PILGRIMAGE

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 03 – Guruvayoor to Munnar – 5 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 05 – Munnar to Kumarakom – 5 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 07 – Kovalam or Poovar Beach to Kanyakumari (2.30 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 02 – Kochi to Guruvayoor – 2 hrs drive

After the breakfast transfer you to Guruvayur hotel.

Visit Guruvayur Temple (Only Hindus are allowed inside the Temple) and visit Punnathur kotta (elephant camp) , where approximately 60 elephants are kept (the largest single group of captive elephants in the world). You can watch them feeding/ bathing, etc.

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 06 – Kumarakom to Kovalam (or Poovar Beach) – 5 hrs drive

After the breakfast transfer to Kovalam/Poovar beach, enroute you can visit Trivandrum city and Padmanabha Swami Temple.

Rest of the afternoon free to relax at the beach

Day 08 – Kanyakumari to Rameshwaram (7.30 hrs drive)

After the breakfast transfer you to Ramesharam hotel.

Evening visit the temple Rameshwaram – the most sacred temple town of India is an island hallowed by the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama is said to have visited before going into battle of Srilanka.

Kochi – Guruvayur – Munnar – Kumarakom – Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Rameshwaram – Madurai