Kerala Program

PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS:

Arrive Cochin by Flight.

Upon arrival, you will be met by our driver who will assist with transfer and check-in at the hotel.

Cochin is the most charming city in Kerala but long before tourism it became the first port of call for Arabs, Chinese and, finally, European sea merchants, who sailed for barter into what came to be known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” Lured by the promise of pepper, the Portuguese under Vasco da Gama arrived in 1500, and the Franciscan friars who accompanied the explorer Pedro Alvarez Cabral established a church and set about converting the locals. In 1663, Cochin fell to the Dutch, and then to the British in 1795. Each of these foreign influences left their mark, resulting in a distinctly Indo-European culture, most evident in the architecture. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 1 – Arrive Cochin By Flight:

Arrive Cochin by Flight.

Upon arrival, you will be met by our driver who will assist with transfer and check-in at the hotel.

Cochin is the most charming city in Kerala but long before tourism it became the first port of call for Arabs, Chinese and, finally, European sea merchants, who sailed for barter into what came to be known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” Lured by the promise of pepper, the Portuguese under Vasco da Gama arrived in 1500, and the Franciscan friars who accompanied the explorer Pedro Alvarez Cabral established a church and set about converting the locals. In 1663, Cochin fell to the Dutch, and then to the British in 1795. Each of these foreign influences left their mark, resulting in a distinctly Indo-European culture, most evident in the architecture. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2 – Cochin Munnar By Surface:

After breakfast proceed for a visit of Cochin City. Visit the Chinese fishing nets of Fort Kochi and witness an unusual form of fishing — shore operated lift nets; St. Francis Church- the oldest European church in India that has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent; The Mattancherry Palace, also known as Dutch Palace; and the Jew town including the – the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth nations (closed on Friday, Saturday & Jewish holidays).

Later we drive to Munnar (125 Kms, 04 Hrs Drive). Munnar is breathtakingly beautiful city – a haven of peace and tranquility. Its history is closely linked with its commerce, which in turn was wholly dependent until recent times on its spice trade. Kerala was known for its spices and traders travelled here to trade and to gain control over this rich land. It is believed that the spice trade dates back three thousand years. Pepper still remains the king of Kerala’s spices, but the state also has a very rich produce in cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and turmeric. As in the past, the state continues to be the spice capital of the world.

On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3 – Munnar:

Breakfast at hotel and visit Tea Gardens and Tea Museum:

Tata Tea Museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate and the museum has curios and photographs that traces the growth and evolution of tea plantations in Munnar right from the tea sapling to an automated tea factory where it is processes. The Museum is a fitting tribute to the efforts put on by the initial planters in transforming one of the most popular hill stations and the epicenter of tea trade in Kerala.

Rest of the day free to explore the Munnar natural beauty. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 4 – Munnar – Thekkady  Surface:

After breakfast drive to Thekkady (100 Kms, 03 Hrs Drive). On arrival, check in Hotel.

Thekkady: The heart of God’s own country! Thekkady is located about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district. The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. In the Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 5 –Thekkady:

Breakfast at hotel and proceed for Boat Ride on Periyar Lake, 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. (Boat Ride Subject to local authority permission)

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Additional Activities in Thekkady as below…

–Elephant activity programme for one and half hour duration with Half an hour ride + Timber drag + Elephant bath & shower + Elephant feeding + Photo session + command and communication + Tea / Coffee etc…….

-Plantation Trek: For 2 hours duration which is a soft trek with a naturalist……

-Bamboo Rafting: Range hiking and rafting programme for half day, through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Starting at 8 am from the boat landing, a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the party gets into rafts made of bamboos.  The forests are rich in bird life and arboreal animals like giant squirrel and Nilgiri langur. The rafting is for about three hours and one gets a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Snacks and packed food will be served en route……….

– Jeep safari: This programmed includes various plantation visits like cardamom plantation, coffee plantation, tea plantation and multi-culture spice plantation. The programmed also includes a visit to the cardamom processing unit, tribal school visit. Tea and snacks are provided………….

DAY 6 – Thekkady Kumarakom By Surface:

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Kumarakom. On arrival check in at hotel.

Afternoon enjoy the day cruise Houseboat with lunch for 4 Hrs. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 7 – Kumarakom – Cochin By Surface, Cochin – Back Home by Flight:

Breakfast at hotel and as per the schedule, drive to Cochin Airport (80 Kms, 02 Hrs Drive) to board to Back Home.