General Information

This travel-time friendly itinerary gives a comprehensive introduction to the entrancing sights of southern India; from bustling cities to flora and fauna and to the timeless beauty of amazing backwaters at Alleppey, and the majesty of the undulating hills of Munnar adding to it the enchanting forests of Thekkady. The itinerary focuses on the diverse colors of Kerala along with the Tea/coffee plantations at Munnar, coupled with the ancient town of Cochin.

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Starting in Cochin, the historical city of Kerala and proceeding to the spectacular hill station of Munnar. Finally, our sightseeing journey culminates at the town of Alleppey, which offers an overnight Houseboat experience at the backwaters, before boarding a flight back.

Day 01: Cochin Arrival

Arrive at Cochin International Airport and transfer to hotel, Cochin has a historical sea trade connection with the Middle East, Mediterranean and northern Europe; and its cosmopolitan past is reflected in the buildings and structures which represent different parts of the world – a blend of the old Portuguese, Dutch and British influences.

A sunset cruise at Cochin: Enjoy a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan areas in Kochi on this sunset cruise in the backwaters. The sunset cruise from 5.30 – 7 pm will take you through the waterways of Kochi Harbour, offering picturesque seaside views of the Kochi skyline including Fort Kochi and Bolgatty Island. You get to admire magnificent seaside views of Fort Kochi, Bolgatty Island, Willingdon Island, the Kochi shipyard and the impressive Chinese fishing nets. The cruise turns out to be a most memorable experience as you slowly make your way out onto the Arabian Sea, watching the setting Sun. Just sit back and relax as you take in gorgeous views of the sun sinking into the horizon. Overnight Stay in Cochin

Day 02: Cochin

Fort Cochin: Today we visit old town of Fort Cochin. founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and believed to be the earliest European settlement in India. As you might expect Kochi was founded on trade, originally with the arrival of the Chinese, Arabs and Phoenicians in the second millennium BC. Its links to Europe strengthened in the 16th century, with the arrival of the Portuguese, closely followed by the Dutch and the English. This has produced an eclectic mix of styles and influences. You can find both the oldest European church and the oldest synagogue in India amongst its winding streets and elsewhere Chinese fishing nets vie for space alongside Portuguese houses and Dutch palaces. Afternoon free time.

A culinary experience at the evening: This evening enjoy a hands – on experience with our food consultant, professional cookery instructor for more than twenty years, She teaches guests the nuances of traditional Kerala recipes, followed by Dinner and is also a food consultant to writers, chefs and magazines. Articles by her and about her have appeared in magazines and newspapers. Enjoy the Dinner while having talks with the renowned chef

Day 03: Cochin to Munnar via Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (4hrs)

Morning after breakfast, drive away from the coastal plains to Munnar, located in the Western Ghats, approximately 1,600 meters above sea level. On your way visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary spread over 25 sq kms of forests, wetlands and rivers. Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist after his famous bird survey of Travancore in the early 1930s, reported that this area is extremely rich in bird diversity and that it should be made into a bird sanctuary. Thus his efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent. More than 300 species of birds are found here and the list is ever growing as new birds are added every year. During this walk of 1-2 hrs. in the sanctuary we come across dozens of species of birds.

Later continue drive to Munnar, a beautiful hill station which retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea plantations. The town is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapauzha, Naliathani and Kundala. With its rolling hills, sparkling
waterfalls, tea plantations and picture-postcard hamlets, the area is perfect for some leisurely hiking. Upon arrival we check into our hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying the ambiance of the town or the beauty of its bazaars. Two nights stay at Munnar.

