Offers

Captivating Kerala with Mesmerizing Mumbai(12 Nights)

Mumbai, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Marari, Cochin (Fort Cochin), Mumbai

for Inbound Traveller

Holiday Overview

CST (Victoria Terminus Station)
Gateway of India
Jehangir Art Gallery (Photo Courtesy: Suryanarayan Ganesh)
Marine Drive - South Mumbai (Photo Courtesy: Indianhilbilly)
Elephanta Caves (Photo Courtesy: Andy Hay)
Jewish Synagogue Fort Cochin (Nivalink Trip Dated - 31 August 2012)
St Francis Church (Nivalink Trip Dated - 5 May 2008)
St Francis Church (Photo Courtesy: Thesmi Thomas)
Marari Beach
Marari Beach
Backwaters of Alleppey
Backwaters of Alleppey
Backwaters of Alleppey (Nivalink Trip Dated - 6 June 2011)
Elephant Junction (Nivalink Trip Dated - 5 May 2008)
Kannan Devan Tea Museum
Kannan Devan Tea Museum
Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park (Photo Courtesy: Arun Suresh)

Captivating Kerala with Mesmerizing Mumbai offers travellers insight into most popular destinations of Kerala that includes heritage areas, plantation highlands, backwaters alongwith city break of Mumbai.

Route

Mumbai(2) - Munnar(2) - Thekkady(2) - Alleppey(1) - Marari(2) - Cochin (Fort Cochin)(2) - Mumbai(1)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Arrival at Mumbai
  • Day-2 Explore Mumbai
  • Day-3 Fly to Cochin - Drive to Munnar
  • Day-4 Explore Munnar
  • Day-5 Drive to Periyar - Elephant Experience
  • Day-6 Gavi Experience
  • Day-7 Travel to Alleppey for Overnight Houseboat experience
  • Day-8 Cruise Checkout - Travel to Marari
  • Day-9 Visits around Alleppey / Marari or just relax by the beach
  • Day-10 Travel to Fort Cochin
  • Day-11 Excursions from Fort Cochin
  • Day-12 Depart for Mumbai
  • Day-13 International Departure
Sightseeing Summary

Alleppey - Backwaters of Alleppey (1.00 kms), Vembanad Lake (1.00 kms), Pathiramanal Island (15.00 kms), Marari Beach (15.00 kms), Aruthunkal (21.00 kms)

Cochin (Fort Cochin) - St Francis Church (0.50 kms), Greenix Village (0.50 kms), Fort Cochin Walk (0.50 kms), Jewish Synagogue Fort Cochin (1.00 kms), Kumbhalangi Backwaters (10.00 kms), Aruthunkal (35.00 kms)

Marari - Marari Beach (0.50 kms), Aruthunkal (7.00 kms)

Mumbai - CST (Victoria Terminus Station) (0.50 kms), Gateway of India (2.00 kms), Elephanta Caves (2.00 kms), Jehangir Art Gallery (2.00 kms), Marine Drive - South Mumbai (2.00 kms), Colaba Heritage Walk (3.00 kms)

Munnar - Kannan Devan Tea Museum (1.00 kms), Eravikulam National Park (9.00 kms), Attukal Waterfalls (9.00 kms)

Thekkady - Elephant Junction (2.00 kms), Spice farm visit (3.00 kms), Gavi Ecotourism (40.00 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - Mumbai Departure - Mumbai
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Distances
  • Mumbai to Munnar
  • Munnar to Thekkady -102 kms (3 hrs)
  • Thekkady to Alleppey -138 kms (4 hrs)
  • Alleppey to Marari -16 kms (0.5 hrs)
  • Marari to Cochin (Fort Cochin) -50 kms (1 hrs)
  • Cochin (Fort Cochin) to Mumbai
Route

Mumbai(2) - Munnar(2) - Thekkady(2) - Alleppey(1) - Marari(2) - Cochin (Fort Cochin)(2) - Mumbai(1)

Detailed Itinerary

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.

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.

  • Vembanad Lake - Vembanad lake is one of the largest lake in India and offering guests a comprehensive nature centric lakeside experience. There are boat rides on offer here where guests can take hourly or day cruises either from Alleppey or Kumarakom jetties. Guests looking for a backwater cum lakeside experience opt for overnight houseboat cruises ex-Alleppey.

  • Pathiramanal Island - The Pathiramanal Island is a boat ride away from Muhamma / Kumarakom. The island provides excellent Bird watching especially in Winter.

