Day 01: Arrival in Cochin
The city of Cochin is where the Portuguese first arrived and left their marks in the culture and architecture of the city. Cochin is better known as the Gateway to Kerala. Upon arrival in Cochin, you will be escorted to the hotel. Thereafter guests are taken on a half day of sight seeing in Cochin. Explore the multiple hues of this city on a rich canvas as you are taken to Vasco da Gama square from where you can view the nets being lowered in the sea, Santa Cruz Basilica a church built by the Portuguese, the Bastion bungalow which has a network of secret tunnels that runs beneath the bungalow, St Francis church and VOC gate which is the large wooden gate facing the Parade Ground. The Santa Cruz Basilica is almost a 500 year old church. The Vasco da Gama square is a major sea-food buying and selling area. Guests can spend the night at the hotel.
Day 02: Cochin – Munnar Transit
Munnar is the picturesque ride of Kerala dotted with natural wonders and pristine forests. After breakfast the guests are driven to Munnar. The drive takes you along winding roads that climb the misty peaks, giving you a spectacular view of the scenery down below. In Munnar you will be taken to a sight seeing tour, which covers Raja Malai peak where one can see the Neer Thar (mountain goat). Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Munnar.
Day 03: Munnar – Anamudi – Munnar
After Breakfast you will be taken on a visit to nearby Tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi, Devikulam, Attukal, Pothemedu etc. The mission of the National Park is to take care and the guests are free to spend their time in Leisure.
Day 04: Munnar – Periyar Transit
Periyar is the place to be at while in Kerala and the place is abundantly blessed by nature. On day 4 you will set out for Periyar and on the way there will be a stop over at Idukki dam. It stands to be the largest arch dam in India. Upon arrival in Periyar you will be checked in at a hotel. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is built around a picturesque lake and is home to exotic and rare varieties of flora and fauna. Guests can take a boat cruise on the lake and watch animals in their natural habitat.
Day 05: Sight seeing in Periyar
Early next morning after breakfast you will be taken to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The morning mist that lingers on the water surface lends a sinister ambience to this place. The guests will be taken on a boat ride through the Periyar Lake thus giving them a first hand experience of the striking beauty of the place. The sanctuary presents itself as a stunning landscape interspersed with a wide variety of animals. This is the only wildlife park where one can view the wildlife in their natural habitat in the safety of a boat.
Day 06: Periyar – Kumarakom Transit
The backwaters of Kerala with their houseboats are the places to experience once in a lifetime. You will be driven to the backwater paradise, Kumarakom .On reaching Kumarakom you will be taken to the bird sanctuary and then to the Vembanad Lake which is the largest lakes in Kerala, where you can enjoy a boat ride in the clam backwaters. The guests retire to the hotel for the night.
Day 07: House boat cruise in Kumarakom.
You will be taken on a boat cruise on the tranquil backwaters. Enjoy the spectacular view of the distant palm fringed shore as you glide on an endless expanse of jade green water. Spend the night under the silvery gaze of the moon as the waves lullaby’s you to sleep.
Day 08: Allepey sight seeing
The famous boat races of Kerala happen in Allepey and one must experience the thrill to believe it. Disembark from the house boat and check into a backwater resort. Spend the day lounging in the lush greenery and tranquil backwaters that sheathes this place. Overnight stay will be at the resort.
Day 09: Allepey – Cochin Transit
After having breakfast you will be driven to Cochin. The rest of the day can be spend shopping in the city. The guests will be treated with a mesmerizing Kathakali performance in the evening. The best part about these performances is the make up and the expressions that are used by the artists.
Day 10: Cochin
After breakfast guests are driven to the nearby Shiva Temple and from there taken to the airport/railway station to board their flight/train. In front of the Shiva temple are the beautiful backwaters Cochin backwaters. Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. The temple has beautiful carvings and the place around the temple seems extremely serene. |
