Day 01 – Arrive Kochi
Meeting & Greeting on arrival and transfer you to Kochi hotel.
Afternoon visit of Kochi city.
Kochi – the palm green commercial town of Kerala has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. A town with a hoary past, Cochin is the gateway to Kerala. The Jewish Synagogue – built in 1568 AD contains Grand Scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates containing the privileges granted to the Jews by the Cochin rulers. The floor of the synagogue is paved with exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles. The Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 AD. 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic, the Ramayana can be seen here. St. Francis Church, built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 AD is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama was originally buried here. The Chinese fishing nets can be seen at the entrance of the harbour. The Chinese through trade contact taught this technique of catching fish.
Day 02 – Kochi to Munnar – 4.30 hrs drive
After the breakfast transfer you to Munnar hotel. On the way you can also watch the lovely waterfalls in Cheeyappara and colourful flowers in Blossom Garden.
Afternoon you can visit Tea Museum.
Day 03 – Munnar
Today you can visit around Munnar.
Munnar (1520 m) – is a abode of environmental purity situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. A major centre of Kerala’s tea industry is a genuine hill station and nature lover’s paradise. It is surrounded by about 30 tea estates, among the highest in the world. There are enchanting high ranges, lakes and streams and beautiful view of low-lying clouds and the mist filled valleys. It has many interesting walks. Your visit includes:- Eravikulam National Park, Madupetty Dam & Lake, Echo Point, Swiss Farm Project (Entry to Swiss project is now banned, you can watch it only from outside while you drive to Echo point). The drive around Munnar is itself a sightseeing tour, which gives you one of the finest and breathtaking views of the Tea Estates.
Day 04 – Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar) – 3.30 hrs drive
After the breakfast transfer to Thekkady hotel.
Rest of the day, you can go for different activites in Thekkady, like spice plantation visit, elephant ride, boat ride or jungle walk (on your direct payment basis). Some of the activities can be done next day early morning also.
Periyar Tiger Reserve, 777 sq km. in area is set in a rich, mixed deciduous forest, interspersed with open areas of tall grass. Periyar has a splendid artificial lake dotted with snags of dead wood, which provide a perch for water birds; darter, grey heron, egret and kingfisher. It is one of the finest habitats for the Asiatic elephant. These enormous mammals swim in the waters and streams and usually they can be observed during the boat ride. Periyar also holds, apart from Tiger, leopards, sambar, wild dog, barking deer, the lion tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur. The forest harbours a variety of woodland birds.
Day 05 – Thekkady to Kollam (Quilon) – 5.30 hrs drive
After the breakfast transfer you to Kollam hotel.
Kollam (quilon), a beautiful backwater destination situated by Ashtamudi Lake.
Afternoon 2 hrs backwater cruise by country boat.
Backwaters of Kerala: The essence of Kerala is its backwaters. It is the name given to a unique geographical formation comprising a network of innumerable lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and the deltas of 44 rivers that flow into the Arabian Sea. Over 900 kms of this intricate network of backwaters is navigable and a cruise along these palm-shaded waterways is the most popular holiday experience.
Day 06 – Kollam
This day you can visit Amma’s Ashram (Mata Amritanandamayi) at Amritapuri.
Or free to relax at the hotel (optional: ayurveda massage)
Mata Amritanadamayi Devi Ashram (Amma’s Ashram)
Nestled on a peninsula between the Arabian Ocean and Kerala’s famous backwaters, the Amritapuri Ashram stands as a colourful landmark among a sea of coconut palms. It is a place which has been made sacred by the presence of the Divine Mother, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, beloved Mother and most revered Guru of millions all over the world.
Presently around 1300 spiritual aspirants reside permanently in the Ashram, engaging in sadhana and selfless service under Amma’s direct guidance. Amma’s darshan is unique. Recognized world-wide as the ‘Hugging Saint’or ‘Hugging Mother’ , She greets each of Her children with a motherly embrace. In Amritapuri, Amma offers Her darshan on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Day 07 – Kollam to Varkala Beach – 1 hr drive
After the breakfast transfer to Varkala hotel.
Rest of the afternoon free to relax at the beach.
Day 08 – Varkala Beach
Day free at the beach or optional ayurveda massage
Day 09 – Varkala to Trivandrum airport departure (1.30 hrs drive)
Transfer to Trivandrum airport or railway station