Mumbai(2) - Munnar(2) - Thekkady(2) - Alleppey(1) - Marari(2) - Cochin (Fort Cochin)(2) - Mumbai(1)
Day-1 Arrival at Mumbai Arrival at Mumbai. Typically International flights arrive late in evening or early in morning. Transfer to the hotel in South Mumbai.
Day-2 Explore Mumbai South Mumbai is where International travellers stay as it is home to many Colonial heritage areas such as Gateway of India, Mumbai CST Railway Station (UNESCO world heritage site), Elephanta Caves (Buddhist Caves - requires a short boat ride), Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery alongwith Promenades (e.g. Marine drive, Queen's Necklace). Take a guided heritage walk in early morning (Before breakfast) exploring heritage areas. Rest of the day (After Breakfast) on own to explore South Mumbai on own.
Day-3 Fly to Cochin - Drive to Munnar After Breakfast, Transfer to Mumbai Airport to Take mid-morning flight to Cochin and from there travel to Munnar (120 kms - 3 hours). Reach Munnar by evening. Munnar (5500 ft asl) is a popular hill station renowned for its tea plantations, pleasant weather and misty mountain views.
Day-4 Explore Munnar Munnar is home to Tea Plantations, Tea Museum, Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park (home to Nilgiri Thar)and many view points. After Breakfast, Drive around Munnar to explore and experience these areas.
Day-5 Drive to Periyar - Elephant Experience After Breakfast, Drive from Periyar (2500 ft asl, Popularly known as "Thekkady"), popularly renowned for its Spice Plantations and proximity to Periyar reserve. Evening visit Elephant Junction for spending time with elephant (Bathing, elephant ride, feeding etc.)
Day-6 Gavi Experience Early morning departure for Gavi (40 kms - 1.5 hours) for full day excursion to Periyar forest. The experience involves safari, boat ride, bamboo rafting, walking and bird watching. Guests may sight wildlife such as Gaur (Indian Bison), Wild Elephants, Spotted deers etc. The experience has breakfast and Lunch included. Return to Hotel by evening.
Day-7 Travel to Alleppey for Overnight Houseboat experience After early breakfast depart for Alleppey (145 kms - 4 hours) by 8 AM to reach Houseboat jetty by 12 noon for the check in for the overnight Houseboat experience. Backwaters in South of Alleppey is what gives Kerala the name "Venice of the East". The overnight houseboat cruise is where travellers are able to experience upclose the backwater lifestyle (Markets, Church, sights and sounds etc). Houseboat is parked in the evening on the shores of the Vembanad lake or along backwater canals.
Day-8 Cruise Checkout - Travel to Marari Cruise resumes at 8 AM in morning around Breakfast before check out at 9:30 AM. Thereafter transfer to Mararikulam (Popularly known as "Marari"), a renowned beachside area near Alleppey (15-20 kms) offering travellers a quiet beachside, village and countryside experience. Most hotels in Marari are located on the beach around villages. Guests like to take a bicycle hire / walk around countryside or just relax / take a swim in the Arabian Sea.
Day-9 Visits around Alleppey / Marari or just relax by the beach Guests have an option to relax and enjoy seaside character of Marari OR enjoy an Ayurveda Massage at the hotel or explore a bit around. Arthunkal in North Marari is a Christian Pilgrimage and Pathiramanal Island, a backwater island that can be approached via a short boat ride.
Day-10 Travel to Fort Cochin After Breakfast depart for Fort Cochin (50 kms - 1.5 hour). Take Coastal road that takes one through the fishing villages, backwaters and countryside areas. Fort Cochin heritage area is an extension of Cochin mainland (Ernakulam), renowned for its heritage hotels, restaurants serving International cuisine, beach front, harbour views and is very popular with International travellers. Explore locoal heritage areas (Church, Synagogue). Evening Visit to Greenix Village for cultural performance.
Day-11 Excursions from Fort Cochin After Breakfast, guests have option to explore other Islands of Cochin via Inter-Island Ferry. Guests have option to visit Kumbhalangi (Village, Backwaters), Ernakulam (Mainland, Shopping), Vypeen (Beach, Backwaters, Countryside Pilgrimage) or take a bicycle and explore the Fort Cochin heritage area on own.
Day-12 Depart for Mumbai After Breakfast, travel to Cochin International Airport (45 kms - 1.5 hour) for a flight to Mumbai. Stay around Mumbai International Airport for a transit stay before taking the International flight.
Day-13 International Departure Homeward departure.
Mumbai - Mumbai is financial capital of India and a major International airport, second only to Delhi in terms of flight connectivity. Mumbai is a major business hub for trade in Asia and a transit point for others destinations in India such as Goa, Kerala, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
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.
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.
Marari - Mararikulam near Alleppey is one of the best beaches in Kerala offering idyllic beach stay experience.
Cochin (Fort Cochin) - A heritage area a few kilometers from Willingdon Island. With many charming heritage hotels in the area, its perhaps the best area of accommodation for leisure and experience oriented travelers.
