Incredible Kerala
Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Places Covered: Kochi - Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey
Day 1: Arrive Kochi
Arrival at Kochi (Cochin) meet and assistance at the railway station by our
representative and transfer to your hotel. Half day sight seeing of Cochin by
boat. Over night stay at hotel. Cochin set on a cluster of islands and narrow
peninsulas, the port city of Cochin (Kochi) (Queen of Arabia) reflects the eclecticism
of Kerala perfectly. With a rich past and a bustling present, it has been the
business hub of the region from the very early days after Alleppey (Alappuzha).
Cochin consists of mainland Ernakulam, the islands of Willington, Bolgatty and
Gundu in the harbour, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry on the southern peninsula,
and Vypeen Island north of Fort Cochin, all was linked by ferry but now some
islands have bridges. The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans is
evident in Cochin and its people. The oldest church in India, 500-year-old Portugese
houses, old tiled houses built in the Chinese pagoda style, the famous Chinese
fishing nets, a Jewish community whose roots go back to the Diaspora, synagogues
and mosques all tell the fascinating story of this harbour town. The harbour
is still at the heart of the city and pepper, sea food, rubber and coir mats
and matting are exported from here. Despite this, Cochin is an attractive city
with serene creak & lagoons overhung with feathery coconut palms and picturesque
islands. The older parts of Fort Cochin and Mattanchery are an unlikely blend
of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village grafted onto the
troppical Malabar coast. Cochin is one of India's largest ports and a major
naval base.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
Proceed to Munnar enjoying the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls,
high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by. Enjoy boating in the afternoon.
Overnight stay at hotel. In the morning depart for Munnar (approx.4 hours journey),
enjoying the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with
the low flying clouds passing by. Arrive Munnar and check in at hotel. Overnight
at Munnar. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely
Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. This hill station, located at an altitude
of 1600 m above sea level, was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British
government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding
lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic
flora found in the forests and grasslands is the 'Neelakurinji'. This flower
which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years will bloom next in 2006 AD.
Munnar also has the highest peak in south India, Anamudi, which towers over
2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking
Day 3: Munnar - Anamudi - Munnar
Morning, after breakfast, visiting tea plantations, Anamudi, Eravikulam National
Park, Devikulam, Mattupetty, Pallivasal, Pothamedu, Attukal etc. Rest of the
day at leisure. Overnight at Munnar.
Day 4 : Munnar - Periyar
Morning, proceed to Periyar on the way visiting Idukki dam. On arrival check
in at hotel. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic tribes of wild
elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more. Evening go for boat
cruise in the lake to watch wild animals. Overnight stay at Periyar.
Periyar: One of the well known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar
sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the
Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in
their natural habitat.
The forest here, slopes into the manmade lake at the bottom of the hill. This
lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to drink or
take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can be spotted here. There
are boat services which takes the visitor around the lake. The best season to
visit the park is between October and June. Spread over 777 sq.km of the Cardamom
Hills of Western Ghats, the Periyar sanctuary is located 137 km from Madurai.
Although an excursion on the splendid artificial lake is the standard way to
experience the sanctuary, you can also walk around with the local guide in a
small group. Wild Elephant herds come to the lake to frolic in the water. Other
attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer, Tigers, Leopards,
Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked Mongooses, etc. There are over 260 species
of birds here, including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, blue-winged Parakeets, White
bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers.
Day 5: Periyar
Morning, after breakfast boating through Periyar lake - Wildlife sanctuary.
You can visit the rare species of plants and animals. Afternoon visit spice
plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your
way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some
fragrant spices. Overnight stay at Periyar.
Day 6: Periyar - Kumarakom
Early morning proceed to Kumarakom. Reach and visit the Bird Sanctuary. Proceed
to the Vembanand Lake. Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and
go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The
houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your
own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride
on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the
backwaters. Cruise through the backwaters to Alleppy. Overnight at Houseboat.
Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part
of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals,
streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly
beautiful web. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters
and blend into wavelets. The entire state of Kerala is blessed with plenty of
rivers and the resources of many are still untapped. The waterways of Kerala
which play a main role in the economy of the state links remote villages and
islands with the main land. The water ways provide a cheap and economical mode
of transport. The water ways of Kuttanad is now a big attraction for tourist.
It is incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country
boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala villages. The scenery flashes up vivid
contrasts of breath-taking greens and deep blues. Boat rides are available for
tourist and others at nominal rates.
Day 7: House Boat Cruise
Today also you will be cruising through the backwaters of Kerala and stay
overnight in the Houseboat.
Day 8: Alleppey
Disembark the boat at the reception of the backwater resort at Alleppey. Check
in at the resort. This resort is one of the finest one in Alleppey Here you
can enjoy the lively villages and backwaters. Overnight at Alleppy.
Alleppey: Alappuzha, formerly named as Alleppey, in Kerala is one of
the major backwater destinations. The thrilling boat race awaits you at Alleppey
or Alappuzha. Imagine to just lazing on a houseboat or enjoying fishing in Alleppey
Kerala. Kuttanad is also known as the 'rice bowl' of the state, Kerala India.
Alleppey is a captivating destination in Kerala India that provides backwaters,
traditional Kettuvallooms (house boats), beaches, boat race, swaying palms,
gourmet delight and many more.
Day 9 : Kochi
After breakfast proceed to Kochi. Reach and spend the day shopping. In the
evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION. Overnight at Kochi.
Day 10 : Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Shiva Temple and transfer to airport/railway station
according to the timings of flight/train.
