Best of Kerala Tour Program (10N & 11D)

DAY 01: ARRIVE COCHIN BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT (-)

Arrive Cochin International Airport.

Note:  If you are travelling on an evisa please ensure you are carrying a hardcopy of the approval with you and you should go to the counters at the end of the Immigration hall.

You will meet our travel executive after collecting your luggage & passing customs at arrival hall who will assist you with your transfer to hotel. On arrival check in at hotel

(Check in time would be 1400hrs)

Briefing of the tour by the executive

 

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL

 

DAY 02: IN COCHIN (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

 

Today a full day city tour of Cochin.

 

COCHIN, located in Kerala, is a historic port city with a rich cultural tapestry shaped by diverse influences. Fort Kochi, known for its colonial charm, houses iconic landmarks like the Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. Jew Town, with its spice markets and the Paradesi Synagogue, adds to the cultural allure. Marine Drive offers a scenic waterfront, and the Kerala Kathakali Centre showcases traditional art. Culinary delights, island exploration, and a blend of history and modernity make Cochin a captivating destination.

 

Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturday)  for white Jews, lies at the heart of what is locally called Jew Town.  Built in 1568, the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth stands adorned with a gold pulpit, Belgian chandeliers & hundreds of exquisite hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles from Canton.

 

Mattancherry Palace  (closed on Fridays)

The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry was actually built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in AD 1555. The palace acquired its present name in 1663 when the Dutch carried out some extensions and repairs in it.                                     

 

Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi.  It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here, & now Kochi is the only place outside of China where they are found.

 

St. Francis Church-  is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India by sea from Europe, fell ill and died in Kochi on his 3rd visit. He is buried in the St. Francis Church.

 

Kathakali Performance: Experience Kerala's traditional dance-drama, Kathakali. The performances, characterized by elaborate costumes and makeup, depict stories from Hindu epics. Arrive early to watch the artists apply their makeup.

 

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL

 

DAY 03: COCHIN - MUNNAR BY ROAD (130 KMS/ 4 HRS. APPROX.) (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

 

After breakfast drive to Munnar by road, a scenic hill station in Kerala. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, covering around 130 kilometers. En-route enjoy beautiful waterfalls.

 

Valara Waterfalls: Stop by this beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The cascading water and serene atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a short break and some photos.

 

Cheeyappara Waterfalls: Another stunning waterfall along the way, where you can take a few moments to admire the natural beauty and enjoy the refreshing mist.

 

Later continue drive to Munnar, on arrival check in at hotel.

Munnar is Kerala’s premium hill station, & is surrounded by gently undulating hills swathed in the soothing green of vast tea estates. At an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, its bracing climate with laidback atmosphere and its delightfully refreshing air make it the most sought-after destination.

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL

 

DAY 04: IN MUNNAR (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

This morning, visit a Tea plantation & nearby factories where you can see the process of picking and packaging tea.

Tea Gardens

Munnar’s top attraction is its scenic tea gardens and is a top priority on any travel itinerary in this area. There are around 30 tea estates, all are privately owned (about 27 of them owned by Tata Tea Company), but most estate managers will allow visitors to wander around the estate for free. Tea factories at the estates offer a great opportunity to witness the entire process by which tea changes from being a fresh, hand-picked leaf to the fragrant product that makes it to breakfast tables across the world. Some tea factories also offer tea on sale.

Also proceed for visit to the beautiful Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala Lake.

Mattupetty Dam is a concrete gravity dam built across the Mattupetty River. It is nestled amidst picturesque surroundings with rolling hills, tea plantations, and a serene lake formed by the dam.

Echo Point offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and the Shola forests. Take some time to enjoy the scenic beauty and capture memorable photographs.

Kundala Lake, located approximately 20 kilometers from Munnar. The route offers picturesque views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and dense forests.

 

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL

DAY 05: MUNNAR - PERIYAR BY ROAD (110 KMS/ 3 HRS. APPROX.) (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

 

This morning drive to Periyar, en-route enjoying the beautiful hills and valleys of Western Ghat.

 

On arrival check-in to the hotel.

