Beaches and Backwater of Kerala

Duration: 06 Nights - 07 Days
Locations: Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive Cochin
Arrive by flight later after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport.

Cochin always had a very popular & historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, Dutch & British. It has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings & structures representing different regions of the world. It is one of the few places in the world where one can see a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, architecture, mosques, temples & Chinese fishing nets, all in one city. A city of peninsulas & islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub.
Overnight Hotel - Cochin

Day 02 : Cochin – Munnar (161 km/ 3-4 hrs)
Morning post breakfast drive to Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts. above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, rekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Munnar is essentially a tea town.
Overnight Hotel - Munnar

Day 03: Munnar
After breakfast, proceed for full-day tour of Munnar, visiting the world's highest tea estates spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometres, Lush green hills all around - a place to be seen to be believed, and Eravikulam National Park, set up for the preservation of the endangered Niligir Tahr . Park has the largest known population of Tahr existing in the world & also shelters Atlas Moth, Elephants, Sambhars, Gaurs, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur & Leopord. This park exhibits the breathtaking natural splendor of rolling grasslands & exotic flowers. Anamudi, (2695 mtr) the highest peak of Southern India, towers over the pride of the sanctuary. Later Visit Devikulam, a place famous for it's beautiful lake.Also visit Tata Tea Museum, Collection of old bits and pieces from the colonial era can be seen here. Demonstration of tea production. Information on machinaries, tea processing. Also enjoy Tea Plantation in the Tea gardens.
Evening at leisure or walk around the hill station.
Overnight Hotel – Munnar

Day 04: Munnar - Periyar (160 kms. - Approx 4 hrs.)
After breakfast, driven to Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Set on an attractive lakeside, it is South India's most popular Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar is a place to cruise on the lake & gives an opportunity to see wildlife. It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, antelopes, sambhar, wild boar, monkey, a wide variety of birds.
Evening we see Kerala's most popular classical dance, Kathakali.
Overnight Hotel – Periyar

Day 05: Periyar - Kumarakom (185 kms. - Approx 3.5 hrs Drive)
Morning after breakfast we drive to Kumarakom. It is a cluster of little islands, on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Kuttanad, the 'Wonder Land' believed to have been lying below the sea level, sprang out into the marshes when the sea receded later. The land of lakes, canals & paddy fields, Kumarakom transports you to sheer ecstasy. Holiday on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvallam, are an out-of-this-world experience. Furthermore Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the Karimeen (Pearl Spotted Fish), Chemeen (Prawns) & Konju (Tiger Prawns).

Later we visit Kumarakom Bird sanctuary. There are two seasons for birds: between October & February there are cormorants, teals, & other ducks & from February to July there are darters (snake birds), night herons, egrets, & Siberian storks. It also has golden backed woodpecker, crow pheasant, white-breasted water hen, tree pie etc.
Overnight stay in Kumarakom

Day 06: Kumarakom - Alleppey (A/C Deluxe Houseboat)
After breakfast, driven to Alleppey. Upon arrival, transfer to the jetty. On arrival board the houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam, and cruise around cruise around beautiful Vembanad lake, This lake offers an enchanting experience to the tourists. The lake is the best picnic spot, where you can relax your mind and body. While the water gives the place a cooling effect, trees and shrubs act as a respite to the parched eyes. The lake is an excellent family-picnic destination too. While seniors can laze around the lake reading a book or talking, youngsters can opt for fishing and boating. Later proceed to Alleppy through backwaters to observe and experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters.
Overnight - Houseboat. (B, L, D)

Day 07: Alleppey - Cochin (80 Kms/ 1.5 hrs)
Today disembark from Houseboat & drive to Cochin. Upon arrival we leave for a half day city tour of Cochin, with visits to St. Francis' Church, Dutch Palace (Built by the Portuguese), Jew Town, the Jewish Synagogue built in the year 1568, spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices, and Chinese fishing nets.

Later transfer you to Airport to catch the flight for onward destination with beautiful memories of Kerala Tour.