Kochi: Rich in colonial history and vibrant culture, with attractions like historic churches, synagogues, and fishing nets.
Munnar: A serene hill station with lush tea gardens, picturesque lakes, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Kovalam: Famous for its beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere.
This tour offers a blend of Kerala’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience.
Day 1: Arrive in Kochi
Arrival in Kochi and City Tour
Arrival:
Airport: Arrive at Kochi Airport.
Transfer: Meet your representative and transfer to your hotel in Kochi.
Hotel Check-in:
Check-in: Arrive at the hotel and complete the check-in process.
Freshen Up: Take some time to freshen up and get ready for the afternoon tour.
Afternoon Kochi City Tour:
Dutch Palace:
Visit: Start your tour with a visit to the Dutch Palace, also known as the Mattancherry Palace. This historical building, originally built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch, features beautiful murals and exhibits related to the Kochi royal family.
Jewish Synagogue:
Visit: Proceed to the Jewish Synagogue, located in the heart of the old Jewish quarter. It’s one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth and is known for its antique chandeliers and ancient scrolls.
Fort Kochi Area:
St. Francis Church: Visit St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India. It is famous for its simple architecture and historical significance as the burial place of Vasco da Gama.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Explore the Chinese Fishing Nets along the Fort Kochi waterfront. These large, cantilevered fishing nets are a traditional method of fishing used by the local fishermen and offer great photo opportunities.
Evening:
Leisure Time: After the city tour, you have the evening free to explore local markets or relax at the hotel.
Overnight Stay:
Hotel: Return to your hotel in Kochi for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
Transfer to Munnar and Local Exploration
Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Kochi.
Check-out: Complete check-out formalities and prepare for departure.
Transfer to Munnar:
En Route: Travel to Munnar, a picturesque hill station renowned for its tea plantations and scenic beauty.
Refreshments Halt: Make a stop along the way for refreshments and enjoy the lush landscapes.
Valara Waterfalls: Visit Valara Waterfalls, a stunning cascade surrounded by dense greenery. It's a great spot for photos and to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Arrival in Munnar:
Hotel Check-in: Arrive in Munnar and check in at your hotel.
Freshen Up: Relax and freshen up after the journey.
Afternoon Exploration:
Tea Plantations: Visit the tea plantations in the Devikulam area. Take a leisurely walk through the lush tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process.
Local Market: Explore the local market in Munnar. Here, you can shop for aromatic tea, local spices, and handcrafted souvenirs.
Evening:
Relaxation: Enjoy the serene environment of Munnar and the cool climate. Consider relaxing at a local café or taking a stroll through the town.
Overnight Stay:
Hotel: Return to your hotel in Munnar for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Munnar Sightseeing
Sightseeing Tour of Munnar
Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Sightseeing Tour:
Tata Tea Museum: Start your day with a visit to the Tata Tea Museum (closed on Mondays), where you can learn about the history and process of tea production in Munnar. The museum offers fascinating insights into the tea industry and displays various artifacts and vintage machinery.
Eravikulam National Park: Proceed to Eravikulam National Park, known for its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. This park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats. Enjoy a nature walk or a guided tour to explore the park's flora and fauna.
Lunch:
Local Cuisine: Enjoy local cuisine at a good restaurant (personal expense). Munnar offers a variety of dining options where you can savor South Indian delicacies and other regional dishes.
Afternoon:
Mattupetty Lake and Dam: Visit Mattupetty Lake and Dam, a picturesque spot surrounded by tea gardens and rolling hills. You can enjoy boating on the lake and take in the stunning scenery.
Echo Point: Head to Echo Point, famous for its natural echo phenomenon. It’s a great place to experience the beauty of Munnar’s landscape and enjoy some fun with echoes.
Evening:
Leisure Time: Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. You can relax, explore the local area, or enjoy the hotel’s amenities.
Overnight Stay:
Hotel: Return to your hotel in Munnar for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady
Transfer to Thekkady and Activities
Early Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel in Munnar.
Check-out: Complete check-out formalities and prepare for departure.
Transfer to Thekkady:
Drive: Travel to Thekkady, known for its lush greenery, spice plantations, and wildlife sanctuary.
En-route Visit: Stop at Chillies Spice Garden to explore and learn about various spices grown in the region. This visit offers a glimpse into the local spice cultivation and the chance to purchase fresh spices.
Arrival in Thekkady:
Hotel Check-in: Arrive in Thekkady and check in at your hotel.
Lunch: Have lunch at the hotel or a nearby restaurant (personal expense).
Afternoon Activities:
Boat Cruise at Periyar Lake: Proceed for a boat cruise on Periyar Lake (on a direct payment basis). The cruise offers the chance to spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species, while enjoying the picturesque lake surrounded by dense forests.
