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Backwaters of Alleppey (Nivalink Trip Dated - 6 June 2011)
Backwaters of Alleppey
Backwaters of Alleppey
(Nivalink Trip Dated - 6 June 2011)
(Nivalink Trip Dated - 6 June 2011)
Lake View from a resort in Kumarakom (Nivalink Trip Dated - 24 April 2006)
Vembanad Lake with Hycinth (Nivalink Trip Dated - 6 June 2011)
Periyar Boat Ride (Nivalink Trip Dated - 5 May 2008)
Walking in Periyar (Photo Courtesy: Jonathanawhite)
Bamboo Rafting in Periyar (Photo Courtesy: Bernard Gagnon)
Anayirangal Dam
Mattupatty Dam
Thoovanam Waterfalls
Kannan Devan Tea Museum
Kannan Devan Tea Museum
Mattupatty Dam
Kundala Dam (Photo Courtesy: Hrishikesh.kb)
View from Chinnakkanal
View from Chinnakkanal
Marine Drive (Photo Courtesy: Deepak)
View from Marine Drive (Photo Courtesy: Augustus Binu)

This is an itinerary recommended for first time traveller to Kerala that includes popular Hill stations of Munnar, plantation highlands of Thekkady, Backwaters and heritage areas of Cochin.

Route

Cochin (Ernakulam)(1) - Munnar(2) - Thekkady(2) - Kumarakom(1) - Alleppey(1) - Kovalam(2)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Arrive at Cochin. Afternoon Sightseeing at Fort Cochin.
  • Day-2 Proceed to Munnar. Enroute visit Kodanad Elephant Camp.
  • Day-3 Sightseeing In and around Munnar
  • Day-4 Proceed to Thekkady. Sightseeing around Thekkady
  • Day-5 Activities inside Periyar reserve forest
  • Day-6 Proceed to Kumarkom. Possible visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
  • Day-7 Proceed to Alleppey boat Cruise Jetty. Alleppey round houseboat cruise.
  • Day-8 Travel to Kovalam. Enroute visit Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple.
  • Day-9 Kanyakumari excursion OR Visit to Neyyar Dam
  • Day-10 Departure
Sightseeing Summary

Alleppey - Backwaters of Alleppey (1.00 kms), The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple (14.00 kms)

Cochin (Ernakulam) - Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum (12.00 kms), Matancherry Palace (20.00 kms), Jewish Synagogue Fort Cochin (20.00 kms), St Francis Church (20.00 kms), Greenix Village (21.00 kms), Kodanad Elephant Camp (36.00 kms)

Kovalam - Hawa Beach and Lighthouse Beach (3.00 kms), Padmanabhaswamy Temple (11.00 kms), Napier Museum (14.00 kms), Aruvikkara (27.00 kms), Neyyar Dam (42.00 kms), Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre (42.00 kms)

Kumarakom - Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (3.00 kms)

Munnar - Kannan Devan Tea Museum (1.00 kms), Punarjani Traditional Village (4.00 kms), Attukal Waterfalls (9.00 kms), Mattupatty Dam (15.00 kms), Top Station (37.00 kms), Marayur (40.00 kms)

Thekkady - Bird Watching in Periyar (1.00 kms), Walking in Periyar (1.00 kms), Bamboo Rafting in Periyar (1.00 kms), Elephant Junction (2.00 kms), Spice farm visit (3.00 kms), Periyar Boat Ride (5.00 kms), Gavi Ecotourism (40.00 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - Cochin (Ernakulam) Departure - Trivandrum
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Popular Extensions to the Itinerary

Guests looking to relax may extend Kovalam stay for another night. Depending upon arrival / departure times, guests may be required to stay additional night in transit.

Distances
  • Cochin (Ernakulam) to Munnar -130 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Munnar to Thekkady -102 kms (3 hrs)
  • Thekkady to Kumarakom -120 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Kumarakom to Alleppey -33 kms (1 hrs)
  • Alleppey to Kovalam -159 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Kovalam to Trivandrum -11 kms (0.5 hrs)
Route

Cochin (Ernakulam)(1) - Munnar(2) - Thekkady(2) - Kumarakom(1) - Alleppey(1) - Kovalam(2) - Trivandrum

Detailed Itinerary

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.

