kerala’s rich heritage. Here you can also see the oldest church in India. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2. Cochin

After breakfastvisit the Dutch Palace originally built by the Portuguese, which houses a fine collection of mural paintings, the St. Francis Church, which is the oldest church, built by Europeans in India, the Chinese Fishing nets that line the tip of Fort Cochin and which are the only ones of their kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Finally visit the Hill Palace Museum (closed on Mondays), which displays articles of archeological importance. In the evening attend a Traditional Kathakali dance performance. The Dance involves the enactment of an episode from the epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The performers convey moods, emotions and inner sensibilities by facial expressions and gestures. The costume of the Kathakali dance is a striking sight. The elaborate facial paint made from rice power treated with various colors, is an indication of the nature of the character being portrayed. The heroes have green faces; the villain’s red or black, while the holy men and female characters have yellow faces. Overnight at Hotel

Day 3. Cochin – Munnar

After breakfast drive to Munnar. A journey about 04 hrs. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Munnar.Overnight stay at Munnar.

Breath taking beauty and a haven of peace and tranquility make Munnar one of the most idyllic tourist destinations in Kerala. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the 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, Munnar has all these and more.

Afternoon visit the Tata Tea Museum that offers a wealth of information on tea and its production, the CSI Church that was built in 1910. With its stained glass decorations and brass plaques, the church is quite a wonderful place to visit. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 4.Munnar- Thekkady

After breakfast drive from Munnar to Periyar. A journey of about 03 hrs.Rest of the day at leisure.Overnight stay in Periyar.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary lies around the lake, on the cool hills of the Western Ghats, the heartland of which luxuriate in matted coffee, tea, pepper and cardamom plantations.Periyar offers one of the most sybaritic ways of seeing big game. The tropical jungle around Periyar lake can be explored on the foot as well but one can lounge in a motor launch as it drifts around a bend and comes into sight of elephants, deer or bison coming to the shores of the lake for a drink. It is famous for its wild elephants and boasts a large population of Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog and many species of birds. During the dry season when water-holes within the forest are dry, leopards and tigers also pad up to the lake for water. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 5.Thekkady

Morning and afternoon game view at Periyar national park by common boat . Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6.Thekkady – Kumarakom-House Boat

After breakfast drive toKumarakom a journey of about 04 hrs. On arrival embark houseboat for Alleppey.Overnight on houseboat.

With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers cress crossing it, Alleppey is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. Overnight on House Boat.

Day 7.Alleppy– Kovalam

Disembark the houseboat at Alleppey and later drive to Kovalam. A journey of about 04 hrs. Overnight in Kovalam.

Kovalam. The internationally renowned beach, which is a strip of golden land lying side by side with the serene blue waters of Arabian sea and rich greenery of the coconut groves, has been developed into an integrated seaside resort.
Kovalam consists of three consecutive crescent shaped beaches, a massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. There are numerous bars and cafes lined up on the shore side and you can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood or continental cuisine.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 8.Kovalam

Day at leisure for independent activities.Overnight at Hotel.

Day 9.Kovalam – Trivandrum Departure

After breakfast transfer to Trivandrum airport for your flight to onward destination.