Duration: 06 nights / 07 days
Destinations: Cochin, Alleppey, Periyar, Munnar, Cochin DEP.
Highlights:
- Kathakali Dance show in Cochin
- Game viewing by boat at Periyar
- Houseboat at Alleppey
Day -01: Arrive Cochin: By International flight
Arrive Cochin airport. After meeting/assistance and traditional welcome at the airport transfer to hotel.
Cochin: Cochin is a city of history and color. Founded in 1341, it was one of the key stops on the ancient spice route from China to Rome. Straddling both the Arabian Sea and the famous backwaters, its islands and promontories offer a fascinating spectacle. The Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their mark on local architecture and culture, while influxes of Jewish and Arab settlers have added another intriguing dimension. Here you can see India’s first European church – and a 16th century synagogue! A major Kerala gateway, Cochin makes an ideal starting point or finale for your tour: from here you can travel easily into the hills, travel the backwaters or head north to Calicut.
Evening visit to one of the best cultural centre to witness traditional Kathakali dance show and before the show see the artist, doing special make etc. on direct payment basis.
Overnight in Cochin
Day-02: Cochin:
Morning breakfast at hotel and attend the city tour of Cochin “Queen of Arabian Sea” and “Venice of the East”. Visiting The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the epic Ramayana. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders, Cochin Fort and Jewish Synagogue This magnificent prayer hall was constructed in 1568 A.D. and is the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth. The original building was destroyed in 1662 A.D. due to shelling by the Portuguese. It was rebuilt a few years later. Also visit the Dutch cemetry and St. Francis Church.
Afternoon free at leisure.
Overnight in Cochin
Day-03: Cochin – Alleppey
Morning breakfast at hotel and at 1130 hrs leave for Kumarakom – embarkment point for the Houseboat. Upon arrival board the House Boat and sail through many canals and waterways up to Alleppey. It is once a life time experience to have such a romantic and beautiful experience. House Boat passing through the Backwaters of Kerala and sail through many canals and waterways The journey will pass through the following areas Alleppey, Vattakkayal, Chambakulum, Ambalapuzha, Karumadi, Kayakulum, Kumarakom. Overnight on the House Boat. (Lunch + Dinner and Breakfast in Included).
House Boat: The most memorable way to experience the true magic of the waterways and lagoons of the backwaters is to sail at your own pace – through jungles of palm and fruit trees, past green paddy fields and waterside villages – by a beautifully crafted traditional old rice barge or kettuvallam. Many of these have been converted to provide comfortable houseboat accommodation. Each has one or two bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and sun-deck, with a crew to look after you and serve delicious local Keratin fare during a leisurely one or two-night cruise. These house boats are known for their unique design and use of local materials like bamboo poles, coconut finer ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. They are a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauties of the Kerala backwaters.
Day-04: Alleppey – Periyar (By surface 130 kms)
Morning after breakfast at houseboat and drive to Periyar – a scenic route dotted with plantations of rubber, cardamom, cocoa, green pepper and areca nut, to the wildlife reserve at Periyar. Upon arrival check in hotel.
Periyar: With its matchless scenic beauty and the facilities offered by the Periyar Lake, Thekkady or Periyar attracts a large number of tourists. The sanctuary spreads over an area of 673 sq.km and is situated at a height of 900 to 1800 metres above mean sea level. Facilities are available for cruising in this lake. Wild animals seen here include elephants, bisons, sambar, monkeys and wild bear. Fortunate visitors can have a glimpse of the tigers foraging in this area. Some of the famous tea gardens are located around this place.
Afternoon enjoy a boat ride per seat basis on Lake Periyar to see wild elephants and other species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
Overnight in Periyar.
Day-05: Periyar – Munnar (By surface 85 kms)
Morning breakfast at hotel and drive to Munnar en route visit Kodanadu elephant care centre, Cheyyara waterfalls, Valara waterfalls, Attukadu waterfalls, Spice plantations etc. Munnar sightseeing. Upon arrival check-in at hotel and free at leisure.
Overnight in Munnar
Day-06: Munnar
Morning breakfast at hotel and visit eravikulam national park (Raja Malai), mattupetty dam, tea estates, eco point, spice plantation, rose garden, photo point, honey bee tree, tea museum, Blossom Park, kundale dam and top station.
You can also enjoy boating in the Lake, rock climbing, trekking (optional).
Overnight in Munnar
Day-07: Munnar – Cochin – Goa (By Surface 110 kms / By Flight)
Morning breakfast at hotel and drive to Cochin airport to board your flight for your home.
……..End of The Tour & Let the pleasant memories of the past days linger on your mind for a long, long time………
