Day 1 Arrive Trivandrum – Kovalam
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Trivandrum airport, and transfer directly to Kovalam (11 Kms.) Check-in at hotel.
The beaches of Kovalam are world-renowned for their white sand and pristine settings. The deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean that frame these beaches are an added attraction.
This world-famous Indian tropical beach, bordered by an emerald ocean on one side and lush green coconut plantations on the other, is a quiet haven of western customs and bonhomie that is framed within a larger background of traditional and orthodox Kerala culture. The blue waters and a favorable climate make Kovalam a favorite year-round spot for swimming. The ocean here is calm and shallow, where swimming is safe and enjoyable for the most part of the year.
Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 2 Kovalam
Day at leisure, for relaxing on the beach.
Optional: Excursion to Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, previously known as Cape Comorin, and once referred to as the “Alexandria Of The East“, has been a great centre for art, culture, civilization and pilgrimage for years. This is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique experience of watching the sunset and moonrise simultaneously on a full moon evening. Overnight is at the resort.
Day 3 Kovalam – Alleppey – Backwaters
This morning, after breakfast, drive to Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha , (approx. 4 Hrs), which sits smack in the middle of the scenic Kerala backwaters. It is also the boarding point for the ever-popular houseboat trips that explore the meandering, hidden waterways that are traversed by a variety of country crafts serving the rural lifestyles of this area. Board your houseboat and set off on a voyage of discovery.
What is truly magical about a houseboat cruise on the backwaters is the rare opportunity that it provides for a close and personal view of a unique lifestyle, that is still untouched and far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. The otherwise inaccessible backwaters have served to preserve the unique culture and character of rural Kerala. The houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel, including furnished bedrooms, modern ecological toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen, and even a balcony for angling. Meals are cooked on board and supplemented with freshly caught fish from the backwaters. The food that is served on board reflects the cultural traditions and distinctive flavours garnered from the cuisines of the local communities that live in the Kuttanad backwaters region of Kerala. The Kuttanad is one of the largest wetlands’ eco-system in South India.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay on the Houseboat.
Day 4 Alleppey – Periyar
After a leisurely breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (approx. 3 hrs.), and check-in at hotel.
Periyar or Thekkady is the premier wildlife destination of Kerala. The hilly, thickly forested, high-country terrain is home to elephants, the occasional tiger, other large cats, and a host of smaller wild animals. Enjoy a boat cruise across the Periyar Lake during the late afternoon.
Perched amidst dense greenery, on the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a premier tiger reserve of the country, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate stronghold of many an endangered species, and a rich tribal culture. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants, which come down to the water’s edge.
The evening is spent at leisure, listening to the soothing sounds of the jungle, punctuated by the occasional call of a barking deer, or the lonely howl of a jackal, and the agitated bickering of hyenas fighting over a left-over kill.
Overnight is at the Hotel.
Day 5 Periyar – Munnar
After breakfast in fantastic open and peaceful surroundings, drive onwards and upwards through the alpine scenery, to the highland paradise of Munnar (3 ½ hrs), known as a nature-lover’s paradise.
Check-in at hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Munnar is the ultimate nature-lover’s paradise. Snuggled in the green and serene environs of the Kannan Devan Hills, lies the quiet and restful resort of Munnar at an altitude of 1,524m, and a distance of 136 km. from Cochin. Panoramic views of low-hanging clouds and mist-filled valleys make it a picturesque paradise with a cool and bracing climate, where the temperature does not go above 26º C in summer, nor does it go below 13º C in winter. Though, the effects of global warming seem to have crept in here, too.
Overnight is at hotel.
Day 6 Munnar
Full day of sightseeing around Munnar. Visit the nearby Mattupetty Dam, Eco Point, Eravikulam National Park, Kundala, etc… Munnar rests at an altitude of 6000 ft., in the Idukki hill district of Kerala, and is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams. Munnar was the favored summer resort in South India for the erstwhile British government in India, during the colonial days. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower, which bathes the hills in brilliant blue once every twelve years, when it blooms. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anaimudi – which towers over 2,695m, and is an ideal spot for campers who like to do some trekking.
Return to Munnar for an overnight.
Day 7 Munnar – Cochin
Immediately after a leisurely breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Cochin (135 kms., approx. 3 ½ hrs.) On arrival, check-in at hotel.
Later, proceed on a short sightseeing tour of Cochin visiting the old part of the city, known as the “Fort Cochin” area, where you also visit the Dutch Palace (or Mattancherry Palace), the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and get to view the famous Chinese Fishing nets that line the shore along the harbor area.
Cochin is known as the queen of the Arabian Sea and is one of the most interesting cities of India. It is home to one of the finest natural harbors in the world.
The St. Francis Church, built in 1510, by Franciscan Friars who were brought to India by Vasco da Gama is the first European church built in India and is the site where the mortal remains of the famous Portuguese explorer are buried. The Jewish Synagogue, another famous landmark of Cochin was built in 1568 and houses Chinese hand-painted tiles that are one of its main attractions. This is the only Synagogue in India that has a nostalgic past associated with the history of the Jewish Diaspora in India.
The “Dutch Palace” was built in the 1550s; the palace contains excellent mythological murals and a rare example of traditional Kerala flooring – an exotic blend of burnt coconut shells, lime, plant juices and egg whites that, when set, gives the effect of polished, marble flooring.
Overnight is at the hotel.
Day 8 Leave Cochin
Check out of the hotel and transfer in time to the airport (approx. 45 min drive) to board your onward flight. You are now carrying back with you, many beautiful memories of Kerala.
BON VOYAGE…
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