Kerala Travels - Kerala
Tours
Kerala Adventure Tour
Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Places Covered: Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kottayam - Alleppey -
Kovalam - Trivandrum - Mumbai
Day 01 Arrive Cochin
Late night, arrive Mumbai and transfer to the domestic airport for your
flight to Cochin by 9W 405 at 0545 hrs. On arrival in Cochin at 0730 hrs,
assistance at airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free.
Evening attend the Kathakali dance performance.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 02 In Cochin
Morning Guided city tour.Afternoon free.
Cochin - the palmgreen 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.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 03 Cochin - Munnar
Morning: Drive to Munnar (135 kms/04½ hrs) enroute visit tea plantations.
On arrival in Munnar, check in at hotel. Afternoon: Boat ride in the lake.
Munnar (1,524 M), is the highest town of Kerala, with a cool, bracing
climate exuding an old-world charm. The atmosphere is fragrant with extensive
tea and cardamom plantations. There are enchanting high ranges, lakes
and streams and beautiful view of low-lying clouds and the mist filled
valleys.
Overnight in Munnar.
Day 04 In Munnar
Full day free to visit the bazaars, plantations etc.
Overnight in Munnar.
Day 05 Munnar - Periyar
Early Morning: Drive to Periyar (100 kms/03 hrs) and on arrival, check
in at hotel. Afternoon: Boat ride in Lake Periyar to watch wildlife. Later
visit Kumily spice market to see and buy spices.
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 waterbirds; 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 leopard, sambar, wild
dog, barking deer, the lion tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur . The forest
harbours a variety of woodland birds. Boat travel is the only means of
transport in the Sanctuary.
Overnight in Periyar.
Day 06 Periyar - Kottayam
Early Morning: Drive to Kottayam (120 kms/03 hrs) and on arrival, switch
over to the House Boat and cruise along the backwaters, passing through
paddy fields, villages, market etc.
The cruise is through `Kuttanad' literally meaning the land which is
lower than the sea level but is kept intact by its bunds and dikes. It
is the `rice bowl' of Kerala. The rice fields are very beautiful and this
lush land and surrounds governs the placid way of life of the people who
live on the backwaters.
Overnight on board HOUSE BOAT.
Day 07 Arrive Alleppey - Kovalam
Morning: Drive to Kovalam (180 kms/04½ hrs) and on arrival in Kovalam,
check in at a beach resort. Rest of the day to relax at the beach or indulge
in Ayurvedic massages.
Kovalam is a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty, located on the
magnificent Arabian Sea coast. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool, free
from high waves and surges. The 30 kms drive from the Tiruvanantapuram
airport to the beach through groves of palms is refreshing. It is an ideal
place to swim, sunbathe and perhaps enjoy the ancient rites of an Ayurvedic
massage and oil bath.
Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 08 In Kovalam
Full day free on the beach.
Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 09 In Kovalam
Full day free on the beach.
Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 10 Kovalam - Trivandrum - Mumbai - Depart
Morning: Assistance and transfer to Trivandrum airport (25 kms) in time
to connect flight 9W 335 at 1335 hrs to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai at
1535 hrs, assistance at airport and transfer to city hotel for wash and
change. Rest of the day free for last minute shopping/packing. Evening:
After farewell dinner, assistance and transfer to International airport
in time to connect your onward flight home.
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