Itinerary

Day 1

On arrival in Cochin airport, meet and greet by our representative and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for independent activities.

Overnight in Cochin

Day 2

Morning: Guided city tour of Cochin. Afternoon: Free for independent activities. Evening: Attend the Kathakali dance performance.

Cochin - the palmgreen commercial town of Kerala has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. A town with a hoary past, Cochin is the gateway to Kerala. The Jewish Synagogue - built in 1568 AD contains Grand Scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates containing the privileges granted to the Jews by the Cochin rulers. The floor of the synagogue is paved with exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles. The Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 AD. 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic, the Ramayana can be seen here. St Francis Church, built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 AD is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama was originally buried here. The Chinese fishing nets can be seen at the entrance of the harbour. The Chinese through trade contact taught this technique of catching fish.

Overnight in Cochin

Day 3

Morning: Drive to Munnar (135 kms/04½ hrs) enroute visit tea plantations. On arrival in Munnar, check in at hotel. Afternoon: Boat ride in the lake.




Munnar (1,524 M), is the highest town of Kerala, with a cool, bracing climate exuding an old-world charm. The atmosphere is fragrant with extensive tea and cardamom plantations. There are enchanting high ranges, lakes and streams and beautiful view of low-lying clouds and the mist filled valleys.

Overnight in Munnar

Day 4

Full day free to visit the bazaars, plantations etc.

Overnight in Munnar

Day 5

Early Morning: Drive to Periyar (100 kms/03 hrs) and on arrival, check in at hotel. Afternoon: Boat ride in Lake Periyar to watch wildlife. Later visit Kumily spice market to see and buy spices.

Periyar Tiger Reserve, 777 sq. km in area is set in a rich, mixed deciduous forest, interspersed with open areas of tall grass. Periyar has a splendid artificial lake dotted with snags of dead wood, which provide a perch for waterbirds; darter, grey heron, egret and kingfisher. It is one of the finest habitats for the Asiatic elephant. These enormous mammals swim in the waters and streams and usually they can be observed during the boat ride. Periyar also holds, apart from Tiger leopard, sambar, wild dog, barking deer, the lion tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur. The forest harbours a variety of woodland birds. Boat travel is the only means of transport in the Sanctuary.

Overnight in Periyar

Day 6

Early Morning: Hiking in the forest. Morning: Boat ride in Lake Periyar to watch wildlife. Afternoon: Visit Kumily Spice market to see and buy spices.

Overnight in Periyar

Day 7

Early Morning: Drive to Kumarakom (125 kms/03 hrs) and on arrival switch over to House Boat and cruise along the backwaters towards Alleppey passing through villages, paddy fields, markets and other sites.

The cruise is through `Kuttanad' literally meaning the land, which is lower than the sea level but is kept intact by its bunds and dikes. It is the `rice bowl' of Kerala. The rice fields are very beautiful and this lush land and surrounds governs the placid way of life of the people who live on the backwaters.

Overnight on board House Boat

Day 8

Morning: On arrival in Alleppey disembark from HouseBoat and check in at a resort. Rest of the day free to visit the village markets, temples, and churches or to relax on the lakefront.

Overnight in Alleppey

Day 9

Morning: Drive to Kovalam enroute stop at Trivandrum (190-kms/04½ hrs) for handicrafts and silk. On arrival in Kovalam, check in at a beach resort. Rest of the day to relax at the beach or indulge in Ayurvedic massages.

Kovalam is a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty, located on the magnificent Arabian Sea coast. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool, free from high waves and surges. The 30 kms drive from the Tiruvanantapuram airport to the beach through groves of palms is refreshing. It is an ideal place to swim, sunbathe and perhaps enjoy the ancient rites of an Ayurvedic massage and oil bath.

Overnight in Kovalam

Day 10

Full day free on the beach

Overnight in Kovalam

Day 11

Full day free on the beach

Overnight in Kovalam

Day 12

Full day free on the beach

Overnight in Kovalam

Day 13

Full day free on the beach

Overnight in Kovalam

Day 14

Morning: Assistance and transfer to Trivandrum airport (25 kms) in time to connect flight onward flight home…..

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Daily breakfast at all hotels except in House Boat where all meals included

Exclusions -

Expenses like meals (other than specified), table drinks, telephone calls, laundry, tips or other expenses of personal nature

Extras -

Above prices are per person based on atleast 2 people traveling. Enjoy a discount of 25% for travel between April to September 2008