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Kerala – God's Own Country

Cochin, Munnar, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kovalam
Best-Time
November - March
Stops
6
Experience
Beaches, Culture, Family, Nature, Wildlife
Length
11 Days
Type
Tailormade

Highlights

Kerala is known for its picturesque environs and much more. Drive through Munnar’s misty tea gardens, have an adventure in the forests around Periyar National Park or explore Cochin’s diverse history and culture, backwaters in Kumarakom, house boats of Alleppey and the sights of Kovalam will lure you into spending some more time here. Experience a bit of everything that makes Kerala an incredible holiday destination and a perfect getaway from city life.

What will you cover?

Suggested Itinerary

DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
DAY 10
DAY 11

Day 1 : Cochin Arrival

Arrive at Cochin airport. Transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Cochin is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Lake Vembanad. Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gunduand Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea hereto form one of the finest natural harbors in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Cochin a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Cochin

Day 2 : Cochin - Munnar

Today you will be embarking on a city tour of Cochin.

Visit The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry that is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Later, visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. Visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. You will also visit The Chinese fishing nets- that are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese trade.

In the afternoon, drive to Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in India. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain-streams- Mudrapuhza, Nallathanni & Kundala. Transfer to the accommodation and check in.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Munnar

Day 3 : Munnar

Today, embark on city sightseeing of Munnar.

Visit Tea Museum that houses curios, photographs, and machinery; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations. Visit Top Station that is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travelers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area. Visit Mattupetty Dam which is a beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in the vicinity. Stop by at Kundala Lake, a picturesque town on the way to Top Stations. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad waterfalls are also near Kundala. Visit Echo Point, a scenic place that gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Stations from Munnar.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Munnar

Day 4 : Munnar - Periyar

Today, drive to Periyar National Park. Periyar has one of the worlds most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuary noted for its Tiger Reserve, geography, diverse wildlife, and scenic beauty. On arrival, check in at hotel.

In the afternoon, go on a boat ride in Periyar Lake. The boat cruises are the best experiences and are an important travel attraction. The entire park area can be seen on the boat with the pleasure of spotting the wild species along with the endangered ones. At present, the Periyar lake offers a unique experience to the visitors by making them visit the sanctuary on small cruises.

In the evening, visit Spice Market in Kumily Town. Kumily is a growing plantation township in terms of tourism closely associated with the place of Thekkady. Situated on the outskirts of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Kumily is a fine shopping center and a trade center for spices.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Periyar

Day 5 : Periyar - Kumarakom

Today, proceed to Elephant Programme at Periyar

Here you can ride an elephant for half an hour, bathe the elephant and also click photos with them.

Later drive to Kumarakom by surface. On arrival check-in at hotel.

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 enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Kumarakom strengthens Kerala’s reputation for being God’s own country with its unbelievably beautiful mangrove forests, coconut groves and emerald green paddy fields interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. It is a breathtaking bout to experience a solitary and calm glide through this network of waterways.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Kumarakom

Day 6 : Kumarakom

Today enjoy your day at leisure.

The tourist village of Kumarakom is relaxed and refined, featuring lush flowery landscapes and a multicolored plethora of bird species, best enjoyed at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Glide along with an intricate web of lagoons, lakes, and rivers on a fully-staffed private houseboat, or settle in at a cozy B&B. Don’t miss the famous wood carvings at the peaceful Shiva Temple at Ettuman. Local cuisine will delight your taste buds with fresh, rich flavors and a variety of spices.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Kumarakom

Day 7 : Kumarakom - Alleppey

Today, make your way to Alleppey and embark on a houseboat.

Alleppey is known as the Venice of the East has the largest network of Canals and is a center for backwater cruises in Kerala. Cruise around backwater villages. You will move through small narrow canals, lakes & lagoons see traditional fishing, farming below sea level, etc., which will help you to catch a brief memorable picture of Kerala backwaters


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Alleppey

Day 8 : Alleppey – Kovalam

Today, disembark the houseboat and drive to Kovalam. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Kovalam beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Surf here is ideal for surf-riding and the water invites the visitor to ride the "Catamaran" or log, with the fisherman, or to take a cool swim. Nearby is the beach center of aquatic sports. At the Yoga and Health Centre, yoga classes and transcendental meditation are held. Ayurvedic oil massages and oil-bath are given by experts.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Kovalam

Day 9 : Kovalam

Today you will go on a full day excursion to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin).

Kanyakumari is the land's end of India where the Three oceans meet. En- route visit famous Padmanabhapuram Palace, which was the former palace of the Maharaja of Travancore. Also visit Suchindram Temple dedicated to the monkey God, Lord Hanuman. On arrival at Kanyakumari, visit Kanyakumari Devi Temple. Kanyakumari derives its name from Goddess Kanyakumari Amman and the temple is dedicated to the goddess Parvathi as a virgin. Visit Mahatma Gandhi Memorial which is the place that has been associated with great men like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi in whose names memorials have been held. They are very beautiful and add to the attraction of this place. Later, take a ferry to see Vivekanadha Rock that is essentially a sacred monument, built by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee to commemorate the visit of Swamy Vivekananda to “Shripada Parai” during 24th, 25th and 26th December 1892 for deep meditation and enlightenment. Finally, visit the Thiruvalloou statue in respect to the immortal poet of Tamil Nadu who has given to the world Thirukkural.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Kovalam

Day 10 : Kovalam

Today, embark on a half day sightseeing tour of Trivandrum City.

Visit Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This 260-year old temple has a gopuram that rises up to 30 meters in the sky and has intricately carved pillars. Next, visit the Kuthiramalika Palace (Horse Palace), which is a two-storied palace, situated near the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Also known as horse palace, it houses numerous artifacts. The unique Navarathri Mandapam in front of the palace, a venue for concerts, uses traditional sound reflectors comprising of 50 clay pots hung upside down from the ceiling, creating an effect that outdoes even modern acoustic systems. Next, visit the Napier Museum which is an art and natural history museum which houses a collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot, and ivory carvings. Later, visit the Chitralayam Art Gallery and see works by renowned painters Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich as well as examples of Mughal and Tanjore art. Finally, visit the observatory which is the place where the Travancore royal family used to entertain their guests. Also, visit the Connemara market and Chalai bazaar.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Kovalam

Day 11 : Kovalam Departure

Today transfer to Trivandrum Airport to catch your flight back home.


Where to rest your head ?

NA

Inclusions

accommodation
4 & 5 Star Hotels
meals
Breakfast
transport
Private AC Vehicle
sightseeing
All Entrance Fees
guide
English Speaking Guide

Exclusions

flights
International Flights
travel insurance
11 Days
visa
Indian E-Visa

Starting from
69000 per person