Kerala – land of nature
11 Nights/ 12 Days
Detailed Tour Itenerary
Cochin – Munnar – Periyar – Kumarakom – Houseboat – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Day 01 - Arrive Cochin
Arrive Cochin
Transfer to the hotel
Day at Leisure
Overnight at hotel
Your Kerala travel package begins with an arrival into Cochin, where you will be met at the airport by our representative and transferred to the hotel and assisted with check in formalities.
Cochin: - Cochin means harbour and even before the building of Ancient Rome, spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood were traded here. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is also one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port. It is its charm and a relatively good infrastructure that make it the ideal gateway to the state. This has been the case since 1341, the year nature carved out Cochin's harbor with a massive flood. As a result, Cochin became the first port of call for Arabs and came to be known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This city offers visitors Forts, palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters; palm fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a contemporary metro.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 - In Cochin
Breakfast at hotel
Full day City tour of Cochin
Evening enjoy the Kathakali dances
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:
Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61), as a gesture of goodwill. It was substantially renovated by the Dutch after 1663, hence it’s other name, the 'Dutch Palace'. The most important feature of this palace, however are the astonishing murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. These murals are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and extensive to be seen anywhere in India.
The Jewish synagogue- The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.
St Francis church - It is the oldest church built by European in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.
Cochin Harbor: Cochin harbor terminus where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight. The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
Later in the evening you will be picked up and taken to a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted to depict various characters of these epics. This dance has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet articulate body movements.
Dinner in Rice Boat Restaurant in Vivanta by Taj Malabar with sea view with international seafood dishes or Malabar Junction Restaurant in hotel Malabar House with Light music. Overnight at Hotel
Day 03 - Cochin – Munnar (Drive: 4 hours approx.)
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Munnar
Check-in at hotel
Day at Leisure
Overnight at hotel
After Breakfast at the hotel drive to Munnar. Upon arrival, Check into the hotel.
Munnar is a magnificent hill station in the Western Ghats at about 5000 feet above sea level. This is one of the best hill stations in Kerala and is the major centre of Kerala's tea industry. Munnar means three rivers and the town is located at the confluence of 3 mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. These 3 stream confluence at the heart of the town and meet all the water requirements of the settlers and visitors. Munnar has lakes, forests and several tea estates. Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India (2695 m/8883 ft.) is nearby. Munnar was the British Government's Summer Resort in the South and it has been the favorite summer resort of the European sellers for centuries.
Day at Leisure to enjoy the plantations.
Dinner in woodpecker Restaurant in Spice Tree hotel with Candle Light, overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 - In Munnar
Breakfast at hotel
City Tour
Overnight at hotel
Today you will visit the local tea estates and museum with your guide.
Tata Tea Museum –that houses photographs and machinery, each depicting a turning point that contributed to the flourishing tea industry. Some of the items on display include the original tea roller, the 'Rotorvane,' dating back to 1905; the 'Pelton Wheel' used in the power generation plant that existed in the 1920s. Thereafter proceed to Mattupetty which is an artificial lake built by a small hydroelectric project and Echo Point.
Return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05 - Munnar – Periyar (Drive: 4 hours approx.)
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Periyar
Check-in at hotel.
Afternoon visit Periyar National Park by boat
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast, you will start your drive to Periyar.
Periyar - Situated in the Idukki district of God’s Own Country, Kerala, Periyar or Thekkady as it is commonly known, is famous as one of the best places to see the Asian Elephant. Today, it is one of the very few spanholds of this magnificent pachyderm in Southern India. The uniqueness of this sanctuary is the Periyar Lake, an artificial lake, which was created by damming the Periyar River a century ago. Thekkady consists mainly of Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest. Some areas of thekkady also house pristine Evergreen forests. The varieties in habitats ensure that the diversity of flora and fauna is absolutely amazing with a magnificent variety of animals - the elephant, the bison, Gaur, Sambar deer, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs and most importantly the tiger that is main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
On arrival in Periyar, check in at hotel.
