Travelpack

Highlights: Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Backwaters - Houseboat - Mararikulam

Introduction

This tour is an unforgettable journey through some of the most scenic and culturally rich destinations in southern India. From the bustling port city of Cochin to the pristine beaches of Marari, this tour covers a range of fascinating destinations that offer a glimpse into the unique and diverse culture of Kerala.

Visitors will get to explore the historic Fort Cochin and its charming colonial architecture, wander through the rolling hills and tea plantations of Munnar, take a scenic boat tour of the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, and much more. The tour also includes several opportunities to sample the delicious local cuisine, visit spice markets and tea plantations, and participate in cultural activities such as traditional Kathakali dance performances.
Whether you're interested in nature, culture, or simply want to immerse yourself in the relaxed and laid-back lifestyle of Kerala, the "Discovering the Flavors and Sights of Kerala" tour is the perfect way to experience the best of southern India.

Highlights of the tour
•Exploring the historic Fort Cochin and its charming colonial architecture.
•Admiring the scenic beauty of Munnar's rolling hills and tea plantations.
•Taking a tranquil boat tour of the backwaters of Alleppey.
•Sampling the delicious local cuisine and visiting spice markets and tea plantations.
•Witness the traditional Kathakali dance performances.
•Immersing yourself in the relaxed and laid-back lifestyle of Kerala.
•Enjoying the pristine beaches of Marari.

Hotel Featured or similar:
Cochin - Dutch Bungalow
Munnar - Panoramic Getaway
Thekkady - Cardamom country
Kumarakom - Lake Song
Alleppey - Houseboat
Mararikulam - Abad Turtle

Itinerary
Day 01: Cochin
Arrive Cochin – the Gateway to Kerala was once an important spice-trading route on Arabian Sea where Vasco D Gama landed in 1498 and boasted that he had come for soul and spices. Cochin is virtually the spice capital of the world from where Portuguese were exporting 10,000 kilos of spices to east-indies and other countries and has derived its name from Calico-the famous fabric manufactured in this town. Cochin also forms part of the emerald isle of India. The Harbour Cruise of Cochin is very much popular. With one of the finest natural harbours in the world, Cochin was once a major centre for commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch etc.

Upon arrival at Cochin airport transfer to Hotel – 1400 Hrs: standard check in time
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 02: Cochin
After breakfast proceed to visit the Dutch Palace (Closed on Friday) – The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata & Ramayana, Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday & Saturday) – 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 Kochi.

Evening you will Witness the Kathakali Dance Show.
Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala dates from the 17th century. Kathakali recitals are drama and are danced with elaborate masks and costumes. They are emotive and narrative, while other dance forms have either one of them. The dancers use their stunning costumes and make-up, with the accompaniment of drums and vocalists, to create various moods and emotions.
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 03: Cochin to Munnar by surface (Approx. 145 Kms, 4-5 Hrs)
After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive from Cochin to Munnar - one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts. above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.
Upon arrival at Munnar, check in at Hotel
Overnight at Hotel

Day 04: Munnar
Morning enjoy sightseeing trip of Munnar – covering – Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point, Kundale Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai – offering a spectacular view, home of Nilgiry Thar( very rare mountain goat), considering the ecological faunal, floral, geomorphological and zoological significant & Tea Plantation
Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 05: Munnar to Periyar by surface (Approx. 135 Kms, 4 Hrs)
After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive from Munnar to Periyar - The scenic drive takes you through green hills with forests, plantations of tea, spices and rubber, streams and waterfalls.
Upon arrival at Periyar, check in at Hotel
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 06: Periyar
In the morning take a boat ride on the lake in the Periyar National Park, a ‘Project Tiger’ reserve. A boat ride is the only way to observe closely the giant of Periyar – Elephants and Gaurs (The giant Indian Bison) without disturbing them on their way (Subject to availability)
In the afternoon visit plantations of tea, cardamom, and pepper
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 07: Periyar to Kumarakom by surface (Approx. 135 Kms, 3 Hrs)
You will leave after breakfast driving back to the coast and the melodically named town of Kumarakom on the banks of Lake Vembanad. After checking-in to your hotel, this evening take a sunset cruise on the lake in a converted rice boat to flute ambiance music.

Day 08: Kumarakom
Enjoy the morning at leisure by the pool. Choose from the various options on offer such as Ayurvedic Massage, yoga and mediation, country boat expeditions, fishing, swimming or a cruise to the Kumarakom Bird sanctuary.

Day 09: Kumarakom to Houseboat
The Kerala backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, and canals. These are best experienced while slowly punting down the labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as ‘kettuvallam’. Embark on your houseboat, a renovated cargo boat with either one or two bedrooms, kitchenette and all modern conveniences. A 3 member crew will cater to your comforts and meals. See life on the banks, lush green rice fields, and coconut groves with occasional temple or church as you cruise through the canals. An experience you will savour for a long time.
(Lunch and Dinner) Overnight on board

Day 10: Alleppey to Marari by surface
After breakfast disembark houseboat and drive from Alleppey to Marari
Upon arrival at Marari, check in at Hotel
Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 11: Day in Marari at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 12: Day in Marari at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 13: Mararikulam to Cochin by surface
              Depart Cochin
Transfer from Hotel to Cochin airport in time to board flight for onward journey

                                                                                                                  **End of the Tour**

Offer Includes

Meal Plans