Detailed Sightseeing

Alleppey :

  • Backwaters of Alleppey - Kuttanad Backwaters in South Alleppey is what gives Kerala Venice of the East tag. Day cruises / hourly boat rides are popular and available from Alleppey jetty. Guests seeking an experience either opt for overnight houseboat or Kayaking tour.

  • The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple - The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is an 8th century Lord Krishna temple in South Alleppey and is one of the prominent Lord Krishna temples in Kerala after Guruvayur.

Cochin (Ernakulam) :

  • Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum - At Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum one gets a glimpse of Kerala art and crafts. There are live performances in the evening. A visit here is very popular with guests to Kerala.

  • Matancherry Palace - Mattancherry Palace known as the Dutch Palace features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the royal family of Kochi.

  • Jewish Synagogue Fort Cochin - Jewish Synagogue at Fort Cochin was built in 1568 and is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.

  • St Francis Church - St Francis Church is a tourist attraction at Fort Cochin. It was built in 1503 and is the oldest European church in India

  • Greenix Village - A craft village at Fort cochin that offers a wide ranging live performances. A visit here is very popular with guests to Fort cochin.

  • Kodanad Elephant Camp - An elephant training camp on Cochin - Munnar route and a popular for overseas travellers and families with kids for a bit of fun with elephants and a touristy elephant ride.

Kovalam :

  • Hawa Beach and Lighthouse Beach - Hawa Beach and lighthouse beach interconnect each other and have a number of bars and beachside restaurants connecting them. At both ends there are number of hotels stacked next to each other. Guests arrive here in the evening for the sunset and then hangaround at one of the restaurat / Bars / Curio shops. Mornings one can see fishermen at work taking out fresh catch from their nets.

  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple - Padmanabhaswamy Temple (1566) is a Lord Vishnu temple in Trivandrum and one of the richest temple trusts in India and one the most visited temples in Kerala. The 100-foot seven-tier gopuram made in the Pandyan style architecture is the prime attraction for tourists.

  • Napier Museum - Napier Museum (1855) is an art and natural history museum situated in Trivandurm. Napier Museum is an art and natural history museum situated in Thiruvananthapuram. Museum is closed on Mondays.

  • Aruvikkara - Aruvikkara is a village at 17 kms from Trivandrum having a reservoir and garden that is renowned for its ancient Bhagavathi temple dedicated to Durga

  • 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 and Research Centre, Lakeside garden and a Watch tower.

  • Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre - A crocodile farm was started at Neyyar Dam in 1977 for providing a safe haven for crocodiles. The number of crocodiles varies as muggers are raised and released to the Neyyar river and lake near the dam site. It also accommodates other reptiles like snakes that are caught straying at the tribal villages before they are released back into the sanctuary.

Kumarakom :

  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - Kumarakom Bird sanctuary is an area overlooking vembanad lake and is renowned for bird population and provides nesting grounds for a variety of birds. A walk (takes 2 hours) across the sanctuary in the mornings and evenings would provide opportunity to sight birds. There is also a lake at the entrance where boating is possible.

Munnar :

  • Kannan Devan Tea Museum - Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Company Private Limited (KDHP) is the largest tea conglomerate in South India. Tea museum opened by the company is one of the first in India.

  • Punarjani Traditional Village - Punarjani Traditional Village offers daily evening shows of Kalaripattu (Martial art form) and Kathakali (Dance form)

  • Attukal Waterfalls - A waterfall at 9 km from Munnar near Pallivasal and a popular tourist visit option.

  • Mattupatty Dam -

    A reservoir and popular tourist spot where boating is offered.

  • Top Station - Top Station is notable as the historic transshippment location for tea delivered up here from Munnar and Madupatty by railway and then down by ropeway. Top station offers stunning views of the hills and plains beyond. Enroute waterfalls can be visited.