Later you will be picked up from hotel for a boat ride on the Lake Periyar to watch wild life. All tourist activity is concentrated around the splendid artificial Periyar lake, an incredible way to experience the sanctuary. There are an estimated 700 elephants roaming these forests. Most of the population is generally concentrated on the banks of the Periyar Lake and come to the lake to frolic in the water.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06 - Periyar – Kumarakom (Drive: 4 ½ hours approx.)
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Kumarakom
Check-in at hotel
Day at Leisure
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and start your drive to Kumarakom.
Kumarakom: The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerela. Kumarakom strengthens Kerala’s reputation for being God’s own country with its unbelievably beautiful mangrove forests, coconut groves and emerald green paddy fields interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies. It is part of the Kuttanad region, and the bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any ornithologist's paradise. This enchanting backwater destination offers visitors many leisure options. From wandering into the depths of its wildlife sanctuary to cruising down the back waters and fishing, Kumarakom is perfect for a lazy and laid back holiday. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads. Kumarakom is an example of nature at her bountiful best in the fragrant flowers, the riot of multi coloured birds, the surrounding greenery and the clear waters.
On arrival in Kumarakom, check in at the hotel. Spend rest of the day enjoying the resort’s facilities & Backwaters.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07 - Kumarakom
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
This morning, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and view some varied species of local and migratory inside the bird sanctuary. A birdwatcher's haven, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, covers an impressive expanse of 14 acres. A large variety of different birds can be found at the sanctuary at any given time. Numerous migratory birds even from places like Siberia visit the
sanctuary. It is common to see golden-backed woodpeckers, night herons, kingfishers, paradise fly-catchers and egrets. Also enjoy a boat ride on the Vembanad lake on direct payment basis (subject to weather conditions). Spend rest of the day enjoying the resort’s facilities & Backwaters.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08 - Kumarakom – Alleppey (Houseboat)
Breakfast at hotel
Board the house-boat
Meals & Overnight on board Houseboat.
After breakfast, board your private house boat for an overnight stay.
House Boat - A highlight of any holiday in Kerala is a night spent onboard a houseboat, or a rice barge. These converted rice barges or "Kettuvallams" sail along shallow, palm-fringed lakes and narrow canals where coconut and cashew is loaded onto dugouts. You pass villages built on narrow spits of land, stopping to visit local markets, or to marvel at craftsmen engaged in centuries-old boat-making tradition. The boats offer one or two cabins with a small sitting room and a crew of 2 staff and a chef. The food is authentic Kerala cuisine, purchased fresh along the way. For most of the journey, the boat is poled, sailing only between dawn and dusk. Although the accommodation on board is basic, this is an unforgettable experience.
Dinner onboard on the boat, overnight on board Houseboat.
Day 09 - Alleppey – Kovalam (Drive: 3 hours approx.)
Breakfast on board the house-boat
Disembark the houseboat
Drive to Kovalam
Check-in at the hotel
Day at Leisure
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast, disembark the houseboat in Alleppey and drive to Kovalam.
Kovalam is Kerala’s most famous beach, and is a popular tourist destination. Kovalam beach, was discovered by the western hippies in the 1960s. It was they who chanced upon this hidden paradise, till then a fishing village. It has since become one of the most popular beach destinations. Kovalam has today acquired all the trappings of a beach resort. The seaside eateries serving a fusion of Indian and continental food, itinerant hawkers, fast food vendors, pubs etc.
On arrival in Kovalam, check at the hotel.
Spend rest of the day enjoying the beach and the resort’s facilities.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10 - In Kovalam
Breakfast at hotel
Day free to relax
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast in the hotel, no activities are scheduled. Spend rest of the day enjoying the beach and the resort’s facilities.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11 - Kovalam – Trivandrum Depart
Breakfast at hotel
Free time to relax
Check-out from hotel
Transfer to airport
Board the flight
Morning at leisure. Your Kerala tour ends with a transfer to Trivandrum airport in time for your flight home.