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.
Trivandrum: Thiruvananthapuram shot into prominence in the 18th century when the capital was shifted here form Padmanabhapuram, a little down south. The erstwhile kings of the then Travancore State, taking on the title of Padmanabhadas (servant of Lord), had dedicated themselves completely to the service of the Lord residing in the temple here. By the terms of this dedication, the deity owns the kingdom while the king is the mere executor of the trust. The temples in the city are believed to be several thousands years old. After independence, the city was designated as the capital of Kerala.
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.
Kovalam: On the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village; called Kovalam is 16 kms away from Trivandrum, a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. The beach resort here is of international standard. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a paradise of nature.
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 4 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.
Alleppey situated in south of Cochin, is the center for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of canals, which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. It is also the center of the famous coir products of Kerala. Nehru Trophy Boat Race - the most colorful snake-boat race in Kerala - is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.
Alleppey A glide in a "Kettuvalam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. 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.
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.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks is a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
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 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.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq.miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centerpiece, 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. The lake is an important source of water for the many wild animals. The Best time to visit Periyar is between OCTOBER and MAY. The best chance of watching animals is during the hot months of march, April and May, when water gets low and the grass dries out, animals especially elephants come down to the Periyar lake to bath & frolic in the water with the young ones.
07 Day:
Periyar - Munnar (110 kms - 3 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.
Munnar, the erstwhile 'summer capital of the British', has become the most sought after holiday destination in South India. It is the luxuriant gift of nature to the Western Ghats, the eastern border of Kerala, 5000ft above sea level. Dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and major cash crop plantations cover most of this region. Munnar abounds in animals like elephants and Nilgiri Thar and rich biodiversity teeming with flora and fauna.
08 Day: Munnar - Cochin
(200 kms - 4 - 5 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.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate. Cochin is situated in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'
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
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