Classic Kerala covers Fort Cochin, Munnar, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Alleppey Backwaters and Kovalam beach in a relaxed way with two nights each at each place. This tour helps you experience more of the best places in Kerala at a comfortable pace.
The tour starts off at Fort Cochin. A rewarding heritage walking trail takes you through the Chinese fishing nets, Jew street, Jewish synagogue, dutch palace and church. Backwater tours in Kerala center around Alleppey and Kumarakom. Kerala backwaters are unique and a houseboat cruise on the backwaters is one of the most popular and enjoyable activities in Kerala. At Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary we stay at a beautiful homestay overlooking the sanctuary and take a Wildlife safari in the boat at the Periyar lake. Many other walking tours inside the forest are also available. Visit the many beaches and relax around Kovalam.
ITINERARY
Fort Cochin, Munnar, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kovalam & Alleppey Backwaters (8n / 9d)
Day 1 : Fort Cochin : Arrive in Cochin and transfer to stay in Fort Cochin. Later explore the views of Fort Cochin including the Jew Street, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Museum and Chinese fishing nets. If interested one can see the Kathakali ( traditional dance form of Kerala ) performance in the evening. Overnight in Fort Cochin.
Day 2: Cochin – Munnar : After breakfast leave for Munnar. On way stop at Cheeyapara and Vallara Waterfalls. See the vast expanses of tea and spice plantations as we cross over to the hill country. Late afternoon visit the Tea Museum and in the evening one can explore the town and shop for spices and tea for which the town is famous for. A trip to the Tata Tea Museum can provide a firsthand knowledge about various stages of tea processing and production of tea as well as the history of tea in Munnar. Overnight at Munnar.
Day 3 : Munnar : Day for excursions around Munnar. Visit Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty, Top Station and Echo point. Eravikulam national park is famous for the endangered Nilgiri thar ( almost half the world’s population of this highly endangered mountain goat is found in the Eravikulam National Park ). At Mattupetty Lake there are speed boating facilities. The surroundings of Mattupetty, is beautiful with tea plantations and hills forming the backdrop. Top station, the last and highest point on the road has panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Overnight at Munnar.
Day 4 : Munnar – Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary ) : After breakfast we leave for Thekkady ( Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary ) and arrive by afternoon. Later take the evening Wildlife Safari. The Wildlife Safari at Periyar is conducted in the forest department boats in the Periyar Lake. Visitors can see the wildlife on the banks of the lake. Most common sightings are of wild boars, spotted deers, sambar deers, bisons, wild dogs and a wide range of birds. If you are lucky you could also spot a wild cat as Periyar is a Tiger Reserve. Overnight at Thekkady. Overnight at Thekkady.
Day 5 : Thekkady – Kovalam : After breakfast visit a spice plantation and see the different kinds of spices grown here like cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, coffee, tea, pepper, cocoa etc. In the spice plantation tour you will also be told about life cycle of the the different spices from planting to harvesting and processing. Later leave for Kovalam. Kovalam is a stretch of beautiful beaches 16 kms from the state capital of Trivandrum. Lighthouse, Eves and Samudra some of the beaches of Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its small fishing port, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. Relax and enjoy at the beaches Kovalam in the evening. Overnight at Kovalam.
Day 6 : Kovalam : Today one can relax at the beach or explore the many points around Kovallam. Some of the places you can visit are Karamana River and Boating point, Vellayani Lak, Valiyathura Pier, Aruvikkara Dam, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, Thiruvallam Parashurama Temple, Kovalam Art Gallery and Edakallu sunset point. All these points are within ten km radius of Kovalam. Overnight at Kovalam.
Day 7 : Kovalam – Alleppey : After breakfast leave for Alleppey backwaters. Check into a beautiful backwater homestay by afternoon. Evening to relax and enjoy the beauty of the backwaters. Overnight at Alleppey.
Day 8 : Alleppey Backwaters ( Houseboat ) : Check into the houseboat by noon and enjoy the views and experience the life along the backwaters from the comfort of the houseboat. Enjoy the views and the sunset along the backwaters. If interested one can explore and take walks in the fields and villages along the backwaters and visit one of the toddy bars to sample some spicy sea food and toddy ( local alcoholic drink made from coconut palm ). The houseboat will be docked for the night. Overnight in houseboat.
Day 9 : Alleppey – Cochin : After breakfast check out of the houseboat and transfer to Cochin. Time permitting visit Alleppey and Marari beach. Marari beach is one of the lesser known yet one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. End of Tour.
THEMESCulture
Nature
Leisure
Wildlife
DESTINATIONSFort Cochin
Munnar
Alleppey
Thekkedy
Kovalam
HIGHLIGHTS
– Tea Garden & Waterfall excursions in Munnar
– Wildlife Safari and Spice plantation visit in Thekkady
– Houseboat Stay & Backwater Tour in Alleppey
– Explore the beaches of Kovalam
– Kathakali show & Heritage trail in Fort Cochin
– Relish Kerala cuisine with local family
COST Spoiler content INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS :
7 Nights stay at home stay / resort with breakfast, 1 Night stay at houseboat with all meals, All transfers and excursions in private vehicle including all vehicle charges – driver cost, toll, parking etc. , service charges and taxes, Wildlife Safari Charges.
EXCLUSIONS :
Other than mentioned, Entry tickets and camera charges at sightseeing places ( if applicable )
STAY & TRANSPORT
As this is a customised tour, you can choose the accommodation and transport as per your preference . Accommodation types available – Resorts, Cottages, Home stay Transport – Private Vehicle ( SUV or Car )
NOTE :
COST MENTIONED IS INDICATIVE.
This is a customized trip. Cost might vary depending on your group size and type of accommodation required. Please contact us for details
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