Day 01 : Arrival Kochi
Arrive at Kochi international airport. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel.
Formerly known as Cochin, the beautiful city of Kochi is the ‘Gateway to Kerala’ and has been shaped by a host of eclectic influences. The Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese and the Portuguese have all left their mark on the city. It has one of the finest natural harbours in the world and for many centuries remained the most prominent hub of global spice trade. It is Kerala’s largest city and boasts myriad charms fr vibrant shopping arcades and restaurants to grand old historical structures and scenic natural attractions, Kochi seems to have it all.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 : Kochi – Athirappilly (70 Km / 02 hours)
Morning after breakfast, explore Fort Kochi, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and see the authentic Chinese fishing nets still in active use by the fishermen in Kerala.
Later in afternoon drive to Athirappilly.
Athirappalli is a scenic combination of forests and little streams. Athirappilly is popular among tourists. Athirappilly Falls is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Another popular waterfall to visit is the Vazhachal Falls. Athirappilly Falls is a part of Chalakudy river and it is approximately 80 feet in height.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Evening at leisure to explore this beautiful place on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 : Athirappilly – Munnar (130 Km / 4.5 hours)
Morning after leisurely breakfast, check-out from the hotel and visit nearby waterfall.
Later, transfer by road to Munnar.
Munnar, named among the most beautiful places in Kerala and India, the hill town of Munnar is worth visiting. Nestled in the lush lap of the Western Ghats, the hill town is surrounded by rolling hills covered by tea estates.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the surroundings on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 : Munnar
After breakfast, start your day in exploring this beautiful town and you will cover KFDC Flower Garden, Photo Point, Tea Plantations, Tea factory (to learn all about tea processing), Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake.
A popular way to spend your day includes an exhilarating drive in a 4WD jeep up steep, rough tracks to Kolukkumalai, the highest tea estate in the world. You have the option to go by jeep all the way up to the top of Kolukkumalai or alternatively hop out and enjoy a moderate trek (1.5 – 2 hrs) on one of the trails leading up to the tea factory.
Day 05 : Munnar – Periyar (90 Km / 3.5 hours)
After breakfast, transfer by road to Periyar, the spice plantation hub of Kerala.
Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel.
This afternoon, take a spice plantation tour and learn about the mystery and history of Indian spices. The spice plantations in Periyar are captivating farms growing different spices in different sections of the plantations. You will be intrigued to see the vast variety of spices ranging from cloves, cardamom, ginger, pepper, chilli, turmeric etc and during the spice plantation tour, you have the option to experience elephant safari through the plantation. Undisturbed by the mechanical roar of a car or jeep, open to the skies accompanied only by the rhythmic sound of the elephant, enjoy the ride through spice scented breeze.
Evening watch Kalaripayattu performance, one of the oldest form of martial arts and known as the mother of all martial arts. Kalarippayattu consists of punches, leg moves, stretches, twists, and jumps performed in a particular sequence. In Periyar, you get a unique opportunity to witness a performance of this ancient art along with the locals at the village arena.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 : Periyar – Kumarakom (125 Km / 03 hours)
Early morning boat ride on lake Periyar to explore the Periyar wildlife.
The lake is surrounded with a thick dense tree line on either shore. These trees are home to some of the resident avian species that are unique to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. If one is fortunate one can catch glimpses of rare species of birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon. Also one can hear the welcome of the lion tailed monkey as it announces your arrival from the tree tops. During the summer months of March to May, one can have a better chance of viewing the wildlife as the other water sources in the reserve dry up and the animals come to the lake for water. Common sights of a herd of elephants and deer are seen during this period.
Later, proceed on your drive to Kumarakom a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam in Kerala, famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake which is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Kerala.
Rest of the day at leisure or free for independent activities.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 : Kumarakom
Early this morning enjoy a visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a small piece of heaven for nature lovers and bird watchers. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, this preservation ground is a habitat to plenty of common as well as endangered species of residential and migratory birds. These include Siberian Cranes, Parrots, Herons, Owls, Egrets, Darters, and Waterfowls. Exploring the sprawling 14 acres in a canoe is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating things to do in Kumarakom.
Also visit Pathiramanal the fascinating island called the Sands of Midnight on the Vembanad Lake, can be reached by boat from here.
Rest of the day at leisure or free for independent activities.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 : Kumarakom – Alleppey (35 Km / 45 Minutes)
Morning at leisure. Later transfer to Alleppey Jetty to board the houseboat for overnight stay. Kerala backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, & canals and are best experienced while slowly rowing down the labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as 'Kettuvallam'. Discover the daily life along the backwaters and watch the circle of life in endless shades of green. Enjoy the comfort of a floating suite, relax and discover the flavors of Kerala served on the sundeck as the fascinating life along the waterfront passes by.
Overnight on board.
Day 09 : Alleppey – Kochi (55 Km / 01 hour)
After breakfast, disembark the houseboat and transfer by road to Kochi airport to board the flight for onward destination
