Duration: 6 Days
Destination: Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin
 DAY 01 - Cochin:
Arrival at Kerala
Arrive Cochin and transfer to Hotel.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
Afternoon proceed for city tour of Cochin which includes Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace etc.
A few other interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
Overnight will be at Hotel.
DAY 02 - Cochin - Munnar
By Road
150 km in 4 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
In the morning depart for Munnar (approx.4 hours journey), enjoying the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by.
Arrive Munnar and check in at hotel.
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower, which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Overnight will be at Munnar.
DAY 03 - Munnar - Thekkady
By Road
150 km in 4 hr
Morning proceed for Munnar sightseeing after breakfast.
Move through the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers. Very low population and away from the city pollution makes Munnar a special destination.
Sightseeing includes Raja Malai, a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats), Muttuputty dam and the Indo Swiss project. You can also enjoy boating in the Lake.
Proceed for Thekkady - drive through tea estates, spice gardens and wild forests. Arrive Thekkady after a memorable drive of approx. 4 hours. Check in at hotel.
In the evening visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available.
Overnight will be at Thekkady.
DAY 04 - Thekkady - Kumarakom
By Road
175 km in 5 hr
In the morning proceed to Kumarakom after breakfast.
Arrive at Kumarakom, after a journey of approx. 5 hours enjoying the beauty of the traditional Keralian houses.
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 bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal,waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks is a fascinationfor visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom.
An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lilies - this is Kumarakom.
Visit the BIRD SANCTUARY.
Later, check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Overnight will be at Houseboat.
DAY 05 - Alleppey - Cochin:
By Road
60 km in 1 hr
Disembark the boat at Alleppey.
Alleppey is known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Here you can enjoy the lively villages and backwaters. It is located on the banks of the backwater and you can witness various types of traditional activities like coir making, fishing, etc.
Proceed to Cochin after a local ethnic lunch.
Proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PROGRAM in the evening. Overnight will be in Cochin.
DAY 06 - Cochin - Home:
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer for flight/train to the next destination.
TOUR ENDS
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