Spice Plantation Tour: After the cruise, consider visiting a spice plantation for a tour (personal expense). This tour provides insight into the cultivation of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon, and allows you to see the spice plants up close.
Evening Options:
Kalari Show: Attend a traditional Kalari show at a local theatre (non-air-conditioned, on direct payment basis). Kalari Payattu is a traditional martial art form from Kerala, and the performance is a vibrant display of skill and technique.
Shopping: Alternatively, you may choose to explore local markets and shop for spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Elephant Ride: Another option is to enjoy an elephant ride (on a direct payment basis), which provides a unique experience of interacting with and riding elephants.
Return to Hotel:
Leisure Time: After your chosen evening activity, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight Stay:
Hotel: Relax and overnight stay at the hotel in Thekkady.
Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey
Transfer to Alleppey and Sightseeing
Early Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel in Thekkady.
Check-out: Complete check-out formalities and prepare for departure.
Transfer to Alleppey:
Drive: Travel to Alleppey, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ due to its intricate network of backwaters and canals.
Arrival in Alleppey:
Hotel Check-in: Arrive in Alleppey and check in at your hotel.
Freshen Up: Take some time to relax and freshen up after the journey.
Afternoon Activities:
Mullakkal Raja Rajeswari Temple:
Visit: Head to the Mullakkal Raja Rajeswari Temple, a revered Hindu temple known for its intricate architecture and cultural significance. Spend some time exploring the temple and its surroundings.
Boat Cruise through the Backwaters:
Optional Cruise: Opt for a short boat cruise through the backwaters (on direct payment). This cruise offers a serene experience of navigating through the picturesque waterways, lush greenery, and traditional Kerala village life.
Evening:
Relaxation: After the boat cruise or temple visit, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. You can explore the local area, relax at the hotel, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the backwaters.
Overnight Stay:
Hotel: Stay overnight at the hotel in Alleppey.
Day 6: Alleppey Sightseeing
Sightseeing Tour of Alleppey
Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Alleppey.
Sightseeing Tour:
Backwaters Tour: Embark on a sightseeing tour of the backwaters. You can explore the serene canals, lush green landscapes, and traditional village life. If you didn't take the boat cruise on the previous day, you can enjoy a more extensive backwater experience today.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon:
Beach Visit:
Alleppey Beach: Visit Alleppey Beach, known for its scenic beauty and tranquil environment. You can take a stroll along the sandy shores, relax by the sea, and enjoy the sea breeze. The beach is also home to the historic Alleppey Lighthouse and a picturesque pier.
Afternoon:
Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant or back at the hotel (personal expense).
Evening:
Relaxation: Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to relax at the hotel, explore more of the local area, or enjoy the facilities at the hotel.
Overnight Stay:
Hotel: Return to your hotel in Alleppey for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Alleppey to Kovalam
Transfer to Kovalam and Sightseeing
Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Alleppey.
Check-out: Complete check-out formalities and prepare for departure.
Transfer to Kovalam:
Drive: Travel to Kovalam, a renowned beach destination known for its beautiful coastline and relaxed ambiance.
Arrival in Kovalam:
Hotel Check-in: Arrive in Kovalam and check in at your hotel.
Freshen Up: Take some time to relax and freshen up after the journey.
Sightseeing Tour:
Kovalam Beach:
Visit: Start with a visit to Kovalam Beach. Spend time relaxing on the sandy shores, enjoy the scenic views, and take a stroll along the crescent-shaped beaches of Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach.
Sri Chitra Art Gallery:
Visit: Explore the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which houses a collection of traditional and contemporary Indian art, including works by Raja Ravi Varma and other prominent artists.
Napier Museum:
Visit: Head to the Napier Museum, known for its unique architecture and diverse collection of artifacts, including ancient ornaments, sculptures, and traditional Kerala art.
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
Visit: Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This famous temple is renowned for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance. (Note: Dress code restrictions may apply, and non-Hindus may not be permitted inside certain areas.)
Evening:
Return to Hotel: Return to the hotel in Kovalam after a day of exploration.
Leisure Time: Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. You can relax at the hotel or explore local dining options.
Overnight Stay:
Hotel: Stay overnight at your hotel in Kovalam.
Day 8: Departure
Departure from Kovalam
Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Kovalam.
Check-out: Complete check-out formalities at the hotel.
Transfer to Trivandrum:
Drive: Proceed to Trivandrum Airport, allowing sufficient time for the journey and check-in.
Departure:
Airport: Arrive at Trivandrum Airport for your return flight.
Flight: Check in for your flight and proceed with your onward journey.
