Day
1 -
Kochi
Kochi (D)
Arrive at the queen of Malabar- Kochi and transfer to the hotel for 2 nights stay. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Kochi
Day
2 -
Kochi
Kochi (B, D)
Today you will visit some of the highlights of this captivating port, taking in the myriad styles that attest to Arab, Jewish and European influences. View the remarkable cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets and help fisherman pull catch of the day; explore the 16th century Portuguese built Mattancherry Palace, Church of St Francis and the oldest living Jewish Synagogue in the world. Enjoy a walk through Fort Kochi region - the area still retains its old world charm with European style quarters. Later, visit the Kathakali dance studio for a traditional dance performance. The striking feature of this dance form is the elaborate face makeup and costumes.
Overnight: Kochi
Day
3 -
Munnar
Kochi - Munnar (B, D)
This morning drive to Munnar (150 Kms/ Approx. 5 hours) - a magnificent hill station in the Western Ghats and is the major center of Kerala tea industry. The hills around Munnar are covered with the rare Neelakurunji plant giving it a wonderful look, especially when the flowers bloom to cover the entire mountain range. It is said that this exotic plant flowers every 12 years and the last scheduled flowering time was in the year 2006. This afternoon visits the Tea Plantation: An area surrounding a lovely lake that offers some of the most stunning views of the region.
Overnight: Munnar
Day
4 -
Thekkady
Munnar - Periyar, Thekkady (B, D)
This morning drive to the green forests of Periyar in Thekkady region (135 Kms/ Approx. 4-5 hours). The very sound of the name conjures up images of unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. For centuries, Kerala has grown and exported spices around the world and a walking tour of a plantation will allow you to gain a firsthand experience of the cultivation, growth, and processing of spices. To witness the region’s pivotal role in the global spice market, one must get a glimpse of the Kumili spice market of Thekkady. Afternoon enjoys a Green Walk (subject to weather conditions.) with a forest guide exploring the flora and fauna of this region. With many species of birds spotted here, the region is also an ornithologist's favorite.
Overnight: Thekkady
Day
5 -
Kumarakom
Thekkady – Kumarakom (B, D)
Drive to the placid backwater region of Kerala (135 Kms/ Approx. 4-5 hours). The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora. Rightly called the ‘Venice of the East’, this verdant area surrounded by coconut plantations is famous for its narrow maze of canals and backwaters.
Overnight: Kumarakom
Day
6 -
Houseboat
Kumarakom – Backwater Region (B, L, D)
Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the morning at leisure. Check- out 1100 hours. Later from the hotel jetty board the houseboat. Check-in on board the houseboat at 1200 hours. Enjoy the cruise on lake Vembanad and backwaters. Discover the daily life along the backwaters & watch the circle of life in endless shades of green. Enjoy the comfort of a floating suite, relax & discover the flavors of Kerala served on the sundeck as the fascinating life along the waterfront passes by.
Overnight: Houseboat
Day
7 -
Kochi
Backwater Region – Kochi (B)
Drive to Kochi. (90 Kms/ Approx. 2.5 hours) On arrival transfer to the international airport for your onward journey.
