Itinerary

Day 01

Arrive Cochin

Welcome to India! Upon your arrival at Cochin Airport, our local representative will receive you at the arrival hall and escort you to your Hotel in an air-conditioned Car.  Our representative will help you with check-in process, brief you about your tour program and handover your entire tour related documents.

Overnight: Cochin
Meals:       Breakfast

Day 02

Cochin

Cochin  – Now known as Kochi is one of India’s largest Ports where the misty silhouettes of  huge merchant ships can be seen anchored off the point of Fort Cochin waiting for a berth in the docks of  Ernakulam or Willingdon island – Dolphins can be seen in the harbour. With its wealth of historical associations – since the times it was visited by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, this city is a magical blend where you can see the oldest church in India, 500 years old Portuguese houses, the  cantilevered Chinese Fishing nets , Jewish Synagogue and the Palace built by the Portuguese .

Morning, sightseeing tour of Cochin. Visit the The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Kochi, Kerala, in South India. It was built in 1568 (closed on Saturdays).   It contains beautiful Belgian glass chandeliers and is paved with hand painted tiles from China.  Its most important relics are the impressive copper plates recording king Bhaskara Ravi Varma's 4th century decree that guaranteed the Jewish settlers domain over Cranganore (Kodungalore).The Synagogue itself is elaborately decorated with crystal chandeliers and carved wood with blue and white ceramic tiles. Later, visit Chinese fishing net.  Proceed to see the St Francis Church (closed on Sundays), the first European Church built in India.

Evening, witness the Kathakali dance performance, performed by various artists. Kathakali is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted to depict various characters of these epics. This dance has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet articulate body movements.
Overnight: Cochin
Meals:       Breakfast

Day 03

Cochin to Munnar (140 km / 4 Hours)

After breakfast, drive towards the hill station of Munnar. Sprawling tea plantations surround the serene hills of Munnar is a must watch for a Truly fantastic tour of Kerala. Munnar is also known as the ‘Nature Lover’s Paradise’ and will surely hold you captive throughout your stay. Upon arrival check in to Hotel.

Overnight: Munnar
Meals:       Breakfast

Day 04

Munnar

Munnar is situated at around 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above mean sea level, in the Western Ghats range of mountains. The name Munnar is believed to mean "three rivers", referring to its location at the confluence of the Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers.

Full day excursion and sightseeing around this gorgeous hill station. During the day, you will be taken to tourist spots like Matuppetty, Echo Point, Gundala Lake, Photo Point and Rajamalai National Park followed by several other destinations.
The day also includes a visit to spice plantations, Tata Tea Museum, Blossom Hydel Park, Headworks Dam, Elephant Arrival Spot and Pothamedu View Point from where you can enjoy amazing sunset views.


Overnight: Munnar
Meals:       Breakfast

Day 05

Munnar to Thekkady (90 km / 3 ½ hours)

Morning drive to Thekkady (Periyar)

Periyar, is one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern of Thekkady.  
 
Afternoon boat cruise on the Periyar Lake, in  the  cool surroundings. The panorama spreads into  tropical jungles, wild Elephants, Indian Gaur, Monkeys,  spotted Deer,  Barking  Deer,  Wild Boar and  birds  of  myriad varieties.   Encompassing an area of 777 sq  kms, the  wildlife  sanctuary  lies at an elevation of between 914 meters and 1828 meters above sea level on the Periyar Lake in the hills of Western Ghats.
Overnight: Thekkady
Meals:       Breakfast

Day 06

Thekkady - Kumarakom  (133 km / 3½ Hours)

Morning you will have a Spice Plantation tour. Periyar of Thekkedy district is full of variety of spices like Clove, cardamom, different types of peppers etc.
Later drive to Kumarakom, en route visit the Rubber plantations.
Upon arrival check in to hotel.

Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot), shrimp (chemmeen in the local language) and prawns. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m²), and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. It is a major tourist attraction.
Overnight: Kumarakom
Meals:       Breakfast

Day 07

KUMARAKOM

Day at leisure
Overnight: Kumarakom
Meals:       Breakfast 

Day 08

Kumarakom – Houseboat

On arrival embark the House Boat and proceed on the backwaters of Kerala.

BACKWATER CRUISE
The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alleppey which forms the main part of this  network has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride.

A glide in a "Kettuvallam" (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 sides 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 ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this unique land. The sparkling water and the caressing cool wind is a temptation too strong to resist. Country boats of various types crisscross the path with passengers from all walks of Kerala's rural life ranging from milkman and newspaper boy to local politicians, priests and wedding parties. It is a unique experience as this is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the countryside of god's own country.

Board House boat for overnight cruise towards Kumarakom These are the boats wherein you explore the gentle rhythms of the backwaters and are traditionally called Kettuvallams. They are beautifully furnished, complete with a dining area, bedroom with an attached bath and a kitchen. a cook who doubles up as the captain with a 2 man crew. The cruise takes along the scenic backwaters of Kerala to watch Village life. En route you stop at coir village and paddy fields. The euphony of the chirping birds makes the cruise more enthralling.

Overnight stay at Houseboat. 
Lunch and dinner on board house boat.

Day 09

Houseboat (Allepey) – Kovalam

Breakfast onboard Houseboat.
Disembark and drive for Kovalam,upon arrival check in to Hotel.
Overnight: Kovalam
Meals:       Breakfast

Day 10

Kovalam

Day at leisure.
Overnight: Kovalam
Meals:       Breakfast

Day 11

Kovalam

Day at leisure.
Overnight: Kovalam
Meals:       Breakfast

Day 12

Depart from Trivandrum

In time drive for Trivandrum approx 45 minutes, and transfer to Trivandrum Airport to connect flight for onward destination, with mesmerizing memories of Incredible Kerala.