01
Day: Arrival Cochin:
Assistance on arrival at Cochin airport, you will be
meeting our representative and transferred to the hotel.
After some rest and relaxation take a sightseeing 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'.
02 Day: Cochin - Cherai
Beach (35 kms - 1 hour):
Morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive
to Cherai. The closest decent beach to Cochin. The beach
shelters a backwater and supports an active fishing
community, some of whom use Chinese fishing nets. Overnight
stay at Cherai beach.
The Cherai Beach borders Vypeen Island. This beautiful beach is studded with seashells of various hues and shapes. The nearby village gives you glimpses of rural Kerala and Cherai's main industry- prawn farming. This lovely beach is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach. Cherai is well known for seafood and country wine - Toddy. From Ernakulam you have to take the boat from High Court Jetty or the Main boat jetty to Vypeen
03 Day: Cherai Beach:
After breakfast the day is free for rest and individual
activities in the Cherai beach, the paradise of sun,
sand, sea and surf. Later return to the hotel for overnight
at Cherai beach.
04 Day: Cherai Beach -
Munnar (132 kms - 3 hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Munnar. On arrival
transfer to the hotel. Day free for rest and leisure
activities in the Munnar. Later visit at Rajmalai Wild
Life sanctuary - this is the only sanctuary in India
where Indian Ibex’s are found, followed by visit
at Kannan Devan Hills from here you can have a panoramic
view of Munnar Tea Estates & the Lake of Munnar.
Overnight at the hotel.
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three-mountain streams-Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.1600 M above sea level; this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.Munnar's greenery and cool air mainly draws well- heeled honeymooners from Mumbai and Delhi. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Munnar also has the highest peak in south India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 M. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking
05 Day: Munnar:
After breakfast you can opt to visit to Mattupetty famous
for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-Swiss
live stock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding
cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three
of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm, followed by
visit to Pothamedu which offers an excellent view of
the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar.
The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking
scenery here is ideal for trekking and Long Mountain
walks. Later visit at Devikulam (7 km from Munnar).
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic
flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare
experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters
and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.
The lake is also ideal for trout fishing. Return to
the hotel for overnight stay at Munnar.
Optionally you can visit Eravikulam National Park (15
km from Munnar) the park is 97 sq. km, situated in the
Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. Considering
the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and
zoological significance, it was declared as a National
park in 1978. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and
is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found
anywhere in the world. Later return to the hotel for
overnight at Munnar.
06 Day: Munnar- Periyar:
(110 kms: 3 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.
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 - Kumarakom
(114 kms - 3 hrs):
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.
08 Day: Kumarakom - Alleppey:
Backwaters tours through sailing boat to Alleppey:
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.
09 Day: Alleppey - Cochin
(65 Kms - 1 ½ hour) - Hometown (By Air):
After breakfast disembark the houseboat and drive to
Cochin. On arrival transfer to the international airport
to board the scheduled flight for your Home Town. On
departure the tour concludes with happy memories.
