Day 01 – Kochi to Munnar – 4 hrs drive
Meeting & Greeting on arrival and transfer you to Munnar hotel. On the way you can also watch the lovely waterfalls in Cheeyappara and colourful flowers in Blossom Garden.
Day 02 – 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. You can also visit Tea Museum.
Day 03 – 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 04 – Thekkady to Kumarakom – 4 hrs drive
After the breakfast transfer you to Kumarakom hotel.
Kumarakom, a beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddies and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies situated by Vembanad Lake.
Late afternoon 2 hrs backwater cruise by shikara type 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 05 – Kumarakom to Kochi – 2 hrs drive
After the breakfast transfer 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 06 – Kochi departure
Transfer to Kochi airport or railway station.