Best Of Kerela

• Day
  1

  Arrive Kochi (Cochin)

  Arrive at Kochi (Cochin) meet and assistance at the airport by our representative and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure.In the evening proceed for Kathkali Dance performance Over night stay at Kochi.
• Day
  2

  Kochi

  Breakfast will be at the hotel. In the morning, enjoy a city tour. Visit the Mattancheery Dutch Palace where the superb series of murals painted on the wooden walls are its main attraction. Also visit the 16th century Jewish Synagogue and the Church of St. Francis. Vasco da Gama was originally buried in the Church''s cemetery. Further visit the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square around the Fort Cochin area and admire the Chinese Fishing Nets. Chinese traders are believed to have introduced them in the late 14th century. Continue on to Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. Enjoy SUNSET HARBOUR CRUISE. Overnight stay at the hotel
• Day
  3

  Cochin – Periyar (Thekkady) (185 Kms / 4-5 Hrs)

  Proceed for Thekkady after breakfast. Drive through the plantations and small Kerala villages. The whole of Kerala including the towns are like villages and the simplicity of the state can be felt while driving. All around would be scenic beauty. Reach Thekkady. (This place is also known as Periyar because of the Lake Periyar) Check in at the resort. The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, 'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi'. A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar, which is now known as the Vyppin Islands. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more.
• Day
  4

  Periyar

  Enjoy the boat ride 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. You can in the afternoon go for a short trek in the forests with a trained guide for some adventure. You also have the opportunity to see the cooking demonstration in the evening at the resort (Only available at Spice Village) Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
• Day
  5

  Periyar – Kumarakom (130 Kms / 3-4 Hrs)

  Early morning proceed to Kumarakom. This journey will also be a beautiful one passing through rolling tea gardens and rubber plantations. Stop at a tea factory and watch the tea making process (interesting for children and elders). There is a beautiful solitary church you pass by and it is a nice place to stop for photography. Reach KUMARAKOM and check into the hotel. Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake. The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and e nchantingly 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 play a main role in the economy of the state, links remote villages and islands with the main land. The waterways provide a cheap and economical mode of transport. 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. The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta-the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch boatmen, at least a hundred in one boat, and slice their way through the waters to the rhythm of their own full-throated singing.
• Day
  6

  Kumarakom

  Day at leisure to enjoy the beautiful and serene environment and be one with nature.
• Day
  7

  Kumarakom – Alleppey (House Boat)

  The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable. 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 towards Alleppey. Lunch will be served on the boat. The menu is simple and traditional. The cook (chef) of the boat prepares the lunch from fresh materials and even you can have a peek at the recipe. Tea and snacks would be served in the evening. The boat will be anchored in the backwaters along a paddy field and you can go for a stroll into the village or relax at the deck of the boat.
• Day
  8

  Alleppey – Boat Jetty – Kovalam (175 Kms / 4-5 Hrs)

  After breakfast start for Alleppey. Cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening. Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centres for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha is one of few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills. Disembark the boat at the reception of the backwater resort at Alleppey, met by our representative and drive on to Kovalam. Kovalam is one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories, makes this beach paradise. This marvelous beach is a tourist's dream come true.
• Day
  9

  Kovalam / Trivandrum Airport

  In time transfer to the Trivandrum airport to board your onward flight.

Tour Map