Backwaters and Beach Life of Kerala

Upon arrival at Kochin Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in Kochi. KOCHI: Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a beautiful city in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Over the years, the history and development of this city carries stubborn marks of the British, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese. It is undoubtedly the best starting point on your discovery to capture the beauty of God’s own country - Kerala. Overnight stay at hotel in Kochi.

After breakfast, go for Kochi sightseeing tour begins with visit to Fort Kochi located on the western coast of India amidst the pristine waters of Arabian Sea. On visiting this fort, soak in the mesmerizing specimens of the bygone era. The architecture of this gorgeous fort uncovers the layers of colonial influence ingrained in the landscape of this city. Visit the St. Francis Church (Closed on Sundays from 08.00 to 11.00 hrs) within the middle of fort’s complex. Built in the year 1503, it is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. The lofty architecture of this Church is impressive in every way and has managed to retain its ancient charm, over the years. Also, visit the Jewish Synagogue located close to Fort Kochi, which is more than 100-years old. It was built in 1568 and is a showpiece displaying hand-painted floor tiles, Belgium-imported glass chandeliors, rare antiques etc. and an exclusive gallery. Your Kochi sightseeing tour ends with visit to Chinese Fishing Nets. They are a hallmark of the Fort Kochi, visible from Fort Kochi. The concept of fishing nets is said to be introduced by Zheng He (a Chinese explorer). Here the fishing nets are made of bamboo and teakwood poles and practice the principle of balance. Almost every visitor visits here - especially during sunset - to click few candids. End your day watching the traditional Kathakali Dance Show (Optional) in Kochi. Overnight stay at hotel in Kochi.

After breakfast, drive to Munnar. MUNNAR: a beautiful hill station named after three rivers: Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. It is a popular honeymoon destination in Kerala that offers spellbinding views of vast spice and tea plantations. It also boasts the highest peak in South India - Anamudi. Munnar is surrounded by various wildlife sanctuaries that house the grizzled giant squirrel, Elephant, Gaur, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, etc. and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain Goat). Also, a blue flower "Neelakurinji:" grows here in every 12 years. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later, head for sightseeing tour of Munnar with first visit to the Munnar Tea Estates: Munnar is a city renowned for its bountiful tea plantations nestled amidst pristine nature. Walk through these sprawling tea estates and soak yourself in the refreshing aroma of the tea leaves. Here you can also visit the Tea Museum that showcases old photographs and huge machinery that have been used in tea processing over the years. Also, get a first hand experience of how tea is processed. Explore the Eravikulam National Park, a must-visit attraction located in Munnar. It's the first of its kind in Kerala that is home to the exotic Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain Goat) and various other endangered species. Also, a flower that blooms once in 12 years - Neelakurinji (next to be seen in 2018), is another attraction here. Also, visit the Mattupetty Dam: a concrete gravity dam constructed between 1949 and 1953 for the purpose of conservation of water and hydroelectricity generation. The captivating reflections of the surrounding tea gardens falling upon the still water is the best part of this dam. Overnight stay at hotel in Munnar.

After breakfast at hotel, take a sightseeing tour towards Mattupetty. Cushioned by the rippling tea plantation hills of Munnar, you can visit the Photo point to click photographs and the Mattupetty Dam - a concrete gravity dam constructed between 1949 and 1953 for the purpose of conservation of water and hydroelectricity generation. Also visit the Tea factory and museum where you will see how tea leaves are processed. Drive to Periyar and upon arrival, check-in at the hotel followed by overnight stay. Periyar, the southernmost state of Kerala, is known for its Periyar wildlife sanctuary that is one of the most natural wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Apart from wildlife, it is also blessed with mesmerizing natural beauty, spice gardens and plantations.

After breakfast, visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – one of the India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries. Take a boat ride on the man-made Periyar Lake, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The variety of animals here include Elephants, Sambar, Gaur, Wild boars and birds like Ibis and Grey Heron. With a bit of extra luck, you may spot Tigers as well. Head for a Spice Plantation Tour. Spices have always been an important part of life in Kerala. Here the masters of Ayurveda, the science of life, discovered the use of spices for medicinal purposes. Overnight stay at hotel in Periyar.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and proceed to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake. This city fascinates its visitors with the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, situated on the eastern bank of the Vembanad Lake. It is a 14-acre natural habitat to an interesting variety of migratory birds like Liberian Stork, egret, darter, heron and teal that visit here in flocks. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Kumarakom.

After breakfast, depart from the hotel and drive to Alleppey. ALLEPPEY: Alleppey is a hub of backwaters in Kerala, home to a number of waterways and thousands of houseboats for you to explore. While enjoying a houseboat ride on the backwaters here, witness the tropical village life that makes Alleppey worth a visit. On arrival, board a traditional houseboat. A houseboat ride on the backwaters in Alleppey is a must-have experience, when in Kerala. After registering, customers will receive refreshing coconut water as welcome drink. Later in afternoon, the boat will be anchored near rice paddies for lunch. Then resume cruise in some time. In evening, tea/coffee and snacks will be served. The boat will be anchored near a village for the night. Settle in for dinner at night. Note: Cruising is not possible during the night as it is during this time that local fishermen put their nets. Overnight stay at houseboat in Alleppey.

After breakfast drive to Kovalam. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later, proceed for visits to the foremost attractions of Kovalam - Ashoka Beach, Howah Beach and Lighthouse Beach. Overnight stay at hotel in Kovalam.

After breakfast, day kept free for leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Kovalam.

Post breakfast, check out and head towards Trivandrum Airport. Tour ends here. Go back home with wonderful memories.