01
Day: Arrival Mumbai
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the International airport, our representative welcome you and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would brief the tour to you and hand over the documents. Overnight at the hotel.
Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumba Devi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by nos time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.
02 Day: Mumbai:
After breakfast takes a sight seeing tour of Bombay,
drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats
to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you
to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses
large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is
made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of
the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls
are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is
the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God
is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the
creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway
of India, one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other
several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar
serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of
Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple,
Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel for overnight.
Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museums are
closed on every Monday.
03 Day: Mumbai –
Cochin (By Air):
Early morning after breakfast check out the hotel and
transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Cochin. On arrival check in to the hotel after relaxation take
a sightseeing tour 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, Bolghatty palace, From the launch, we enjoy use
of narrow produced - Laden dugouts & the everyday
life of families living on narrow spits of land between
the waters, cruise till the mouth of the sea and enjoy
sun set. Overnight at the hotel.
04 Day: Cochin:
After breakfast take a city 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; visiting FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites
included Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica,
St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Jewish
Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation
of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak
wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of
balance. Records say they were first set up here between
AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade
that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch
the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. 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'.
05 Day: Cochin –
Munnar (200 kms - 4 hours):
After an early breakfast drive to Munnar, on arrival
transfer to the hotel, Munnar is located at the Idukki
district of Kerala State in India. 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 favorite tourist places. 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 make
Periyar the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Later
take 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, 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.
06 Day: Munnar:
After breakfast you can opt to visit to Mattupetty is
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.
07 Day: Munnar –
Periyar (110 kms – 3 ½ hour):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Thekkaddy / Periyar,
on arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit at Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary - a Tiger Reserve. Discover the park;
animals found here include elephant; sambar, gaur and
wild animals found here 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.
08 Day: Periyar –
Alleppey (114 kms – 2 ½ 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.
09 Day: Kumarakom:
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat. And drive
to check in the resort at Kumarakom. 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. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen
and fresh toddy the favorite 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
10 Day: Kumarakom –
Kovalam (140kms –2 ½ hrs):
The break fast will be served on board, then disembark
from the house boat and drive to Kovalam through green
coastal belt and cashew plantations. Check into the
hotel. Day free to relax with the option of herbal oil
massage. Overnight at Kovalam.
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.
11Day: Kovalam:
After breakfast day free to explore Kovalam on your
own. The coastal village of Kovalam may lie just 10
km south of Thiruvananthapuram but, as Kerala's most
developed beach resort, it’s a world away from
the rest of the state. Overnight in Kovalam.
12 Day: Kovalam - Trivandrum - Kovalam:
Morning after breakfast take an excursion tour to Trivandrum
city (16 kms) visiting the ancient temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy
is one of the major attractions in the city of Trivandrum,
Museum was built in 1880 and shows a harmonious blending
of Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural
styles. Sri Chitra Art Gallery has a good collection
Tanjore, Mughal, and Rajput schools of art. The Zoo
in Thiruvananthapuram has many shady and delightful
walks. Overnight at Kovalam.
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.
13 Day: Kovalam - Kanyakumari
– Kovalam ( Excursion 80 kms – 1 ½
hrs):
After breakfast check out and drive to Kanyakumari.
On arrival transfer to the hotel. Late visit Kumari
Amman Temple, Gandhi Mandapam, Swami Vivekananda Memorial
and Thiruvalluvar Statue. Watching the sun rise and
sun set from here is the big attraction, especially
on the full moon day in April, when it's possible to
see both the setting sun and rising moon on the same
horizon. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Kanyakumari - Referred to by the British as Cape Commorin, Kanyakumari in the state of Tamil Nadu is located at the southern most tip of the peninsular Indian. The small temple dedicated to Kanyakumari, or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess) is located on the seashore, in the town known by the same name. Kanyakumari is the point of confluence of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This well-known Hindu pilgrimage center is famous for its beautiful sights of sunrise and sunset over the waters.
14 Day: Kovalam –
Trivandrum (16 kms – ½ hour) – Mumbai
(By Air):
After breakfast, morning will be free for relax. Later
checkout the hotel and transfer to Trivandrum airport
to board the scheduled flight for Mumbai. On arrival transfer to the
international airport to board the scheduled flight
for your hometown. On departure tour concludes with
happy memories.
