Kerala Beaches, Backwaters and Hill Station Tour

01 Day: Arrival Trivandrum – Kovalam (20 kms ½ hr drive)

Welcome on arrival at the Trivandrum Airport, our representative assist and escort you by a private car and transfer to the pre booked hotel at Kovalam beach. Enroute visit Trivandrum city, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. After visit proceed to Kovalam, on arrival transfer to the resort, after your check in, you will be given all the required documents related to your tour plan; he will explain all your queries and feedback about the entire tour plan. Rest of the evening is free for leisure activities at the Kovalam beach. Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.

Trivandrum owes its name to the Lord Vishnu the guardian deity of the city. The Maharaja of Travancore till date pays homage at the Padmanabhan Swamy Temple that enshrines the image of Lord Vishnu, reclining under the hood of "Anantha" the great serpent. Trivandrum is also known Thiruvananthapuram; the city is located in the South of the state and bordered by Tiruneveli in the East, Kanyakumari to the South and Kollam district located to its North. The city has a rich tradition of nurturing art and culture since ancient times. Kovalam is one of the most picturesque beach of Trivandrum, which is among the best beaches in India. Sunrise and sunset on the beach gives an overwhelming experience for any nature lover.

02 Day: Kovalam

Today morning after breakfast, enjoy the beach activities; swimming at the Kovalam beach is the rejuvenating and a relaxing experience. Water skiing is just like the snow skiing where you the vast space to enjoy and Kovalam beach is the good option to try to water skiing. You may opt to enjoy Angling, Para-sailing and Surfing at the beach. Also experience world famous Ayurvedic massage and treatment offers at the resort, this is not merely to relax you, also rejuvenates your mind, body and soul. Overnight at the beach hotel in 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.

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.

03 Day: Kovalam – Kanyakumari (85 kms: 2 – 3 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Kanyakumari. On arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment visit Kanyakumari Temple is also referred to as Bhagvaty Amman Temple and is one of the 108 Shakti Peetha in Hindu mythology. The temple is one of the major Hindu temples across India and is mentioned in almost all the ancient Hindu scriptures. Gandhi Mandapam and Vivekananda Memorial. Watching 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. Padmanabhapuram Palace, A temple town, Suchindrum is located 11 kilometers from the city of Kanyakumari. The temples here are built in the distinctive Dravidian style and are adorned with massive gopurams which are a common characteristic of all the Dravidian temples. Kanyakumari is an excellent shopping destination for buying various seashell items. Nothing better than to purchase beautiful seashell trinkets and souvenirs for your loved ones from this popular beach destination! In the evening enjoy the wonderful view of Sunset from Murugan Kundram hills, later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

04 Day: Kanyakumari – Alleppey (245 kms: 5 - 6 hrs) – (Backwaters tours through sailing boat)

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 dining 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.

05 Day: Alleppey – Periyar (140 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and drive to wildlife destination Periyar, On arrival, transfer to the Jungle Resort, after refreshment visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, discover the park, animals found here include elephant, gaur and wild boars and birds like ibis and grey heron. Boating at Periyar Lake to view animals with a bit of extra luck we may be able to see the rare tiger as well. Afterwards 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. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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.

06 Day: Periyar – Munnar (110 kms: 3 hrs)

Today morning during the sunrise, you may once again opt for boat ride on the Periyar Lake, or trekking through the forest, you may have opportunity to see the herd of Elephant bathing in the river. After 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 expose its beauty. The Munnar hills are covered by tea plants, which make Periyar the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. 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.

07 Day: Munnar

After breakfast, 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. Visit the tea factory and the museum. 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. Blossom International Park is about 3 km away from Munnar town and it spreads over 16 acres. It is a peaceful location to enjoy a calm and relaxing nature walk admiring flowers and surrounding green hillside. The park offer many activities for tourists like boating, cycling, roller skating etc. Mattupetty, Mattupetty dam and its reservoir is located 13 km away from Munnar. This concrete gravity dam is built between the hill ranges and it is used mainly for water storage for hydroelectric projects. Mattupedi Dairy Farm, Mattupetty is also famous for the Indo-Swiss Farm. This is a highly specialized dairy farm which comes under Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Kundala Lake is an artificial reservoir of a minor arch shaped dam huddled between the mountain ranges. It is about a 20 km drive from Munnar. Echo Point is about 15 km from Munnar. Go there and scream as loud as you can and wait for a minute. You can hear your echo back! It’s quite interesting. Overnight stay at the hotel.

08 Day: Munnar – Cochin (130 kms: 4 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Cochin, en route stop over at the speculative Cheyyappara Waterfalls, after visit proceed to Cochin, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After refreshments, take a city tour of the Cochin city; Fort Cochin is famous for Chinese fishing nets, scenic beaches and architectural style of ancient buildings. At St. Frances Church see the town of Vasco da Gama. The Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 in the old part of Mattancherry Town, is one of the oldest lively synagogues. Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace has an incomparable collection of huge Kerala Temple murals, exhibits & portraits. You may also visit the famous Hill Palace Museum, the largest archaeological and heritage museum in Kerala. Bolgatty Palace is the oldest living Dutch palaces outside Holland, now converted into a heritage hotel. Willingdon Island: is a man-made island created in 1933 with wonderful walkways and jetty’s. In the evening if time permits, enjoy the Kathakali Dance, one of India's most famous Classical dances with lavish costumes, exotic makeup & Masks intensifying the beauty of the dancer’s intricate moments. 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.

09 Day: Cochin – Home Town (By Air)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Cochin airport to board the flight for Hometown or onwards journey, on departure, the tour concludes with happy memories.