Kerala Holidays - Best of God's Own Country

Day 01 - Arrive Cochin

Upon arrival in Cochin Airport you are met and transferred to your pre booked Hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel you are received with a traditional Indian welcome with Garland and Welcome Drink. Evening watch the Kathakali dance show.

Day 02 - 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.

Day 03 Cochin - Munnar (by surface 110 Kms 05 hrs Drive)

Post breakfast drive to Munnar. 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.

Day 04 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.

Day 05 - Munnar – Periyar (by surface 120 Kms 03 ½ Hrs Drive)

Post breakfast drive to Periyar (Thekkady), one of the most fascinating wild life sanctuaries in India, noted for elephants and scenic beauty.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 06 - Periyar

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting 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.

Day 07 - Periyar – Kumarakom (by surface 140 Kms 04 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast leave by surface for 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, 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.

Day 08 Kumarakom

Day at leisure

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 09 Kumarakom

Day at leisure

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 10 Kumarakom - Start 01 Night House Boat

After breakfast you are transferred to Kumarakom Jetty to board House boat. Cruise through the back water of Kerala, on the way you can see traditional Kerala village life remind unchanged for many years you also witness the merchants selling vegetables in a boat while the village people await at the bank of Vembanad Lake. Here your crew will prepare delicious Keralian meals from freshly brought vegetables from the market.

Overnight stay at Houseboat .

Day 11 House Boat disembark and proceed for Kovalam.

House Boat disembark and proceed for Kovalam. 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.

Day 12 Kovalam

Day at leisure

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 13 Kovalam

Day at leisure

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 14 Kovalam

Day at leisure

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 15 Kovalam - Trivandrum. (by Surface 20 Kms ½ hrs)

You are transferred to Trivandrum airport to board flight for onward Journey.