Duration :- 6 Nights / 7 Days
Places to See:- Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarokom - Alleppy - Kochi
DAY
01 Cochin: Arrival at Kerala
Arrive Cochin and transfer to Hotel.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw
open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into
one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven
for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European
town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the
last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795.
During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and
its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military
base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity
and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
Afternoon proceed for city tour of Cochin which includes Jewish Synagogue,
Mattancherry Palace etc.
A few other interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing
nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, 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.
Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving
fresh seafood is also popular among tourists.
In the evening enjoy the KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION.
Overnight will be at the hotel.
DAY 02 Cochin - Munnar:
By Road
150 km in 4 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.
In the morning depart for Munnar (approx.4 hours journey), enjoying the scenic
beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying
clouds passing by.
Arrive Munnar and check in at hotel.
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha,
Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was
once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.
Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday
facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in
the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes
the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar
also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695
m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Move
through the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers.
There are lush green hills all around - a place difficult to describe. Very
low population and moved away from the city pollution makes Munnar a special
destination.
Overnight will be at Munnar.
DAY 03 Munnar - Thekkady:
By Road
150 km in 4 hr
Proceed for Thekkady after breakfast.
Check in at hotel on arrival. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic
tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more. Evening
go for boat cruise in the lake to watch wild animals.
Afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee,
tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local
market and pick up some fragrant spices.
Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
DAY 04 Thekkady:
Morning, after breakfast boating through Periyar Lake - Wildlife sanctuary.
You can visit the rare species of plants and animals.
Enjoy the jungle trek with your guide.
Stay the night at Periyar.
DAY 05 Thekkady - Kumarokom:
By Road
175 km in 5 hr
In the morning proceed to Kumarakom after breakfast.
Drive through misty hills and tea gardens. Stop at a tea factory and see the
process of tea making. Later drive through rubber plantations and small Kerala
villages. Arrive at Kumarakom, after a journey of approx. 5 hours.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake,
and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary
here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds
and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl,
cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there
in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds
of the Kumarokom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
Check in at Hotel. Overnight will be at Kumarokom.
DAY 06 Kumarokom - Alleppey:
Houseboat Cruise
Morning go for Bird Sanctuary Visit after breakfast.
Later,
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. A ride on the houseboat
is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
You will have lunch and dinner in the Houseboat.
Overnight will be on Houseboat.
DAY 07 Alleppey - Cochin:
By Road
60 km in 1 hr
Breakfast will be on the boat. Cruise through the district of Aleppey - Known
as the rice bowl of Kerala. Here you can enjoy the lively villages and backwaters.
It is located on the banks of the backwater and you can witness various types
of traditional activities like coir making, fishing, etc.
Disembark the boat at Alleppey. Transfer at leisure to Cochin for flight to
the next destination.
TOUR ENDS
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