  • Marayur - Marayur is is the only place in Kerala that has natural sandalwood forests. Ancient dolmens and rock paintings found in Marayur date back to the Stone Age.

Thekkady :

  • Bird Watching in Periyar - 320 different kinds have been counted in Periyar. The bird life includes darters, cormorants, kingfishers, the great Malabar Pied Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongos. Bird watching is possible via taking up a forest walk from Periyar forest entry gate at Kumily.

  • Walking in Periyar - Periyar sanctuary gate in Kumily, the forest department offers guided walks inside Periyar wildlife sanctuary. This is perhaps the best way to explore the forest and to be able to spot wildlife. Indian Bison (Gaur) and elephants have been known to have been spotted on these walks. Forest rangers that accompany the walks ensure complete safety of the guests.

  • Bamboo Rafting in Periyar - One of the full day long forest programmes has a combination of walking, hiking and bamboo rafting across periyar lake. Its one of the definitive experiences of Periyar.

  • Elephant Junction - Elephant Junction is where guests enjoy interaction with elephant that includes bathing elephant, elephant ride and being around playful elephants. Elephant junction is a huge hit with inbound guests and familiies with kids.

  • Spice farm visit - Spice farm visit is a popular excursion for guests in Kerala. The spices grown around the area include cardamom, cinnamon etc. alongwith vanilla, tea and coffee.

  • Periyar Boat Ride - A highly touristy boat ride is the main attraction for average tourist to Periyar. The boats are filled with 30-40 tourists with the aim of spotting wildlife on the edge of the lake. Binoculars are a must to have any chance of spotting a wildlife.

  • Gavi Ecotourism - Gavi is a quiet and pristine forest located at a distance of 40 km from Periyar Tiger Reserve. Gavi often serves as a base camp for deep jungle trekkers, birdwatchers, nature lovers and research student. There are number of eco-tourism related activities that are conducted by the forest authorities around Gavi area and are popular with tourists. Guests typically opt for a full day Gavi eco tourism programme.

Destination Overview

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.

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageCochin (Ernakulam)No ImageCochin (Ernakulam)
Prefered Departure : No ImageTrivandrumNo ImageTrivandrum
Distances
  • Cochin (Ernakulam) to Munnar -130 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Munnar to Thekkady -102 kms (3 hrs)
  • Thekkady to Kumarakom -120 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Kumarakom to Alleppey -33 kms (1 hrs)
  • Alleppey to Kovalam -159 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Kovalam to Trivandrum -11 kms (0.5 hrs)

Ready Cost estimate for this itinerary is not available.

However Nivalink would be able to readily offer a cost estimate or customise the itinerary as per specific requirements.

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Call 022-6150 6363 to speak to our travel planner or email ke-02@nivalink.co.in to connect with our travel planner for details on the itinerary: First Time Visitors Kerala Circuit with Kovalam.

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Travel Ideas incorporated in the itinerary

Thekkady Getaway

Thekkady (2300 ft asl) is a stopover enroute Kumarakom (100 kms from Kottayam) from Madurai and more

Lines indicate the best available driving routes.
Arrows indicate connectivity other than Road (e.g. Waterways or Air).
Please click on the markers for more detailed Information.

Distances
  • Cochin (Ernakulam) to Munnar -130 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Munnar to Thekkady -102 kms (3 hrs)
  • Thekkady to Kumarakom -120 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Kumarakom to Alleppey -33 kms (1 hrs)
  • Alleppey to Kovalam -159 kms (3.5 hrs)
  • Kovalam to Trivandrum -11 kms (0.5 hrs)

Expert Speak

Guests interested in complete cut off kind of a getaway experience may opt for Poovar instead of Kovalam at the end.

Expert Connect

Nivalink has taken over 300 trips across India and select destinations overseas over last 10 years to verify hotels, evaluate destinations and understand its suitability with different profiles of customers across different seasons.

At Nivalink you are able to connect directly with experts who have travelled to these destinations and are able to offer novel ideas, honest perspectives and help you narrow down choices.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.

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