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Destination : Cochin » Munnar » Periyar » Kottayam » Alleppey » Kovalam » Trivandrum » Mumbai
Duration : 09 Nights / 10 Days
Day 01 Arrive Cochin
Arrive on the Mumbai domestic airport and take up a flight to Cochin. As you arrive Cochin, our executive will assist you to the hotel. At the hotel room, you can relax and get ready for the evening. In the evening, you can enjoy the Kathakali Dance Performance. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 In Cochin
In the morning, our guide would take you on a city exploration tour. You can take rest and relax in the afternoon. Cochin has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. It is the palm-green commercial town of Kerala, also called as the gateway of Kerala. Cochin has a hoary past.
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 03 Cochin-Munnar
This day, in the morning take a drive to Munnar (135 kms/04½ hrs). On the way you can visit the tea plantations. As you reach Munnar, check in the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy the exotic boat ride in the Lake.
You have reached the highest town of Kerala, Munnar (1,524 M), with a cool, bracing climate exuding an old-world charm. You can smell the fragrance of the extensive tea and cardamom plantations. Munnar has enchanting high ranges, lakes and streams and beautiful view of low-lying clouds and the mist filled valleys.
Overnight in Munnar.
Day 04 In Munnar
This day you can plan to visit the bazaars and plantations etc. Spend overnight in Munnar.
Full day free to visit the bazaars, plantations etc.
Day 05 Munnar - Periyar
This day early in the morning, take a drive to Periyar (100 kms/03 hrs) and check in the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy the Periyar Lake boat-ride to watch wildlife. Later you can plan to visit the 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 water birds; 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 harbor a variety of woodland birds. Boat travel is the only means of transport in the Sanctuary.
Overnight in Periyar.
Day 06 Periyar - Kottayam
This morning, we will drive you to Kottayam. As you reach Kottayam, switch over the Houseboat and cruise along the backwaters passing through paddy fields, villages, market etc.
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 07 Arrive Alleppey - Kovalam
In the morning, drive to Kovalam (180 kms/04½ hrs) and check in the hotel as you arrive. You can rest at the beach or indulge in Ayurvedic massages for the rest of the day.
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 and perhaps enjoy the ancient rites of an Ayurvedic massage and oil bath.
Spend overnight in Kovalam.
Day 08 In Kovalam
This day is left free for you to enjoy on the beach. Spend overnight in Kovalam.
Day 09 In Kovalam
Enjoy this day too on the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. Stay overnight in the hotel.
Day 10 Kovalam - Trivandrum - Mumbai - Depart
In the morning, we will assist you to the Trivandrum airport. From Trivandrum airport you will take a flight connecting Trivandrum to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, we will take you for the last minute shopping/packing. And in the night, after dinner you can take your departure flight back to home.
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