Highlights: Visit one of the most scenic places in the world “Gods Own Country” as it is popularly called. Long shoreline of Arabian sea with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, palm grooves, lush green Nigiri Hills and exotic wildlife makes Kerala one of must visit destination.
Day 01 : ARRIVE COCHIN
You are met on arrival at the Cochin airport and transferred to your hotel. Cochin is one of the most interesting towns in South India. A trading port since Roman times, it was on the main trade route between Europe and China. Fort Kochi, a Portuguese fort, founded in 1503 is now in ruins. The Portuguese built the Mattancherry Palace in 1557 as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights and in 1663 the Dutch substantially rebuilt it. The cosmopolitan history is still evident as well as European intervention. The Jewish synagogue is in Mattancherry and the Jews claim to have settled here in 587 BC and some legends trace their origin to King Solomon 1030 BC. The earliest evidence of their presence and importance is a copper inscription dated AD 388. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: COCHIN
Morning proceed on a sightseeing tour of Cochin. The city has three distinctive regions – Ernakulam, the modern region to the East, and the older districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin located on a peninsula in the west. The easiest way to get around is by ferry, or by walking through the narrow roads and over bridges. Your tour will take you to Jews Town, including the Pardesi Synagogue; the Mattancherry Palace, known locally as the Dutch Palace, Fort Cochin, reminiscent of European streets and houses; the Chinese Fishing Nets on the northern shore of Fort Cochin; and St Francis Church, near to a typical English village green. A highlight is watching the fishermen working the nets (which operate on a weight system) as the sun is setting. Afternoon at leisure or free for optional activities.
Overnight at the hotel. Day 03 – COCHIN TO PERIYAR
This morning you travel approximately 4 hours by private vehicle to Thekkady, the main entrance to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Arrive Thekkady and check in at hotel. Afternoon proceed on a game viewing boat ride in lake Periyar. Nestled in the Cardamom Hill range to the south of the Western Ghats, Periyar is one of the most talked about wildlife sanctuaries in South India. The Periyar Lake, located at the heart of the sanctuary, is the nucleus of the Tiger Reserve and dead tree stumps jutting out of the lake offer an excellent perch to Periyar's rich birdlife. Home to many
endangered species likes of Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Indian Spotted Chevrotain, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Slender Loris etc. Southern most extend of the Asian Elephant Periyar boasts of predators like the Tiger, Leopard in big cats and lesser cats like Jungle Cat. Striped Hyena is enlisted in the of scavengers list here. Bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri Langur are the primates seen here and Gaur, Tahr, Mouse Deer, Sambar and Barking Deer can be found in the adjoining forests. Periyar is equally a treat to bird lovers. Over 320 species of birds have been recorded in its checklist. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 PERIYAR Morning game viewing boat ride in Lake Periyar. Later in the day visit spice plantations and Kumly town spice market. Over night at hotel.
Day 05 PERIYAR to KUMARAKOM and HOUSEBOAT CRUISE
Morning depart Thekkady by surface for Kumarakom (120 Km). Arrive Kumarakom jetty and embark awaiting “Kettuvallam” (houseboat) for an overnight cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. Kettuvallam or the rice boat actually designed to ferry rice bags on the waterways which is an integral part of Kerala’s economy, now has become one the biggest tourist attraction because of the experience it imparts. These houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and definitely the best way to explore life around backwaters which is a unique experience by itself. Overnight onboard the houseboat.
Day 06 –ALLEPPEY to KOVALAM End cruise at Alleppey jetty late morning and drive to Kovalam. Arrive Kovalam and check in at beach resort with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Kovalam is the most popular beach resort in the Kerala. Soared to its fame during 70’s amongst hippies, Kovalam now is gaining popularity as a wellness resort. Ayurveda resorts dotted along the beaches now offers a perfect rejuvenating wellness holiday here. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 –KOVALAM
Morning proceed on a sightseeing tour of Trivandrum. Located over gently rolling coastal land Trivandrum the capital of present Kerala has been capital of erstwhile Travancore kingdom also. Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple one of the most imposing structure in the city. This temple is dedicated to Anantha Padmanbha one of the manifestation of Lord Vishnu reclining on coiled serpent in all his comfort and godly glory. Build in a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. The temple, known for the Mural paintings and stone carvings is one among the 108 temples dedicated to Vishnu in India. A magnificent array of gods, goddesses, nymphs and demons adorn the seven-storied 'gopuram' that forms the temple tower. Temple comes into life once in six year when 56 day long ‘Murajapam' or grand ceremony in performed which carries a lot of significance. Napier Museum - established in 1855 it is one of the earliest museums in India. Architectural masterpiece this over a century old structure is a landmark in the city with its unique ornamentation and architectural style with gothic roof and minarets. Museum houses articles of artistic, cultural and antique importance comprising sculptures in bronze and stone, carvings of wood and ivory, lamps, textiles, Kathakali models, handicraft items, Kuftgiri works, traditional musical instruments, a treasure of numismatic collections representing Chera, Chola, Pandya dynasties of Southern India etc. Return to Kovalam by noon with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 –KOVALAM
Full day at leisure or free for optional activities.
Overnight at hotel. Day 08 – DEPART KOVALAM
In time transfer to Trivandrum airport to board flight for onward destination.
