Cochin (Ernakulam)(1) - Munnar(2) - Thekkady(2) - Kumarakom(1) - Alleppey(1) - Kovalam(2) - Trivandrum
Day-1 Arrive at Cochin. Afternoon Sightseeing at Fort Cochin. Arrive at Cochin. Cochin is a major harbour and commercial Capital of Kerala. Cochin is also access point to visit Backwaters and Plantation highlands in the region. Half day sightseeing like visit Chinese fishing nets, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace and St. Francis Church. Possible visit in the evening to Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum or Greenix Village for live Kathakali dance performance.
Day-2 Proceed to Munnar. Enroute visit Kodanad Elephant Camp. Proceed to Munnar (130 kms - 3.5 hrs), enroute can visit Elephant Camp at Kodanad. Munnar (5000 ft asl) is a tea plantation region and a renowned Hill station in the plantation higlands of Kerala offering guests an experience of misty & salibrious climate and a relaxed stay around the tea plantations. Evening explore local market for shopping and visit Mattupatty Dam for boating.
Day-3 Sightseeing In and around Munnar Opt for one or two of the Mini-Excursions ex-Munnar such as Marayoor (Sandalwood Forests - 40 kms), Top Station (Highest view point in the area - 40 kms). Visit Kannan Devan Tea Museum and Attukal Waterfalls (8 kms from Munnar). In the evening visit the Punarjani Traditional Village that offers daily evening shows of Kalaripattu (Martial art form) and Kathakali (Dance form).
Day-4 Proceed to Thekkady. Sightseeing around Thekkady Proceed to Thekkady (2500 ft asl) (110 kms - 3 hrs). Thekkady is a spice plantation area surrounded by Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and visited for its salibrious climate, plantation backdrop and activities around Periyar reserve forest. Post Lunch can go for the touristy Periyar boat cruise and later Kathakali dance show. Given time Spice garden visit (Cardamom, Pepper, Cinnamon, Vanilla) can be done alongwith a visit to Elephant Junction for the elephant experience (elephant ride).
Day-5 Activities inside Periyar reserve forest Guests can opt for an activity inside Periyar forest such as half day jungle walk / trek forest programme or a full day forest programme involving jungle walk / trek and Bamboo Rafting. Guest also can opt for a full day Gavi eco tourism experience programme (42 kms from Thekkady) involving Jeep Safari (Gavi trip), nature walk / hike, bamboo rafting etc. These programmes require to be reserved in advance.
Day-6 Proceed to Kumarkom. Possible visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Proceed to Kumarkom (120 kms - 3.5 hrs). Kumarakom is a destination renowned for lakeside experience offered by premium / luxury hotels. Visit the Kumarakom bird Sanctaury (Boating, 1.5 hour walking trail, Bird watching) OR enjoy the lakeside experience.
Day-7 Proceed to Alleppey boat Cruise Jetty. Alleppey round houseboat cruise. Proceed to Alleppey houseboat Jetty (33 kms - 1 hr). Alleppey is renowned for its lakeside and backwaters and character and what gives Kerala the name "Venice of the East". Reach before 12 noon. Alleppey round of Houseboat Cruise. Overnight stay in Alleppey Houseboat.
Day-8 Travel to Kovalam. Enroute visit Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple. Disembark at the jetty at 10 AM and proceed to Kovalam (160 kms - 4 hrs). Kovalam is a renowned beach destination in South Kerala visited for its premium / luxury resorts offering excellent views of the Arabian Sea. Enroute can visit Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha, Padmanabha Swamy Temple and Napier Zoo at Trivandrum. Evening visit to the Lighthouse / Hawa Beach.
Day-9 Kanyakumari excursion OR Visit to Neyyar Dam Guests have an option for day excursion to Kanyakumari (85 kms - 3 hours), a renowned Pilgrimage and heritage destination OR undertake an excursion to Aruvikkara Dam and Neyyar Dam (Neyyar dam has been developed as a tourist centre and home to popular Lion safari park (where rescued lions are kept in natural environment), Deer park, Boating, Crocodile Rehabilitation etc).
Day-10 Departure Depart to Trivandrum (15 kms) for onward journey.
Trivandrum - Trivandrum is a state capital of Kerala and access point to visit Beach Resorts of Kovalam / Varkala and plantation highlands around Ponmudi.
Cochin (Ernakulam) - Ernakulam, part of Cochin area is business hub of Cochin and also commercial capital of Kerala.
Munnar - Munnar is a premier hill station in Kerala. It is situated at about 6000 ft above sea level and surrounded by tea and Cardamom Plantations
Thekkady - Thekkady (2500 ft asl) is a stopover on the South India Itinerary on Madurai - Kottayam route known for nature centric experiences connected with Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kumarakom - Kumarakom is a patch Vembanad lakefront at 15 kms from Kottayam and renowned world over for their lake front resorts.
Alleppey - Alleppey is renowned for its backwaters and is known as the Venice of the east. Overnight houseboats in Alleppey lake and backwaters are considered an experience.
Kovalam - Kovalam is one of the few developed beach retreats in India alongside Goa and home to several luxury beach resorts.
