Kerala Backwater Tour and Beaches
DAY 01 -DELHI / COCHIN (By Air)
Arrive Cochin by flight. Assistance upon arrival and transfer to the Hotel. Later half day sightseeing tour of Cochin. Known as the queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most interesting cities of India and has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. St Francis Church, built in 1510 by friars brought to India by Vasco da Gama, is the first European church built in India and is the site where da Gama was buried. The Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568, Chinese hand-painted tiles are one of the attraction. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. The "Dutch Palace" was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Keralite flooring - a subtle mix of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites - which gives the effect of polished marble.
Evening participate in Kathakali dance show performed by local artists.
Overnight in COCHIN
DAY 02- COCHIN- MUNNAR
Morning, after breakfast, drive to Munnar (135 kms / 3 hrs), known as nature lover’s paradise. Enjoy the sightseeing places of Munnar. Munnar, the nature-lover’s paradise, snuggling in the green and serene Kannan Devan Hills lies the quiet and restful resort of Munnar, at an altitude of 1524 m and 136 km off Cochin. Panoramic views of low-flying clouds and mist filled valleys make it a pretty little heaven with a cool bracing climate.
Overnight in MUNNAR
DAY 03- MUNNAR
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Munnar. Visit, Mattupetty, Top Station, Kundala etc. Visit Eravikulam National Park known for the Nilgiri Thar, an endangered species and Mattuppetty dam. Visit tea plantation and tea factory, to watch tea being picked, to learn how tea is processed, smell the sweet scent of tea wafting through the air and buy the tea directly from the gardens.
Overnight in MUNNAR
DAY 04 - MUNNAR –PERIYAR
After breakfast drive to Periyar (165 kms / 03½ hrs), the famous wildlife destination of Kerala. Perched amidst dense greenery, in the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the sole Tiger reserve of the Country, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna, is the ultimate reservoir, of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants, which come down to the lakes edge. Evening, enjoy a boat cruise through the Periyar Lake.
Overnight in PERIYAR
DAY 05 - PERIYAR
Day at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight in PERIYAR
DAY 06 - PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM - ALLEPPEY (BY HOUSEBOAT)
After breakfast, check out from the Hotel and drive to Kumarakom, (165 kms / 4 hrs) which is famous for its backwater and scenic beauty, sprinkled with traditional houseboats, country crafts, rural lifestyles and Tranquility. On arrival at Kumarakom embark a Houseboat to Alleppey. What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Meals would be cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. Today, the tradition is still continued and the food from the local cuisine is served by the Kuttanad localities, on board! Enjoy your dinner and overnight at the HOUSEBOAT.
DAY 07- ALLEPPEY – KOVALAM
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and proceed to Kovalam (150 kms/ 3 hrs), the world-renowned beach destination. Kovalam is a world famous Indian tropical beach, boarded by blue waters and lush coconut gardens, is a western cultural dot on a traditional and orthodox Kerala physique. Blue water and favorable climate make Kovalam a favourite year-round spot for swimming. Sea, here, is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters.
Overnight in KOVALAM
DAY 08- KOVALAM
Day at leisure for independent activities
Overnight in KOVALAM
DAY09-KOVALAM – KANYAKUMARI - KOVALAM
Morning, depart for Kanyakumari (90 kms – One way / 1 ½hrs) the southernmost tip of the Peninsula. En-route, visit Padmanabhapuram palace and Sucheendram Temple. Kanyakumari, once referred to as the "ALEXANDRIA OF THE EAST", has been a great centre for art, culture, civilization and pilgrimage for years. This is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique experience of watching the sunset and moonrise simultaneously on a full moon evening. Enjoy the sightseeing place of Kanyakumari. After sunset, drive back to Kovalam.
Overnight in KOVALAM
DAY 10-KOVALAM
Day at leisure for independent activities
Overnight in KOVALAM
DAY 11- KOVALAM/TRIVANDRUM/DELHI
Day at leisure for independent activities. On time transfer to the airport to board the flight for home.
Overnight in KOVALAM
