Cochin (Fort Cochin)(2) - Munnar(2) - Thekkady(2) - Alleppey(2) - Kovalam(2) - Trivandrum
Day-1 Arrival at Cochin Arrival at Cochin International Airport and Transfer to Fort Cochin (45 kms - 1.5 hours), a heritage area of Cochin overlooking the Arabian Sea. Evening walk by the heritage bylanes and Fort Cochin beach.
Day-2 Explore Fort Cochin Visit heritage areas and experiences in Fort Cochin that includes St Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing nets, maritime museum etc. In the evening visit Greenix village for cultural performances.
Day-3 Drive to Munnar Drive to Munnar (5500 ft asl - 140 kms - 4 hours). Enroute guests can stop at Kodanad Elephant Camp for some elephant experience.
Day-4 Explore Munnar Explore Munnar. Guests may visit tea museum, Eravikulam national Park (for Nilgiri Tahr), walk upto waterfalls and enjoy overall plantation character of the area.
Day-5 Drive to Periyar Drive to Periyar (2500 ft asl - 110 kms - 3 hours) through very thick forests. In the afternoon visit spice plantation followed by a boat ride in periyar lake.
Day-6 Gavi Experience One full day experience of the Periyar Forests through Gavi eco tourism programme (Bamboo rafting, jeep drives, walks, bird watching etc.)
Day-7 Travel to Alleppey for Overnight Houseboat experience Depart early (8 AM) to reach Alleppey in time (before 12 noon) for the overnight backwater Cruise. Alleppey is what gives Kerala name "Venice of the east" and overnight houseboat stay offers travellers an upclose insight into the backwater character and living of Kerala.
Day-8 Cruise Checkout - Travel to Kovalam After Checkout from the cruise (9:30 AM), depart for Kovalam (150 kms - 3.5 hours). Most popular beach destination of Kerala. In the afternoon explore beaches around the resort.
Day-9 Relax by the beach Relax by the beach. Lighthouse and Hawa beaches are most happening in terms of restaurants and activities. Chowara beach is idyllic, good for long walks and swimming.
Day-10 Relax by the beach Relax by the beach. Alternatively guests can opt for a day visit to Kanyakumari or nearby plantation highlands / Sanctuary (Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary)
Day-11 Depart from Trivandrum Depart from Trivandrum for International flight (either to Maldives or to Gulf countries for onward flight)
Trivandrum - Trivandrum is a state capital of Kerala and access point to visit Beach Resorts of Kovalam / Varkala and plantation highlands around Ponmudi.
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.
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.
Kovalam - Kovalam is one of the few developed beach retreats in India alongside Goa and home to several luxury beach resorts.