Day 1: Arrive Kochi
Arrive in Kochi, the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala. Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Kochi, also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Starting from the Dutch, Portuguese and the British, Kochi was the site of the first European colonial settlements in India.
Day 2: Day in Kochi
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Kochi, visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets.
Day 3: Kochi to Munnar
In the morning, embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, one of the most popular hill resorts of South India. Under the British Raj, Munnar was popularly called ‘Switzerland of India' for its natural surroundings and cool climate. The entire area is occupied by thick forests and tea estates. The specialty of Munnar is jungle honey, tea and a rare flower ‘Neela Kurunji’ which blooms once in 12 years.
In the afternoon, visit a local tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the cultivation and processing of a variety of Indian teas.
Day 4: Munnar to Periyar
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Periyar, the wildlife and spice plantation hub of Kerala. In the afternoon, take a spice plantation tour and learn about the mystery and history of Indian spices. You also get the opportunity to shop for fragrant spices at a local market.
Day 5: Periyar to Kumarakom
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom, the coastal town in the backwaters of Kerala. On arrival, check-in at your hotel and freshen up.
In the afternoon visit one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes spreads across the land of green magic, Kerala. Vembanad Kayal, as it is called in the regional language, acts as a giant reservoir, a balancing tank against floods, and a major ecological resource, which has conditioned the flora, fauna and lifestyles of the people who live on its banks. Its wooded banks, chirping birds, fishermen with large palm-leaf hats, and the shallow edges where women immersed up to their necks in water searching for the shy but tasty Karimeen fish, will tempt you to explore more. The boats that ply, on the Vembanad vary from the large stitched-hull, cargo carriers with domed mat-roofs to houseboats. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 6: Kumarakom – Alleppey (Houseboat)
After breakfast, board your houseboat to cruise through the backwaters of Kerala.
Kerala backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, & canals and are best experienced while slowly rowing down the labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as 'Kettuvallam'. See life on the banks, lush green rice fields, and coconut groves with occasional temple or church as you cruise through the canals. Enjoy the special Kerala style meals prepared by your chef on board. Overnight stay at houseboat.
Day 7: Alleppey to Kovalam
After breakfast, disembark your houseboat & drive to Kovalam, one of the most serene and beautiful beaches of south India. Enjoy a day at leisure, pampering yourself with the various Ayurveda and Spa treatments offered by your resort in Kovalam.
Day 8: Day in Kovalam
The beautiful beaches of Kovalam are still far from being commercialized or packed with tourists. Today, enjoy a day at leisure to relax and unwind by the tranquil beaches of Kovalam or enjoy the various facilities offered by your hotel.
Day 9: Kovalam / Trivandrum (DEPARTURE: Room till 12 Noon)
After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum airport to board the flight back home.
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