01
Day: Arrival Trivandrum (By Air) - Kovalam (16
Kms - ½ hour):
Welcome and assistance on arrival at Trivandrum
airport. And directly drive to Kovalam, on arrival
transfers to the beach resort. Day free to relax
and leisure activities at beach resort.
02 Day: Kovalam -
Trivandrum - Cape Camorin - Kovalam (Excursion
90 Kms - 2 hours):
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of Trivandrum
city, (16 kms) the capital of the state of Kerala
is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills.
The famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Swami Temple is
dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city.
Later drive to Cape Camorin also known as Kanya
Kumari, this place is at the tail tip end of India,
one can see the 3 seas meet over here (Arabian
Sea, Indian Ocean & bay of Bengal) on arrival
visit Kumari Amman Devi Temple, Vivekananda Rock
& Ashram, enjoy sunset over here & drive
back to Kovalam for overnight.
03 Day: Kovalam:
The day is free for leisure and you can enjoy
Ayurveda massage at the resort. Rest of the day
is free for beach activities. Overnight at beach
resort at Kovalam.
04 Day: Kovalam -
Alleppey (175 Kms 3 hours) Backwaters tours through
sailing boat to Kumarakom:
After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey,
on arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for
the journey of backwaters in the boat, through
the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters
of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which
Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm
fringed narrow canals winding through the vast
expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets
lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic
sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing
nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links,
are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming
around the banks and tiny birds flying across
the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting
the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy
fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset
from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving towards
Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity;
sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with
attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded
kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight
at the houseboat.
05 Day: Kumarakom:
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat
and drive to Kumarakom - for the nature-lover.
Here in this backwater town, you can laze in a
canoe amidst sylvan surroundings where the only
presence is yours and the egrets. Later visit
at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks
of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where
numerous species of birds, including Darters,
Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals
and several varieties of Herons roost are found.
For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always
advisable to carry their binoculars at all times.
Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss out
on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh
water food and the local wine. Overnight stay
at Kumarakom.
06 Day: Kumarakom
- Thekkaddy /Periyar (140 kms - 3 ½ hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Thekkaddy,
on arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit
at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's biggest
wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300
Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centrepiece,
the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000
ft. covers 26 sq. km, running through the forests
of the Western Ghats in Kerala, discover the park,
animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur
and wild animals found here include elephant,
sambar, gaur and wild boars and birds like ibis
and grey heron. The visit is done in a boat to
view animals with a bit of extra luck we may be
able to see the rare tiger as well. Later in the
evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops
of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates
etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could
stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant
spices. Overnight at Periyar.
07 Day: Periyar -
Munnar (110 kms - 2 ½ hours):
After an early breakfast drive to Munnar, on arrival
transfer to the hotel, the word "Munnar"
means three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala) are joining together
here. During the British rule in India, Munnar
was the summer resort of the Government officials.
The natural beauty, calmness and mild cold climate
throughout the year make it the favourite tourist
place. There are about 30 tea plantations in and
around Munnar. The tea estates, hills, lakes and
forests inside Munnar range exposes it's beauty.
The Munnar hills are covered by tea plants, which
makes the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet.
Munnar also has the highest peak in south India,
Anamudi, which towers over 2695 M. Anamudi is
an ideal spot for trekking. Later visit at Eravikulam
National Park (15 km from Munnar,) The Nilgiri
Tahr can be observed at close quarters here. This
park is established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr
(Nilgiri Ibex). The park is breathtakingly beautiful
and is easily comparable to the best mountain
ranges found anywhere in the world. Enjoy the
tea plantation and Munnar Lake site. Return to
the hotel for overnight stay.
08 Day: Munnar - Cochin
(200 kms - 4 hours):
After an early breakfast checkout and drive to
Cochin. On arrival transfer to the hotel. After
some relaxation take a sight seeing tour of Cochin:
Oasis state of Kerala & on to the Malabar
Coasts & Kochi (formerly Cochin), one of the
India's most colourful cities. This inter, connected
series of Islands & shoreline presents a vivacious
blend of Cultures & Religions; Visit to Fort
Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town
of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue
& the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace.
This evening a memorable experience in any journey
in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed
Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this
extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along
the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing
nets. From our launch, we enjoy use of narrow
produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday life
of families living on narrow spits of land between
the waters. In the evening enjoy the Kathakali,
one of India's most famous Classical dances. Lavish
Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify
the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments.
Overnight at Cochin.
09 Day: Cochin - Back
home:
Today after breakfast the day is free till your
scheduled departure to the onwards flight for
hometown. At the time of departure transfer to
the airport, on departure the tour concludes with
happy memories |