Day 04: Munnar Sightseeing

Trek to Sevenmalai Hills (Optional): This morning we start the trek to Sevenmalai hills with packed lunch, the trek starts at 09:00 am and you return back at 13:00 hrs, a trek of about 4-5 hours. Indulge in nature photography and explore the different spices in the area! It is a relatively easy trek, and gives you plenty of time to spend a quality holiday with nature, undisturbed and relaxed. After reaching the summit enjoy a picnic lunch at the place enjoying the 360 degrees view of the valley. You can watch the tea pickers with their bags strapped to their backs. They are so skilled to safely do their work even when they work in very steep hill terrain in misty conditions Later, descend to your village base camp, for transfer to your hotel. Morning after breakfast, visit Rajamalai Eravikulam National Park spread across the crest of the Western Ghats, it comprises the largest untouched patch of Shola forests and rolling grasslands that spread across 97 square Km. This attraction near Munnar is home to the highest peak in Indian peninsula, Anamudi, that stands at a mighty 2695 meters.
Duration of Hiking: 4/5hrs

Afternoon Tea Museum visit: The tea factory visits reveal a detailed insight into how tea is processed from fresh green leaves to the final tea, ready to be packaged. Tea museum
This evening explore the local small colorful market of Munnar.

Day 05: Munnar to Thekkady (5hrs)

In the morning, drive through beautiful and lush countryside across the top of the hills to Thekkady, a small town close to Periyar National Park of India’s most fascinating wildlife sanctuaries enroute visit Lockhart Gap around 13 km from Munnar, one of Munnar’s star

attractions. The point is known for its scenic winding trails through dense forests that lead to towering heights. Set amid the hills of Western Ghats, this site presents a picturesque view of green valleys and undulating terrains. The expansive evergreen tea estates, shrouded in mist, add endless charm to this place. Arrive Thekkady Check into the hotel. A boat ride at the Periyar Lake: Late afternoon boat trip in Periyar Lake which is about 1½-hour trip around the lake. You might see deer, boar, otters and birdlife but it’s generally a combined experience of a cruise and a wildlife-spotting experience. Boats are operated by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation – ticket will be arranged

for you for the boat jetty and will be handed to you before boarding the boat This evening enjoy a spice plantation tour, Spice gardens and plantations are abundant hereand the tour is all about explaining the history, growth and development of wonder spices like, cardamom and pepper. Others crops include, tea, coffee and vanilla. It is very exciting to see all these as most of the world have seen this only in the supermarket shelves as a packed product. A cultural evening of Kalaripayattu (Martial Arts) show Catch some live performances of the oldest martial arts show, a gift to the modern world and known as the mother of all martial arts. Kalarippayattu originated in ancient south India. It was crafted in ancient South India, drawing inspiration from the raw power and sinuous strength of the majestic animal forms lion, tiger, elephant, wild boar, snake and crocodile.

Day 06:  Thekkady to Alleppey (3hrs)

This morning after breakfast we check out and drive to Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, this town is a principal center for backwater cruises in Kerala. Upon arrival we board our houseboats and begin our cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. One of the highlights of the trip, these enchanting boats have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise vessels. We meander along the waterways flanked by lush tropical vegetation while catching glimpses of dazzling tropical birds and passing idyllic villages. Overnight stay at the houseboat

Day 07:  Alleppey Visiting local village and Departure

cThis morning after breakfast Check-out from the houseboat and later visit the local village. Sustainable Tourism Program (2/3hrs.), Visiting a local village will give an experience beyond imagination. Since Kerala have plenty of coconut trees, coir is one of the main exporting items from Kerala. Lots of local house wife used to make coir in their house hold which helps them to earn a small amount. During this trip, the guest has a chance to visit a local village house wife who makes coir for a living. Next we proceed toward how Toddy is extracted from coconut trees. Traditional tappers climb to the coconut tree top every day, slice off a small portion of inflorescence (spadix) apply a kind of clay, wax or leaf extract on it and tie a coconut leaf around the periphery of the cut surface so that the sap trickles down through the leaf to the pot connected at the end.
Post lunch, transfer to Cochin Airport for return flight

Rates* Are in USD and Per Person Sharing in a Double / Twin Room

Package Includes

Package Excludes