Kerala, made of backwaters, lakes, hills and wildlife, is one of the most-visited tourist destinations. Better known as Queen of Arabian Sea, Cochin is the site of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets and heritage churches. Munnar is a small hill station set amongst the Kannan Devan hills. It is famous for its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates. Set in the high ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Periyar is known for its profusion of wildlife especially elephants that are seen in herds near the Periyar Lake. The enchanting backwater location of Kumarakom offers boating, fishing, houseboat cruising and other leisure options. Kovalam, literally meaning 'a groove of coconut trees', is made of three beaches and is also the site of the rejuvenating ayurveda massage.
On arrival at Cochin Airport/Ernakulam Railway Station, transfer to hotel. Later, proceed for a sightseeing of Cochin, covering places of interest, including Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jews Street, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Net and Indo-Portuguese Museum. In the transfer to hotel for overnigth stay.
Day 2: Cochin-Munnar
On arrival at Cochin Airport or Ernakulam Railway Station, transfer to Munnar (140 kms/4 hrs). En route enjoy beautiful streams, small waterfalls, rubber, pepper, cardamom and tea plantations and thick forests. On arrival at Munnar, check into hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3: Munnar
In the morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Munnar covering Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point, Kundale Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai and Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary famous for the Nilgiri Tahr and tea gardens. Return to hotel in the evening for overnight stay.
Day 4: Munnar-Periyar
After breakfast, depart for Thekkady by road (120 kms/4 hrs). En route visit the panoramic Western Ghat hills covered with spice plantations and an occasional view of waterfalls and streams, several types of spice plantations like cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon and clove. On arrival at Thekkady, check into hotel. Later proceed for boating on the Periyar Lake (optional) and experience a view of calm crystal clear Periyar Lake and sanctuary. Watch different wild animals while boating. Stay overnight at Periyar.
Day 5: Periyar-Kumarakom
In the morning, check out of the hotel and depart for Kumarakom (145 kms/4 hrs). En route visit the rubber and tea plantations. Arrive at Kumarakom and visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (famous for migratory and local birds). Later, check into hotel. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise (optional) or relax near the Venbanad Lake. Stay overnight at Kumarakom.
Day 6: Kumarakom-Houseboat
After breakfast, depart for Kumarakom by road. On arrival, check into houseboat and spend the day at leisure. Houseboat cruise is the best way to explore the beauty of backwaters. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy lunch, evening tea/coffee with snacks and dinner on it. Stay overnight in houseboat.
Day 7: Houseboat-Alleppey-Kovalam
Spend the morning at leisure on the houseboat. Later, disembark houseboat at Alleppey and transfer to Kovalam (190 kms/4.5 hrs). En route visit the coastal areas with the coconut trees and a view of lagoons and palm-fringed Arabian Sea. On arrival at Kovalam, check into hotel. Spend the rest of the day at lesiure. Stay overnight in Kovalam.
Day 8: Kovalam-Trivandrum-Kovalam
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing trip of Trivandrum. Visit places of interest including Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Museum and Sri Padmanabha Temple. In the afternoon, relax on the beach. Stay overnight in Kovalam.
Day 9: Departure
Spend the morning at leisure. Later check out fro the hotel and transfer to airport/railway station for onward travel.
Transportation using air conditioned car (Indica) as per itinerary, inclusive of fuel, parking, toll and driver allowance
Daily breakfast
House Boat cruises - Overnight (A/c Houseboat)
All meals in houseboat
All applicable hotel taxes
Cost excludes
Lunch/dinner at hotels
Room service
Telephone calls and laundry
Any portage at airports and hotels, tips, insurance, wine mineral water, telephone charges, guide charges, boating charges, entrance fees and all items of personal nature
