Daywise Itinerary
ARRIVAL
Arrive at Cochin Airport / Ernakulum Railway Station and transfer to the destination. Arrive in Cochin and Check in to Hotel. Famously known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan and a bustling port-side city of Kochi is steeped in tradition with a perfect mix if Portuguese, Dutch, British and Indian culture. Think Kochi and the first image that comes to mind is that of the Chinese fishing net set against an evening sky. Although these nets are fast becoming a thing of past, but a dozen or so giant cantilevered Chinese fishing nets could be found at Fort Cochin's northeastern shore. The grandeur and lifestyle of the royals in the bygone era is well portrayed in the museum housed in Mattancherry Palace, also called Dutch Palace, which is in itself is an architectural chef d'oeuvre of the 16th century illustrating a fine mix of colonial and Kerala style of architectures. St. Francis Church exemplifies the colonial struggle of Europeans in the subcontinent. It also has mortal remains and belongings of Portuguese explorers, including that of the legendry Vasco Da Gama. You also visit the Jew Town & see the oldest synagogue. Today the Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest functioning Jewish house of prayer not only in Kerala but in the whole of India and the rest of the British Commonwealth.
KOCHI-MUNNAR
Arrive at Kochi Airport / Ernakulum Railway Station and transfer to Munnar. Nestled at the concurrence of three rivers, Munnar is one charming, beautiful hill stations of Kerala. Named as the “Natural spa of Kerala”, Munnar is a paradise, noted for its exceptional shades of green, rotating tea-planted hills and cool, refreshing climate. At a height of 2695 mts above sea level, Rajamala is a place to find the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat with short prickly fur and broad build, in its natural habitat. The views from the Mattupetty Dam, the storage concrete gravity dam will take you to a world of peace. A walk along the dam leads you to the lake, which attracts a number of animals and birds, making it a haven for avian enthusiasts. The surrounding shola forests offer trekking options to adventure enthusiasts. Lockhart Gap is situated close to Mattupetty and is an ideal place for adventure trekking and adventure activities. Take a cruise, or boat along the Kundala Lake, for splendid view of the majestic landscapes & rich forest (optional). Continue the sightseeing tour, and reach Echo Point; a picturesque spot earns its name because of echoing of self voice all around. Scream loud...hear your voice resonating in the undulating hills!
MUNNAR
Find peace in the lush green hills of Munnar. After breakfast take a stroll along the verdant hills amidst the mist and transport yourself in a world of fantasy. The mist, the hill station, green plankton all around will definitely make you feel high on life. The rolling pastures of tea that cover this fantastic region give this place its surreal look. The scenes makes it look like a paradise out of a fairy tale and a ideal place for honeymoon couples as well as for those who want to spend some quiet time amidst beautiful nature with incredible views to behold. July-October is the time to see the Neelakurinji bloom (a purplish blue flower that usually blooms once in 12 years and carpets the hills with colour). Pallivasal, Anayirangal, Top Station, Chinnakanal are some of small hamlets which have something to offer for everyone. From National parks, to waterfalls and wildlife Sanctuaries, Munnar can bewitch your all day. Did you know that the movie Life of Pi has a Munnar connection? Yes, the verdant tea gardens do play a role in the film 'Life of Pi'. Don’t forget to visit the Life of Pi Church too. If you are into hiking, then Meesapulimala could be your delight. Imagine passing through the beautifully landscaped location overlooking dazzling hillocks and milky waterfalls. Treat your eyes with the beauty of Munnar from here; high-altitude plants, foggy climate, tea gardens far and wide (optional).
