 Duration: 9 Days
Destination: Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Kanyakumari
DAY 01 - Cochin:
Arrival at Cochin
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.
Proceed for a Half-day sight seeing of Cochin. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the:
Chinese fishing nets: 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.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE: The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portugese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown.
The Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. are also nice for sightseeing. Take a boat ride and visit BOLGATTY PALACE and VYPPIN ISLAND.
In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION. Over night stay at hotel.
DAY 02 - Cochin - Munnar
By Road
150 km in 4 hr
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
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Move through the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers. Very low population and moved 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.
Overnight will be spent in Munnar.
DAY 04 - Munnar - Thekkady
By Road
150 km in 4 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for Thekkady - drive through tea estates, spice gardens and wild forests. Arrive at Thekkady after a memorable drive of approx. 4 hours. Check in at hotel.
The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, 'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi' (Sukasandesam -stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar, which is now known as the Vyppin Islands.
In the evening visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available. Overnight will be at Thekkady.
DAY 05 - Thekkady
Today you can visit the rare species of plants and animals. Afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.
Enjoy a boat ride at the lake watching wild animals and birds.
Overnight will be at Thekkady.
DAY 06 - 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, isa 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 fascination for 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.
Visit THE BIRD PARK of Kumarakom. 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.
Lunch and dinner will be served on the houseboat. Overnight will be at Houseboat.
DAY 07 - Aleppey - Kovalam
By Road
170 km in 4 hr
Breakfast will be on houseboat. Continue cruise and disembark at Aleppey.
Drive to Kovalam, the international beach Resort with full of Coconut trees.
Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach of Kerala, with three adjacent crescent beaches. Kovalam has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful Bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs, Catamaran cruising etc.
The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.
Evening enjoy the beach. Overnight will be at resort in Kovalam.
DAY 08 - Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a Full-day excursion to Kanyakumari. En-route visit Padmanabhapuram Palace and Suchindram Temple. At Kanykumari visit Vivekanada rock.
Drive back to Kovalam in the evening. Overnight will be at resort in Kovalam.
DAY 09 - Kovalam - Home/next destination
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Transfer at leisure for flight to the next destination.
TOUR ENDS
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