  • Marari Beach - An idyllic beach, few kms from Alleppey where a number of beach resorts are located.

  • Aruthunkal - The ancient St. Sebastian Church at Arthunkal was built by the Portuguese and is a popular centre of pilgrimage for the Christians of Kerala. The feast of St. Sebastian is held every January.

Cochin (Fort Cochin) :

  • 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.

  • Fort Cochin Walk - Fort Cochin heritage walk is one recommended for any heritage traveller. The Fort cochin heritage area is home to buildings that date back to the dutch settlements in the area and still laidback and full of character. Within a short walk one can visit Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing nets and St Francis Church. There are several renowned heritage hotels here.

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

  • Kumbhalangi Backwaters - 10 kms from Fort Cochin are a set of backwaters overlooking Kumbhalangi village, a fishermen village having 100+ chinese fishing nets.

  • Aruthunkal - The ancient St. Sebastian Church at Arthunkal was built by the Portuguese and is a popular centre of pilgrimage for the Christians of Kerala. The feast of St. Sebastian is held every January.

Marari :

  • Marari Beach - An idyllic beach, few kms from Alleppey where a number of beach resorts are located.

  • Aruthunkal - The ancient St. Sebastian Church at Arthunkal was built by the Portuguese and is a popular centre of pilgrimage for the Christians of Kerala. The feast of St. Sebastian is held every January.

Mumbai :

  • CST (Victoria Terminus Station) - Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly known as Victoria terminus) was built in the year 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The architectural beauty of this place is marvelously built in the Victorian Gothic style and therefore listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

  • Gateway of India - Gateway of India (constructed in 1911) is the most recognised monument in Mumbai overlooking Arabian Sea. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V & Queen Mary. Iconic Taj Mahal Hotel is located right next to Gateway of India.

  • Elephanta Caves - The Elephanta caves are situated off South Mumbai and accssed via a short ferry ride from the gate way of India. These caves are dedicated to Lord shiva and Parvati and the trimurti which has the Shiva in the three moods. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site

  • Jehangir Art Gallery - Jehangir Art gallery is an iconic Art Gallery situated behind the renowned Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum in South Mumbai. It was built in 1952 and a prime exhibition area for paintings and artefacts.

  • Marine Drive - South Mumbai - Marine Drive is a long promenade that ends at Girgaum Chowpatty. Its streetlights when looked from the top, give bright a necklace like shape (which is why its known as Queens Necklace). There are many prominent landmarks that are set around Marine Drive such as Wankhede Cricket Stadium, Brabourne Cricket Stadium, Taporewala Aquarium, Girgaum Chowpatty, Nariman Point, Churchgate Station etc.

  • Colaba Heritage Walk - Colaba in South Mumbai is home to many monuments. Right from CST, Flora Fountain, Jehangir Art Gallery, Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum, Gateway of India, Colaba bylanes (Colonial era Heritage buildings, Street shopping, bars and restaurants), Mumbai university etc. A 5 km walk here will allow guests to explore the area and experience heritage and seaside character of Mumbai.

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.

  • Eravikulam National Park - An open zoo cum nature park where one can spot rare Nilgiri Tahr.

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

Thekkady :

  • 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.

  • 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

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.

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageMumbaiNo ImageMumbai
Prefered Departure : No ImageMumbaiNo ImageMumbai
Distances
  • Mumbai to Munnar
  • Munnar to Thekkady -102 kms (3 hrs)
  • Thekkady to Alleppey -138 kms (4 hrs)
  • Alleppey to Marari -16 kms (0.5 hrs)
  • Marari to Cochin (Fort Cochin) -50 kms (1 hrs)
  • Cochin (Fort Cochin) to Mumbai

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.

All Nivalink packages offer a Quality Assurance for superior recommendations and hassle free travel experience.

Call 022-6150 6363 to speak to our travel planner or email ke-i-01@nivalink.co.in to connect with our travel planner for details on the itinerary: Captivating Kerala with Mesmerizing Mumbai.

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

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
  • Mumbai to Munnar
  • Munnar to Thekkady -102 kms (3 hrs)
  • Thekkady to Alleppey -138 kms (4 hrs)
  • Alleppey to Marari -16 kms (0.5 hrs)
  • Marari to Cochin (Fort Cochin) -50 kms (1 hrs)
  • Cochin (Fort Cochin) to Mumbai

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.

All Holidays /Maharashtra - Kerala/ Holidays for Maharashtra - Kerala/Captivating Kerala with Mesmerizing Mumbai