 

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, is a renowned nature reserve centered around the picturesque Periyar Lake. Known for its rich biodiversity, it is home to elephants, tigers, and a variety of other wildlife, as well as lush forests and spice plantations. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, guided treks, jeep safaris, and cultural performances. The sanctuary also focuses on conservation efforts, particularly through Project Tiger. Accessible via nearby airports in Madurai and Cochin, and well-connected by road, Periyar offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an ideal destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

 

This afternoon, take a nature walk with a guide inside the Periyar jungle - walk through the forest, the guide will help you identify various plant species, including medicinal plants, trees, and unique vegetation found in the region. Keep an eye out for different bird species, butterflies, and small mammals that may cross your path. The reserve is also home to animals like elephants, langurs, and sambar deer, although spotting them during the nature walk is less common.

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL

DAY 06: IN PERIYAR (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning boat rides are ideal for spotting wildlife such as elephants, sambar deer, and various bird species. The serene environment of the lake amidst the forest is a perfect start to your day.

Spice Plantation Tour: Visit nearby spice plantations to learn about the cultivation and processing of spices like cardamom, pepper, and vanilla.

 

Kadathanadan Kalari Centre: Watch traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performances and cultural shows.

 

Rest of the day at leisure.

 

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL

DAY 07: PERIYAR - ALLEPPEY BY ROAD   (170KMS/4-5HRS) (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel

Drive to Alleppey & board your Rice Houseboat.  Relaxation time this afternoon, sailing in the canals of the massive lake, where you can see people living their day-to-day lives.

OVERNIGHT ON HOUSEBOAT

 

DAY 08: ALLEPPEY - KUMARAKOM BY ROAD (35 KMS/ 1 HRS. APPROX.) (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

 

This morning drive to Kumarakom, on arrival check-in to the hotel.

 

KUMARAKOM, located on the picturesque Vembanad Lake in Kerala, is a serene backwater destination known for its tranquil beauty and lush landscapes. This charming village offers a blend of natural splendor and rich biodiversity, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. Visitors can explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, take relaxing houseboat cruises through the scenic backwaters, and experience traditional Kerala culture. Kumarakom's serene environment, coupled with its luxurious resorts and Ayurvedic spas, makes it an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat.

 

Afternoon enjoy the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for bird watchers. Spread across 14 acres, the sanctuary is home to numerous species of migratory and resident birds such as herons, egrets, darters, teals, and Siberian storks. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the sanctuary's trails, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some rare birds. 

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL

DAY 09: KUMARAKOM – COCHIN BY ROAD (75 KMS / 02-03 HRS) (B)

COCHIN – MUMBAI BY FLIGHT (-)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Later in time transfer to Cochin airport to board the flight for Mumbai.

Meeting with assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. On arrival check in at hotel

MUMBAI, the capital of Maharashtra, is India's financial and entertainment hub. It's known for Bollywood, a diverse culture, historical landmarks like the Gateway of India, and a stunning coastline along Marine Drive. The city boasts a rich culinary scene and premier educational institutions. However, it faces challenges like traffic and overcrowding. Mumbai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern dynamism.

Rest of the day at leisure

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL

DAY 10: IN MUMBAI (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

 

Today full day sightseeing of Mumbai

 

Elephanta Caves: After the Gateway of India, take a ferry ride to Elephanta Island to explore the ancient rock-cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. Marvel at the intricate sculptures and architecture dating back to the 5th to 8th centuries.

 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum): Start your day with a visit to this museum, which houses an extensive collection of art, artifacts, and sculptures from India and around the world.

 

Marine Drive: In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along Marine Drive, also known as the Queen's Necklace, and enjoy the scenic views of the Arabian Sea and the city skyline.

 

Gateway of India: Start your day by visiting this iconic landmark, which overlooks the Arabian Sea. Take some time to admire its grand architecture and historical significance.

 

OVERNIGHT STAY AT HOTEL

DAY 11: MUMBAI DEPARTURE BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

 

Later in time transfer to international airport to board the flight for onward destination.

 

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