Place to Visit : Munnar, Thekkady/Periyar, Alappuzha/Kumarakom,Kanyakumari,Kovalam, Kochi
10 DAYS
OVERVIEW
Soak in the scenic beauty of Munnar and experience its colonial charm,relax in the tropical forests of Thekkady, Kerala, and spend time watching wildlife at close quarters,go on a backwater cruise in Alleppey, the Venice of the East,ride a boat on the vivid green network of rivers and canals of Kumarakom or walk along the vast stretches of paddy fields,watch the sunrise and sunset at Kanyakumari, a coastal town in the neighbouring state of Tamilnadu,relax and bathe in the internationally renowned calm, palm-backed Kovalam beach, and go around the port city of Kochi visiting the relics left behind by traders from China, Arabia, Portugal, Britain and the Netherlands.
Arrive at Kochi. You will be greeted by a representative of Roundtrip Holidays.
Drive to Munnar hill station. On the way, visit elephant care centre in Kodanadu, Cheyyara waterfalls, Valara waterfalls, Attukadu waterfalls, and spice plantations before reaching Munnar. Relax in the hotel or visit places in and around Munnar. Spend the night at Munnar.
DAY 2
Munnar Sightseeing
Drive to Eravikulam national park (Raja Malai), Mattupetty dam, tea estates, echo point, spice plantations, rose gardens, photo point, honey bee tree, tea museum, Blossom Hydel Park, Kundale dam, and top station. Activities include boating in the Lake, rock climbing, and trekking (optional). Return back to the hotel and spend the night at Munnar.
DAY 3
Munnar to Thekkady/Periyar (95km/3.5hrs)
Leave Munnar after breakfast and drive to Thekkady. Places of tourist interest in Thekkady include Mullaperiyar dam, and spice plantations. At spice plantations, you can buy exotic spices. Spend the night at the resort.
DAY 4
Thekkady Sightseeing
Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You get to see wild animals – elephant, boar, deer, and the great Indian tiger, among others – at close quarters. Other activities include boat ride in the lake in the evening, wilderness experience, watching Kerala martial arts performance, Kathakali performance, elephant ride, jeep safari, nature walk, jungle patrol, bamboo rafting, trekking, and Ayurvedic massage (optional). Spend the night at Thekkady.
DAY 5
Thekkady to Alleppey/Kumarakom (150km/4.5hrs)
Leave Thekkady and drive to Alleppey or Kumarakom. Visit the quiet, clean beach Alappuzha beach famous for Beach festival and the Sand Art Festival. Visit the Vijaya Beach Park, 150 years’ old pier, and lighthouse. The ReviKarunakaran Museum, a one-man collection of some of the best artifacts from all over the world, is a must see. Spend the night in the resort.
Visit the Vembanad Lake at its widest point and Kumarakom bird sanctuary, view the stunning water regatta during Onam, and enjoy an ayurvedic massage at the resort, and fishing and swimming. Spend the night at the resort.
DAY 6
Alappuzha House Boat
Cruise along the backwaters, devouring the scenic beauty, in Kerala style houseboats. The houseboat tour packages include welcome drink, tea, snacks, mineral water, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Spend the night at Alappuzha in the houseboat.
DAY 7
Alappuzha to Kanyakumari (250km/7hrs)
Leave Alappuzha after a sumptuous breakfast and a visit to the serene beach drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India (Cape Comorin). Sail across the Indian Ocean to the Vivekananda Memorial built on a rock jutting out of the sea, watch the sunset, and visit noted pilgrimage sites such as Kanyakumari Amman Temple and Our Lady of Ransom Church. Watch sunset, return to the hotel and relax. Spend the night at the hotel.
DAY 8
Kanyakumari to Kovalam (93km/3hrs)
Watch sunrise and leave Kanyakumari after breakfast. Drive to Kovalam. The rocky promontory on Kovalam beach creates an idyllic bay of calm sea waters and it is ideal for sea bathing. Leisure options at the beach include sunbathing, swimming, herbal body massages, cultural programmes, and catamaran cruises. Spend the night at Kovalam.
DAY 9
Kovalam to Thiruvananthapuram (20km/1hr)
Leave Kovalam after breakfast for a Thiruvananthapuram sightseeing tour or relax at the resort. Places of importance include the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Sri Chithra Art Gallery, Poovar Island, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, and Agastya Mala (Hills), among others. Return back to Kovalam and spend the night at the hotel.
DAY 10
Kovalam to Kochi (225km/4.5hrs) OrKovalam to Thiruvananthapuram (20Km/1hr)
Leave Kovalam after breakfast at the hotel and drive down to Kochi, the port city. Visit Fort Kochi, Navy Museum, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Marine Drive, the Walkway, Boating in Vembanad Lake, and Tripunithura Hill Palace. After sightseeing and shopping, you will be dropped off at the Airport, Railway Station, or Bus Stand so that you get back home with the sweet memories of a grand Kerala experience with Roundtrip Holidays.