MUNNAR-TEKKADY
Thekkady is undoubtedly a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The real pleasure of experiencing Thekkady and Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is taking a bamboo rafting session or a tranquil forest lake boat cruise; it’s also a great wildlife-spotting experience with chances of spotting herds of elephants, boars, deers and unique birdlife. You are also given option of trekking, mountain walks and hiking. Jungle Night Patrol and Tribal Heritage Walk is another unique way to understand the forest and wildlife up-close. The best way to introduce yourself to the vibrant culture of the region is at the Tribal Heritage Museum (optional).Thekkady is no doubt the heartland of spices. Spice Walk through the acres of eco friendly plantation is a delightful way of discovering all the secrets of cardamom, pepper, rubber, vanilla, coffee and tea plantations. You also have an option of taking an elephant ride to get access to otherwise inaccessible areas reached by foot.
THEKKADY-ALLEPPEY
Alappuzha aka Alleppey is pretty much the face of the Kerala backwaters, honeycombed by numerous canals, lakes, rivers and rivulets. Take a leisurely cruise along the laidback backwaters on a houseboat. Drift along the quiet waters of the gorgeous Vembanad Lake, and get the amazing experience of the village lifestyle in the state and its rustic activities like coir-making and prawn farming. You cannot miss the breathtaking view of the water, land, birds and human habitation on the water side, coexisting peacefully. It will be a very peaceful and relaxing experience. Enjoy the local delicacies with toddy (Kerala's indigenous alcoholic drink, made from the sap of palm trees). Delectable it would be to taste the special Kerala dishes with a glass of toddy. Witness the sunset and watch nature basking in glory in a magnificent way. For the ultimate experience, don't miss seeing a sunset at Allepey Beach. The beach also has a lighthouse for that bird’s eye view and remains of a 140-year- old bridge still stand at the beach. Kuttanad, the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala', which lies at the very heart of the backwaters, is a larger mosaic of fragmented landscape patches and varied ecosystems, covered with the bright green paddy fields, and remarkably networked water ways, separated by dykes.
ALLEPPEY- KANYAKUMARI
Located to the west of Kerala, Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon days. The beach itself is a beautiful sight with golden sands giving it a vivid hue. Enjoy the thrill of standing on the Vivekananda’s Rock, a memorial situated on a gigantic rock 500m away from the mainland. The Vivekananda Rock memorial is another symbol of the united aspiration of Nation. It was on this rock that the Swami Vivekananda meditated before leaving for Chicago to address the World Religious Conference in 1892.With a history that has roots in mythology, the Devi Kanyakumari Temple has a shining diamond nose ring and it is visible even from the sea. Suchindram, the temple town, located 11 kilometres from kanyakumari is famous for the Thanumalayan Temple, which was built in the 17th century is famous for its sculptural wealth and we’ll known for its quality of workmanship (optional).
KANYAKUMARI- KOVALAM
Gods own Country has the pristine blue water, white sand, vibrant coral reefs, and calmness that fill in the air. Its long coastline, with her history of spice-trade, is inextricably intertwined with her culture, life, and traditions. Enjoy the sandy beaches and tranquil waters of the crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam. The lighthouse dominates the rocky promontory and is quite a captivating sight during moonlit nights. Surf in these seductive beaches. Non-surfers can take long strolls on empty beaches, enjoy a massage or sample fresh local seafood. The royal city of Thiruvananthapuram occupies a special place in the history of the state and one see lots of historic monuments and religious centers maketh its vibrant culture. The city owes its name to the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, situated right in the heart of the City. The temple portrays both Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture; but it is all the more popular for its immense wealth, the secret vaults and the mysterious underground doors. Kuthira Maligai Palace and Art Gallery promulgates the City's artistic and cultural splendour. The well-maintained zoo houses quite many animals including a few rare species.
KOVALAM
The day is free at leisure. Kovalam is not only about sun, surf, sandy beaches and the blue sky; it is also about beach sports like paragliding, swimming, surfing and parasailing. Take a leisure walk on the beach while taking in the breathtaking sunrises or sunsets, revitalize their body and mind doing a spa or Ayurvedic massage at Somatheeram, or else enjoy a delicious hearty meal of continental and local delicacies in the beach shacks and eateries that line the coast.
DEPARTURE
Check out from the hotel and drive to Thiruvananthapuram Airport / Railway Station for departure.