DAY
01 : KOVALAM
Arrival
at Trivandrum. You will be greeted and assisted at the
Airport by GITC representative and transferred to the
hotel for 01 night.
The
palm-fringed beach of Kovalam is one of the most famous
beaches in India. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian
Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf,
make this beach a paradise come true. The leisure options
at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming,
herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes,
catamaran cruising etc.
Check in at a beach resort for 02 nights. Rest of the
day at leisure or you can explore the handicrafts, jewel
& cloth in the shops spread along the waterfront;
visit the delightful sea-food shacks serving lobsters
and tiger-shrimps.
DAY
02 : KOVALAM
Breakfast.
Sightseeing tour of Trivandrum in the afternoon.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of
Kerala is a city, which still preserves the ancient
roots of Kerala life. You can still see the relics of
ancient architecture, prominent in most of its buildings.
View Padmanabhaswamy temple (Non Hindus are not permitted
inside). With an imposing seven storied tower, this
temple is an excellent example of the Dravidian style
of architecture and is one among the 108 sacred Vishnu
temples in India. Visit Horse Palace - the magnificent
wooden palace constructed by Travancore king in 18th
century & Napier Museum. (This tour is not operated
on Mondays as the monuments here are closed).
DAY 03 : KOVALAM – ALLEPPEY ~ KUMARAKOM
[176 kms/ 4 hrs]
Breakfast.
Check out and drive to Alleppey.
On arrival, embark on a Houseboat for an overnight cruise
upto Kumarakom. Cruise through the palm fringed canals;
watch the Paddy fields, village folk, relax on board
hearing lullaby of the wind and waves. Unwind yourself
watching the endless strips of greenery passing by you
while the boat moves in a relaxing pace. |
|
This
mysterious strip of emerald green land is stuffed with
endless miles of placid backwaters that adds to its
charm. Cruise is till 6 in the evening and then the
houseboat halts in the lake for overnight stay.
Evening, candle lit dinner onboard.
DAY 04 : KUMARAKOM - PERIYAR
[132 kms/ 4 hrs]
Breakfast.
Disembark at Kumarakom and drive to Periyar. A scenic
journey past mist capped Western Ghats, spice plantations
and open grasslands lined with spectacular water falls
& delightful trekking trails form the access to
your hideaway here.
Periyar
(Thekkady) Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the well maintained
wildlife sanctuaries of South India and it spreads out
over an area of 777 sq kms. The splendid artificial
lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar
river adds to the charm of the park. This is the only
sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience
of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety
of a boat on the lake. Check in at hotel for 01 night.
Afternoon, you can enjoy a boat ride through the Periyar
Lake. If interested you can opt for a short trek in
the fragrant spice plantations.
DAY 05 : PERIYAR - MUNNAR [110 kms/
4 hrs]
Breakfast.
Check out and drive to Munnar, the most beautiful hill
station in the Western Ghats.
Munnar is famous for tea estates and is the biggest
tea producer in South India. Located 1600 m above the
sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort
of the erstwhile British Govt. in South India. Sprawling
tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes and
holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.
Check in at hotel for 01 night. Later we will go for
the sightseeing of Munnar. |
|
Visit
Eravikulam National Park, the natural habitat of the
Ibex called Nilgiri Tahar, Mattupetty Dam and the Munnar
town. You can enjoy a boat ride in Mattuppetty lake
(optional). Walk through the hills kissing the clouds,
breathing the sweet smell of tea. The endless greenery
will make you a poet or dip you in your favourite book
in the lap of mother nature.
DAY 06 : MUNNAR - COCHIN
[130 kms/ 4 hrs]
Breakfast.
Check out and drive to Cochin.
Cochin (Kochi), the palm green commercial capital of
Kerala is located on the cluster of islands and narrow
peninsulas. The older parts of the city have an unlikely
blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country
village grafted on to the tropical Malabar Coast. Here
you can see the oldest church in India, winding street
crammed with 500 year old Portuguese houses, cantilevered
Chinese Fishing nets, a Jewish community whose roots
go back to the Diaspora, 16th century Synagogue, a palace
containing some of India’s most beautiful murals.
Check in at hotel for 02 nights. Rest of the day at
leisure.
DAY
07 : COCHIN
Breakfast.
Later, you will be whisked off for a half-day city tour
covering St. Francis church - the oldest church of India,
Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and the Chinese
Fishing Nets. Evening, watch spectacular ‘Kathakali
dance’ in a local theatre.
DAY
08 : COCHIN
On
time transfer to Cochin Airport to connect departure
flight for onward destination.
Tour
Concludes! |