Duration:
9 Nights/ 10 Days
Places to See:
Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kottayam - Alleppey - Kovalam -
Trivandrum - Mumbai
Day 01: Arrive Cochin Late
night, arrive Mumbai and transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to
Cochin by 9W 405 at 0545 hrs. On arrival in Cochin at 0730 hrs, assistance
at airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free.
Evening
attend the Kathakali dance performance.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 02: Cochin Morning Guided city tour.Afternoon free.
Cochin
- the palmgreen commercial town of Kerala has one of the finest natural
harbours in the world. A town with a hoary past, Cochin is the gateway to
Kerala.
The Jewish Synagogue - built in 1568 AD contains Grand
Scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates containing the privileges
granted to the Jews by the Cochin rulers. The floor of the synagogue is
paved with exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles. The Dutch Palace was built
by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 AD. 17th century
murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic, the Ramayana can be seen here.
St Francis Church, built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 AD is believed
to be the first church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama was
originally buried here. The Chinese fishing nets can be seen at the entrance
of the harbour. The Chinese through trade contact taught this technique of
catching fish.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 03: Cochin -
Munnar Morning: Drive to Munnar (135 kms/04½ hrs) enroute
visit tea plantations. On arrival in Munnar, check in at hotel. Afternoon:
Boat ride in the lake.
Munnar (1,524 M), is the highest town of
Kerala, with a cool, bracing climate exuding an old-world charm. The
atmosphere is fragrant with extensive tea and cardamom plantations. There
are enchanting high ranges, lakes and streams and beautiful view of
low-lying clouds and the mist filled valleys.
Overnight in Munnar.


Day 04: Munnar Full day free to visit the bazaars, plantations
etc.
Overnight in Munnar.
Day 05: Munnar - Periyar
Early Morning: Drive to Periyar (100 kms/03 hrs) and on arrival, check in at
hotel. Afternoon: Boat ride in Lake Periyar to watch wildlife. Later visit
Kumily spice market to see and buy spices.
Periyar Tiger Reserve,
777 sq km in area is set in a rich, mixed deciduous forest, interspersed
with open areas of tall grass. Periyar has a splendid artificial lake dotted
with snags of dead wood, which provide a perch for waterbirds; darter, grey
heron, egret and kingfisher. It is one of the finest habitats for the
Asiatic elephant. These enormous mammals swim in the waters and streams and
usually they can be observed during the boat ride. Periyar also holds, apart
from Tiger leopard, sambar, wild dog, barking deer, the lion tailed macaque,
the Nilgiri langur . The forest harbours a variety of woodland birds. Boat
travel is the only means of transport in the Sanctuary.
Overnight
in Periyar.
Day 06: Periyar - KottayamEarly Morning:
Drive to Kottayam (120 kms/03 hrs) and on arrival, switch over to the House
Boat and cruise along the backwaters, passing through paddy fields,
villages, market etc.
The cruise is through `Kuttanad' literally
meaning the land which is lower than the sea level but is kept intact by its
bunds and dikes. It is the `rice bowl' of Kerala. The rice fields are very
beautiful and this lush land and surrounds governs the placid way of life of
the people who live on the backwaters.
Overnight on board HOUSE
BOAT.
Day 07: Arrive Alleppey - Kovalam Morning:
Drive to Kovalam (180 kms/04½ hrs) and on arrival in Kovalam, check in
at a beach resort. Rest of the day to relax at the beach or indulge in
Ayurvedic massages.
Kovalam is a sheltered bay endowed with
unusual beauty, located on the magnificent Arabian Sea coast. This natural
bay is a safe sea-pool, free from high waves and surges. The 30 kms drive
from the Tiruvanantapuram airport to the beach through groves of palms is
refreshing. It is an ideal place to swim, sunbathe and perhaps enjoy the
ancient rites of an Ayurvedic massage and oil bath.
Overnight in
Kovalam.
Day 08: Kovalam Full day free on the beach.
Overnight
in Kovalam.
Day 09: Kovalam Full day free on the
beach.
Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 10: Kovalam -
Trivadrum - Mumbai - Depart Morning: Assistance and transfer to
Trivandrum airport (25 kms) in time to connect flight 9W 335 at 1335 hrs to
Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai at 1535 hrs, assistance at airport and transfer
to city hotel for wash and change. Rest of the day free for last minute
shopping/packing. Evening: After farewell dinner, assistance and transfer to
International airport in time to connect your onward flight home
.
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