Overview

Kerala, a unique destination, also called “God’s own country” ,offers travelers unparalleled experiences, where you can enjoy the Indo Dutch architecture of Fort Cochin, the lush green hill stations of Munnar , enchanting woods and wildlife of Thekkady and the timeless beauty of the palm fringed beaches of Kovalam. Holiday in Kerala takes you through all of this and much more, and even gives you a chance to spend an overnight on a traditional Houseboat, while cruising through the backwaters bordering the Vembanad Lake.

Day 1 : Arrival in Cochin

Upon your arrival in Kochi, you will meet our representative/ driver at the airport/railway station, who will take you to your pre booked hotel. Enjoy a half-day tour of Cochin. Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city, also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. The twin cities of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry have preserved an extraordinary wealth of really old colonial architecture spanning the Portuguese, Dutch and the British eras. Visit Fort Cochin… walk to the church of St Francis, the oldest European-built church in the country. Also explore the 282-year-old Dutch Cemetery in Fort Kochi. Continue your tour with a visit to Mattancherry, where you will visit the historic synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, built over 400 years ago. The Synagogue itself is elaborately decorated. You will also visit the Mattancherry or Dutch Palace, constructed in 1555. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics. Thereafter, drive past the amazing Chinese Fishing Nets, strung out along the tip of the peninsula. Also drive past Willingdon Island, a man-made island that belongs to the Port Trust and the Indian Navy. Return to hotel for overnight stay at Cochin..

Day 2 : Cochin – Munnar (130 Kms / approx. 4 to 5 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams and perched 1600 mts above sea level. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and waterfalls, makes a unique sight for sore eyes and cure for sore minds. Upon arrival, check in at your pre booked hotel. Evening is at leisure. Overnight stay at Munnar.

Day 3 : Munnar

Today, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Munnar. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum in the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea, which showcases some of the exquisite and interesting aspects of the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machinery. Also visit Mattupetty, located about 13 km from Munnar. Mattupetty is known for its dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides. Later visit the Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake… the mountain slopes here are thick with undulating, evergreen tea plantations. The shimmering blue lake is the most photographed part of Kundala. Take a stroll in the tea estate, and enjoy the refreshing mountain breeze. Here you can view the entire process of making tea, right from plucking of tealeaves to their processing. Return to hotel & overnight stay.

Day4: Munnar – Thekkady (110 Kms. / approx. 4 to 5 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady. Upon arrival, check in at your pre booked hotel. Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Periyar. Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Herds of playful wild elephants have made Periyar Lake their favorite haunt for frolicking in the water. They can be witnessed bathing and swimming here. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake to view the wildlife at close quarters ( by your own). Other inhabitants of Periyar include the leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and sloth bear. Later, take a spice plantation tour. The aroma and pleasant ambiance of the spice and tea plantations of Periyar are fascinating. Spices found in Thekkady include pepper, clove, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, vanilla and curry leaves. You can also enjoy an elephant ride in Periyar Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Day 5 : Thekkady – Alleppey (145 Kms. / approx. 3 to 4 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival check in at your pre booked houseboat. Enjoy a day cruise and overnight stay on a house boat in Alleppey. Alleppey, “Venice of the East” has a large network of canals that meander through the town and surrounding villages… the Snake Boat Race held every year in August in the backwaters is a major attraction. An enchanting glide in a “Kettuvallam” (Houseboat) takes you through palm fringed narrow canals, winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and tiny hamlets. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky share the backwaters with country boats of various types … carrying passengers from all walks of Kerala’s rural life ranging from the milkman and newspaper boy to local politicians, priests and wedding parties. Overnight stay at houseboat.

Day 6: Alleppey – Cochin (90 Kms./ approx. 3 to 4 hours drive)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kochi airport / railway station for your onward journey.

Inclusion

  • 1 night accommodation in Cochin.
  • 2 nights accommodation in Munnar.
  • 1 night accommodation in Thekkady.
  • 1 night accommodation in Alleppey houseboat with all meals (Air Conditioner will work from 9 PM to 6 AM) .
  • Daily buffet breakfast in hotels.
  • A/C vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
  • All applicable taxes.

Exclusions

  • Any Air/ Train Tickets.
  • Expenses of personal nature.
  • All entrances & guide charges.
  • Any other items/services not mentioned in “ Inclusions “.

Important Informatio

Non A/c rooms will be provided in Munnar & Thekkady.