Day 01   Arrive Kochi
On arrival at Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, you will be met by our representative and assisted to the Hotel.  In the noon proceed for sight seeing of Kochi visiting St. Mary's Cathedral, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church Dutch Palace, Chinese fishing nets.  Evening witness Kathakali Dance Performance.  Overnight at Kochi.

 

Cochin - 'Queen of Arabian Sea': It is not known exactly how the name Kochi originated. But many theories exist. Some historians believe that Cochin is a modified form of the word 'Cochazhi' which in Malayalam means 'small sea'.

 

St. Francis Church: It is the oldest church built by European in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, 'Vasco da Gama', the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. Also the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.

Chinese Fishing Nets / Fort Kochi beach: A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.

Dutch Palace: The Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Jewish Synagogue: The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here.

 

 

Day 02   Munnar
After breakfast proceed to Munnar (130 Kms), lover’s paradise.  Check in to your resort by noon.

 

Munnar is one of the most naturally beautiful hill-stations in South India. The word "Munnar" means three rivers. 3 mountain streams Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala are joining together here. The former, mainly in Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district, Munnar is usually known as the Kanan Devan hills or the High Ranges. The natural beauty, calmness and mild cold climate throughout the year makes it the favorite tourist place of both Indians and foreigners.

 

Traditions of a quaint British tea plantation town are still preserved in this heavenly and unspoiled hill station. Munnar abounds in animals like elephants and Nilgiri Tahrs and rich biodiversity teeming with flora and fauna. Among the exotic flora found in the forests here is the "Neela Kurinji". This flower which bathes the hills in blue every 12 years, will bloom next in 2006 A.D.

 

Day 03   Munnar
After breakfast proceed for Half day sight seeing of  Munnar visiting Tea plantation, Cheeyappara water falls, view point, Devikulam etc. Overnight at  Munnar.

 

 

Day 04   Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady  also known as Periyar (110 kms).  Drive thru’ the dense rubber.  The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. A cruise through the waters of Periyar lake around which the wild -life sanctuary is situated, offers a soul - stirring pleasant experience. The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wild life.

 

 

Day 05    Periyar
Early Morning  boat ride in Lake Periyar is the best way to view  wild life sanctuary. This is a place for anyone who Loves nature to fill your lungs with fresh air, to savour the rich fragrance of cinnamon and cloves or to watch young elephants at the water's edge. Day at leisure to visit nearby coffee plantations, spice gardens with pepper vines or a trek deep into the tropical forest. Later visit spice plantations (Coffee & Cardamom) etc.  Evening if time permits proceed for an Elephant ride. Overnight at Resort.

Optional  * full day trekking is also possible in the sanctuary.   * Guided forest tours  * Wildlife safaris  *Elephant rides  * Bird watching    * Trips to tea plantations & factories   *  Spice plantation tours   * Angling * Trips to tea plantations & factories Spice plantation tours

 

 

Day 06   Allepey
Morning after breakfast proceed to Allepey (160 kms).   Allepey is also known as Venice of the East,  because of the narrow canals and backwaters. Board the houseboat from Allepey finishing point jetty. Staying in this moving palace is breathtakingly stimulating experience. While sailing down a maze of canals one sees different scenes from the villages, paddy fields, coconut palms, fisherman and local life. You will visit Kuttanad a region where cultivation is done below the sea level. All meals and tea snacks will be served  in the boat. The cool breeze from the Lake make you sleep early in the night after anchoring in a fancy place. Dinner and Overnight in the houseboat.

 

Kettuvallam (House Boat): A house boat is generally about 67 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the middle. The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjili". The house boats have fully furnished single and double rooms with sundeck, private balcony with comfortable chairs, kitchen and toilet with WC. In addition there is also separate rest room for the crew. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. The crew includes a chef and two oarsman. The cuisine is traditional Kerala flavour with the local specialties; delicious fish and prawns. There are single bedroom houseboats for two people and two bedroom houseboats for four people. A glide in a "Kettuvallam" (Houseboat) is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget.

 

 

Day 07   Kochi Departure

After breakfast, check-out the resort and drive to Kochi.  Its time to Bid farewell.  Transfer to the Airport to connect flight to onward destination.

 

"All Tours can be tailor-made to your needs"