Hills and Backwaters of Kerala

Arrive at the International Airport of Kochi. After a traditional ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) our KVT’s representative would assist you at the airport and Later board the vehicle and transfer to Kochi hotel for check-in. Kochi is also known as Cochin – the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, it is one of the finest natural and major harbor city of Kerala and it has a cosmopolitan culture highly influenced by historical trading partners. Rest of the day free for us to explore the town or relax at the hotel. (Meals: Nil)

Morning we proceed for a tour of Kochi to visit Dutch Palace – built by the Portuguese and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was later renovated by the Dutch (closed on Friday), Jewish Synagogue – the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations (closed on Friday & Saturday) & St. Francis Church – one of the oldest churches in India built by Europeans. Walk through Fort Kochi and see Chinese Fishing Nets – a unique cantilever fishing technique. Rest of the day free to explore the city on your own. (Meals: Breakfast)

Today we drive to Munnar – a beautiful hill station situated in the Western Ghats range of mountains at an altitude of 1600m above sea level. Munnar was once the summer resort of British Government in South India and it is popular for its vast tea plantations. Reach there in the afternoon and check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for us to relax at the hotel and enjoy the beauty of the Munnar. (Meals: Breakfast)

This day we walk into the tea plantations area and explore the beauty of the sprawling tea plantations just like a carpet spread over the hills and then we climb to seven Mallai hills. Before reaching to the top point we cross through cardamom and coffee plantations and finally we reach at top; from here we would be blessed with a magnificent view of Chittrapuram Dam, Changulam Lake and Annamudi Peak. After that we return back to our hotel and relax. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning we leave Munnar and start driving towards Madurai. Upon arrival we will check in to the hotel. Madurai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. Often called the “Temple City,” it is best known for the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture that attracts millions of visitors every year. Madurai has a rich cultural and historical heritage, dating back over 2,500 years. It was an important center of learning, literature, and trade during the reign of the Pandya dynasty. The city is also famous for its vibrant festivals, traditional arts, and delicious South Indian cuisine. (Meals: Breakfast)

Today morning we start our day with a heritage walk of Madurai which will take us through the main streets and by-lanes as the vendors set up shop for their working day and devotees line up for worship.  As we pass through the crowded vegetable and fruit markets, the guide will reveal the history and stories behind each road, market and temple as you experience the life and culture of Madurai and its people. Hear stories of fickle kings & towering monuments and that of whimsical Gods & extraordinary mortals. Later on the day we will visit Tirumala Nayakar Palace – a 17^th century palace which is a classic fusion of Dravidian & Rajput styles. We then visit Meenakshi Temple – a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati, and her consort, Lord Sundareswar, a form of Lord Shiva. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast leaving Madurai, we drive to Thekkady. Thekkady is famous for the Periyar National Park – one of the famous national parks of South India and home to nature’s bounty filled with evergreen forest, grasslands and good variety of faunal collection. Upon arrival we will check in to hotel. Later we have a short walk through a spice garden, where we can see many different spices growing and also learn about their usage. Kumily is known as the heartland of spices due to the large number of plantations spread across the region. Feel nature’s power while walking between the cardamon leaves, pepper vines, turmeric roots and many more, smelling the aromatic air. (Meals: Breakfast)

The Periyar National Park extends over an area of 777 Sq km and is one of the best sanctuaries in India for watching and photographing elephants at close quarters. In the early morning we will have a short trek for 2 – 3 through the evergreen and moist deciduous forests, which are interspersed with marshy grasslands. In the afternoon we will have boat cruise on the Periyar lake for 1 ½ hours. These jungle activities will help us to come across many different species of birds and butterflies, while looking for some of the rarer wildlife here, including elephants, sloth bears and elusive leopards and tigers. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning we will drive to Alleppey (2.5 – 3.5hrs drive), stopping en route we visit the Coir Museum, learning how coconut husks were historically manufactured and how so many products we use daily are created. We reach Alleppey jetty & board the Houseboat. We will start our cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. Explore the rural life of Kerala and daily activities of people surrounding the backwaters while relaxing on the sun deck of the Houseboat. The Houseboat will cruise till sunset. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

After breakfast, we leave our houseboat in Alleppey and drive (4 – 5hrs drive) along the scenic Malabar Coast to the beach town of Kovalam. We visit Mannarasala temple en route, which is decorated with more than 100,000 snake images. Once a relaxing hideaway on the old hippie trail, Kovalam has now been discovered, but the influx of tourism has not diminished this beautiful setting. Upon arrival we will check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax on the beach. (Meals: Breakfast)

Today is free to unwind after an exhilarating journey through Kerala. Walk along the soft, sandy beach or visit the shops for last-minute souvenirs. This is a great chance to enjoy fresh seafood from one of the many small beach restaurants. Try tandoori dishes – the clay ovens add an exquisite taste to bread and curries. You can also rejuvenate with an Ayurvedic massage. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning we will be transferred to the Trivandrum airport for international flight back to home country. (Meals: Breakfast)