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 – Cochin to Houseboat (Alleppey)
Morning transfer to Alapuzha Boat Jetty (2.30 hrs drive) to board the Houseboat
(Check-in time to the Houseboat is at 12.00 hrs.)
Welcome drink on arrival and start cruising through the Punnamada Lake – the venue of famous Nehru Trophy boat race. Enter the enchanting waters of the Vembanad Lake, enjoy the panoramic views and the glimpses of the Kerala backwater village life along the banks. You can visit Chambakkulam Church and the famous race boat of Chambakkulam Chundan. Cruise through the Nedumudi River, Kuppapuram Canal etc. You will also visit paddy fields.
Lunch break stop 1300 to 1400 hrs. Continue cruising.
Tea/coffee, snacks provide in the afternoon
Houseboat will anchor in the evening and will not move during the night. You can also get a chance to go out and walk along the riverside or villages.
Dinner & overnight in the boat.
(Air-condition in the bed room will be switched-on only during the night sleep)
Day 03 – Houseboat to Munnar (5 hrs drive)
Morning tea/coffee and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast while the boat starts cruising towards Alleppey.
At 0900 hrs. check-out from the House Boat at Alleppey. Then transfer to Munnar hotel.
On the way you can also watch the lovely waterfalls in Cheeyappara and colourful flowers in Blossom Garden.
Day 04 – 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 05 – Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar) – 3.30 hrs drive
After the breakfast ransfer to Thekkady hotel.
Afternoon 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 06 – Thekkady to Madurai – 4.30 hrs drive
After the breakfast transfer you to Madurai hotel.
Afternoon visit of Madurai Meenakshi Temple & Thirumalai Nayaka Palace
Madurai is synonymous with the Sri Meenakshi temple, dedicated to Sri Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva. The temple complex is one of the biggest in India. It has gopurams covered from top to bottom with a breathless profusion of multi-coloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The temple seethes with activities from dawn till dusk and its many shrines attract pilgrims from all over India.
Day 07 – Madurai to Kanyakumari – 6 hrs drive
After breakfast transfer to Kanyakumari hotel, enroute you can visit Suchindaram Temple.
Afternoon visit of Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari – is the land’s end of India where 3 oceans meet (Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean). An important pilgrim centre of India, it is famous for the Amman Temples – a symbol of unity and sanctity – dedicated to the virgin Goddess, Kanya Kumari.
Day 08 – Kanyakumari to Kovalam – 2.30 hrs drive
After the breakfast transfer to Kovalam hotel, enroute visit of Suchindram Temple
Day 09 – Kovalam Beach
Day free at the beach or optional ayurveda massage
Day 10 – Kovalam to Trivandrum airport drop
Transfer to Thiruvanathapuram Airport in time to board your flight.