This tour begins in the Historic city of Cochin and takes you through to the scenic tea plantations of Munnar and then onward to Thekkady through the blue and green mountains, water falls, and spice plantations. Thekkady is close to the Periyar Wild life Sanctuary and from the mountains to the lovely backwaters of Kerala at Kumarakom and then cruise through the lovely backwaters of Kerala in your private house boat to discover the life which goes along the backwaters, which are a mixture of lakes, lagoons and canals. The last 4 nights you can just relax at the Marari Beach Resort, Mararikulam.
Day 1: Arrive Cochin.
Upon arrival welcome, be met and assisted at the airport and transfered to your hotel. Evening attend Kathakali dance show – a popular art form of Kerala has been referred to as ‘the first theatre of imagination’of the world owing to its elaborate costumes, ornaments and facial make-up. Overnight stay.
Day 2: Cochin/Munnar, by surface (140 Kms/04 Hrs).
Morning proceed for a city tour visiting the Dutch Palace – The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata & Ramayana, Jewish Synagogue – the oldest synagogue in the world is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568.St. Francis Church is the oldest church built by Europeans in India & huge, elegant Chinese fishing nets that line the tip of Fort Cochin. Afternoon drive to Munnar. Upon arrival check- in at hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 3: Munnar.
After breakfast visit Eravikulam National Park, natural habitat of the rare mountain goat – Nilgiri Tahr and home of Aniamundi (2695m) the highest peak of South India. Afternoon at leisure for independent activities. Overnight stay.
Day 4: Munnar/Periyar, by surface (120 kms/3 Hrs).
Morning: Drive to Periyar a scenic drive through tea and spice plantations and blue hills and arrive at Periyar. Periyar tiger Reserve is an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio-diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 777 Sq Kms. Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. Upon arrival at Periyar and check in at Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight stay.
Day 5: Periyar.
Morning: Take a soft trek in the forest, which is full of rare species of birds and mammals including Malabar Squirrel, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Nilgiri Langur and the highly endangered Lion-tailed Macaque. During the afternoon take a two-hour boat ride on the mist-shrouded lake, which offers excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife, especially herds of elephants. Overnight stay.
Day 6: Periyar/Kumarakom by surface (140 Kms/4 hrs.)
Morning drive back down to the coast and to the melodically named town of Kumarakom on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Kumarakom is world famous backwater destination. Upon arrival check in at Hotel. Enjoy an evening sunset cruise on Lake Vembanad.Overnight stay.
Day 7: Kumarakom.
Day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight stay.
Day 8: Kumarakom/ Alleppey by houseboat.
Morning embark on the Kettuvallam – a typical Kerala houseboat and sail through the beautiful backwaters region towards Alleppey. Explore the labyrinthine network of waterways,which weave through villages set amidst lush vegetation, offering glimpses of Kerala’s unique rural lifestyle, where land and water are inseparable. Overnight on board the houseboat.
Day 9: Alleppey / Mararikulam, by surface (Approx 45 Kms. 1Hrs).
Morning disembark houseboat and drive to Mararikulam and check in at hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 9-12: Mararikulam (4 Nights).
All days at leisure for independent activities and stay at hotel.
Day 13: Mararikulam/Cochin, by surface (85 Kms/2 Hrs).
Depart Cochin. In time transfer to Kochi airport to board flight for onward journey.
Cochin - Hotel Dream
Munnar - Sienna Village
Periyar - Cardamom County
Kumarakom - Abad Whispering Palm
Backwaters - Houseboat
Mararikulam - Abad Turtle