01
Day: Arrive Cochin - Cherai Beach (35 kms - 1 hour):
On arrival at Cochin International airport you will
be meet and welcome by our representative and transfer
to hotel at Cherai. The closest decent beach to Kochi.
The beach shelters a backwater and supports an active
fishing community, some of whom use Chinese fishing
nets. Overnight 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
02 Day: Cherai Beach:
After breakfast day free for rest and individual activities
in the Cherai beach, the paradise of sun, sea, sand
and surf. Overnight at Cherai beach.
03 Day: Cherai Beach -
Munnar (132 kms - 2 ½ 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 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
04 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.
05 Day: Munnar - Vagamon
/ Vanilla Country (120 kms 2 ½ hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Vagamon. On
arrival drive 20 kms to the Vanilla County. On arrival
transfer to the resort. After rest day free to rest
and relax. Overnight stay at vanilla country. Day
also offers many other activities to those who come
here:
1) Spice garden Visit.
2) Visit nearby Ashram (a meditation centre).
3) Trekking through the nearby mountains.
4) Bathing in the mountain streams
5) Possibility of seeing elephants at work.
Vagamon: It is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales. The enchanting hill station dotted with tea gardens will soon be one of India's foremost eco-tourism projects.
06 Day: Vanilla Country:
After breakfast day is free to spend at Vanilla county
to explore the village life. Overnight stay at Vanilla
Country
Vanilla County is special to those who would like a holiday to wish away their worries & relax in the solitude of the mountains. The green canopy & the gurgling streams that spout from these mountains act as a salve to the tired mind and bodies. What is more, the friendly village will receive you with open arms and make it a truly remarkable holiday. The excellent cuisine carefully prepared in the Syrian Christian style using the locally grown spices is a treat waiting for you !
07 Day: Vanilla Country
- Periyar (80 kms - 2 hours):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Periyar on a
scenic route dotted with plantations of rubber, cardamom,
cocoa, green pepper and areca nut, to the wildlife
reserve at Periyar. Arrive Periyar and check - in
at hotel. Rest of the day free for walk around in
the peaceful town known for various Spice and coffee
plantations. Overnight stay 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:
Morning after breakfast visit 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.
09 Day: Periyar:
To day after breakfast visit the Tribal Heritage.
A tribal heritage museum built inside the Mannan settlement
featuring various type of artifacts related to their
ancient agricultural practices, marriage, ceremonies,
cultural events, dress code, rituals and death ceremonies
is the hub of this ecotourism programme. Tribal heritage
visit is a two-hour programme. It involves mainly
the tribal museum visit and trekking through the tribal
hamlet situated within the periphery of Periyar Tiger
Reserve accompanied by a tribal guide. After visiting
return to the hotel for overnight stay
10 Day: Periyar - Kuttikkanam
(50 kms - 1 hour):
After breakfast drive to Kuttikkanam, a popular hill
station .On arrival transfer to the hotel later after
rest day is free for leisure and individual activities.
Overnight stay at Kuttikkanam.
Kuttikkanam is a small town located near Peermade in Idukki District. Nestled in the lush green hills, it is an ideal spot for trekking and adventure tourism. It is enriched with cardamom plantations. Thrissanku and Peeru hills are two nearby hill stations around 1 km from Kuttikanam. Breathtaking views of the three ancient royal palaces of the Maharaja of Travancore can be seen. Another main attraction is the Kesari waterfalls (Valanjamkanam falls), in the Kottayam-Kumily route
11 Day: Kuttikkanam -
Kumarakom (65 kms - 1 ½ hours drive):
After breakfast, check out from the hotel 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.
12 Day: Kumarakom:
After breakfast day free to rest and leisure activities
in the Kumarakom. Be it to zip a cup of coffee, have
an ice cream or a cold drink to cool of the ambience
is just the right one in a great way. Full day leisure
at your resort. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
13 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 colourful 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.
14 Day: Alleppey - Varkala
(125 kms - 2 hours):
Today morning the break fast will be served on board,
then disembarks from the houseboat and drive to Varkala.
Long renowned by Hindus as a place of pilgrimage,
Varkala, 54 km northwest of Thiruvananthapuram, with
its beautiful sands and cliffs, is these days a considerably
more appealing -and much quieter- beach destination
than Kovalam.
Varkala, a quiet, secluded stretch of sand, the Papanasam beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs and rocky cliffs. It is an important pilgrimage center for the Hindus who come on pilgrimage to the 2,000 year old Janardanaswamy temple near the Papanasam beach. A dip in the sea at this beach it is believed washes away ones sins. The ancient bell in the temple, which was retrieved from a ship wreck, was donated by the captain of the Dutch ship which sank near Varkala without causing any loss of life Varkala has all the pluses of Kovalam. Solitary beaches, serene backwaters and mineral springs. The beach assumes religious significance on the full moon day of Karkidakam (December/January) when Hindu perform rites for the departed souls here. This rite is called 'Vavu Bali'. Shivagiri Mutt near Varkala is the final resting place of the great social reformer of Kerala, Sree Narayana Guru . . Several thousands of people come here on pilgrimage. The high cliffs along with Arabian sea coast is typical of Varkala. Varkal has today become a popular health resort with many Ayurvedic massage centres
15 Day: Varkala:
Morning after breakfast the day is free to relax with
the option of herbal oil massage. Day will be used
to watch beach lifestyle.
16 Day: Varkala - Kovalam
(60 kms - 1 hour):
After breakfast checkout and drive to Kovalam through
green coastal belt and cashew plantations. On arrival
transfer to 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.
17 Day: Kovalam - Cape Camorin – Kovalam (Excursion)
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 85 kms, 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.
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.
18 Day: Kovalam - Poovar
(35 Kms - ½ hour):
After breakfast drive to Poovar. Full day leisure
at Poovar resort. Afternoon drive to Kanyakumari to
enjoy the sun set which 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. Other attractions are Kumari Amman Temple,Gandhi
Mandapam and Vivekananda Memorial. After visiting
return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Poovar Beach, near the Kovalam Beach, separates the River Neyyar from the sea. Poovar is basically a fishing village and the only way to reach Poovar is through water taxis. Known for its pristine and virginal, Poovar Beach is haunted by those who love solitude. Beach activities and water sports are not developed in this beach because of the fishing population. Poovar Beach is ideal for relaxation.
19 Day: Poovar - Cochin
(60 Kms - 1 hour):
After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to 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.
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'.
20 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.
21 Day: Cochin - Hometown
(By Air):
After breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to
the airport to board the scheduled flight to your
hometown. On departure tour concludes with happy memories
