Gods Own Country
An excellent journey to Kerala, covering the colonial port city of Cochin, the tea plantations of Munnar, a boat ride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the picturesque backwaters of Kerala where cultivation is done below sea-level and Kovalam famous for Beach stay and Ayurveda.
01 Kochi
Arrive Kochi, meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) is a cosmopolitan city in Kerala. Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: giant fishing nets from China, a 400-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj.
Overnight stay.
02 Kochi
This morning visit the wonderful St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars in 1503. Vasco Da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon. Relax in the shade as you drive to the Jewish Synagogue, built over 400 years ago and discover the impressive architecture.
Jewish Synagogue is also known as Paradesi Synagogue. Next explore Dutch Palace Museum also profoundly known as Mattacherry Palace. It was built by the Portuguese and presented to Vira Kerala Verma, the King of Kochi in 1555 AD . The Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace 1663 AD and thereafter it was popularly called as Dutch Palace. Next visit the gigantic Chinese fishing nets, “cheenavalas”, dating from 1350 and still in use today.
Evening witnessing the mesmerizing Indian traditional dance show “Kathakali”. Kathakali means “Story Play”. This traditional dance, which is a blend of dance, music and acting, tells the stories from the Indian epics. Its easily draws the attention of people with its bright costumes, elaborate makeup and intricate movements of hand, face, body and eyes. If you are fond of the traditional dance form of Kathakali, try to reach the venue an hour or half an hour earlier so that you can watch how to do the Kathakali makeup. Overnight stay.
Jewish Synagogue is also known as Paradesi Synagogue. Next explore Dutch Palace Museum also profoundly known as Mattacherry Palace. It was built by the Portuguese and presented to Vira Kerala Verma, the King of Kochi in 1555 AD . The Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace 1663 AD and thereafter it was popularly called as Dutch Palace. Next visit the gigantic Chinese fishing nets, “cheenavalas”, dating from 1350 and still in use today.
Evening witnessing the mesmerizing Indian traditional dance show “Kathakali”. Kathakali means “Story Play”. This traditional dance, which is a blend of dance, music and acting, tells the stories from the Indian epics. Its easily draws the attention of people with its bright costumes, elaborate makeup and intricate movements of hand, face, body and eyes. If you are fond of the traditional dance form of Kathakali, try to reach the venue an hour or half an hour earlier so that you can watch how to do the Kathakali makeup. Overnight stay.
03 Kochi-Munnar 145 Kms/04 Hrs
After breakfast drive towards Munnar, well-known for its lush green hills and tea plantations. On the way visit pristine waterfalls, feel the surrounding air with aroma, passes through tea bushes. Upon arrival check in to the hotel.
Overnight stay.
04 Munnar
After breakfast proceed for city sightseeing tour visit Munnar tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers, lust green hills, very low population & too far from pollution. Enjoy the Tea Plantation tour and interaction with Tea Pluckers to learn the local culture of the people. This walk is good for heath in the form of breathing pure oxygen and peace of mind.
Explore Tea museum and enjoy Tea Tasting session! Learn about tea tasting terminology along with ways of making an ideal cup of tea. Taste a variety of teas.
This afternoon visit Eravikulam National park (closed in Feb & Mar every year due to breeding period), famous for the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered mountain goat and this park is built with the aim of conserving them.
Next visit beautiful Mattupetty Dam Lake is nothing less than a view of the European country side. With velvety green hills framed against clear blue skies, this lake is a feast for the senses. If you want to take a closer look at the clear waters that faithfully reflect the blue sky above. Enjoy a boat ride to float along with this surreal view.
Overnight stay.
This afternoon visit Eravikulam National park (closed in Feb & Mar every year due to breeding period), famous for the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered mountain goat and this park is built with the aim of conserving them.
Next visit beautiful Mattupetty Dam Lake is nothing less than a view of the European country side. With velvety green hills framed against clear blue skies, this lake is a feast for the senses. If you want to take a closer look at the clear waters that faithfully reflect the blue sky above. Enjoy a boat ride to float along with this surreal view.
Overnight stay.
05 Munnar – Periyar (110 Kms/3.5 Hrs)
After breakfast take a beautiful drive down to the green mountains of the Nilgiris. Rubber, Coffee and Cardamom plantations and tea gardens will follow.
Arrive Periyar, It is known as one of the most renowned national parks in South India, the Periyar National Park set high at the Western Ghat ranges. The park is being adorned with a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary which is an artificial 100 years old lake at Thekkady and is basically known for its wild elephants and thickly established Western Ghats forests.
Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Evening experience unique martial art form – Kalaripayattu. It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India.
Overnight stay.
Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Evening experience unique martial art form – Kalaripayattu. It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India.
Overnight stay.
06 Periyar
This morning enjoy a boat safari on the Periyar Lake extends a lifetime’s chance to spot exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. Like the weird bathing habits of the wild elephants that come down to the lake.
Note– timings are 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM & 3:30 PM.
Later today walks through spice plantations, to known about every characteristic of cultivation, harvesting, uses and the final product for consumption. Explore coffee and tea plantations; learn about cultivation of pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, etc. This experience will connect you with the farm life and transform your idea of what spices really taste like.
Optional –Cloud’s Walk is an eco-tourism programme popular in Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is a guided trekking which lasts for 3-4 hours. From the top, you can enjoy the grasslands, evergreen, deciduous and riverine forests and the expanses of irrigated land across the border.
Overnight stay.
Note– timings are 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM & 3:30 PM.
Later today walks through spice plantations, to known about every characteristic of cultivation, harvesting, uses and the final product for consumption. Explore coffee and tea plantations; learn about cultivation of pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, etc. This experience will connect you with the farm life and transform your idea of what spices really taste like.
Optional –Cloud’s Walk is an eco-tourism programme popular in Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is a guided trekking which lasts for 3-4 hours. From the top, you can enjoy the grasslands, evergreen, deciduous and riverine forests and the expanses of irrigated land across the border.
Overnight stay.
07 Periyar -Alleppey
After breakfast, depart for Alleppey. Experience the tranquil beauty of Kerala’s backwaters with stay overnight at houseboat cruise.
Float past rural villages, coconut palms, rice paddies and more as you make your way through the narrow channels and expansive waterways known as the “Venice of the East”. It’s one of the best ways to escape the chaos of the city and truly relax and unwind on your trip to India.
Note: – Houseboat cruise time is from 12:00 noon to 17:30 Hrs. with 1 hour lunch break. The boat will be hankered or stationary from 17:30 Hrs. till next day 07:30 Hrs. AC is being provided in the bed room after the dinner. Next day it starts at 07:30 Hrs. and stop at 09:00 Hrs. There may be 30 minutes plus and minus depend upon different houseboat agencies. Overnight stay at Houseboat.
Float past rural villages, coconut palms, rice paddies and more as you make your way through the narrow channels and expansive waterways known as the “Venice of the East”. It’s one of the best ways to escape the chaos of the city and truly relax and unwind on your trip to India.
Note: – Houseboat cruise time is from 12:00 noon to 17:30 Hrs. with 1 hour lunch break. The boat will be hankered or stationary from 17:30 Hrs. till next day 07:30 Hrs. AC is being provided in the bed room after the dinner. Next day it starts at 07:30 Hrs. and stop at 09:00 Hrs. There may be 30 minutes plus and minus depend upon different houseboat agencies. Overnight stay at Houseboat.
08 Alleppey - Kovalam
Disembark after breakfast and drive towards Kovalam – a haven of peace and tranquility! – It’s a small coastal town famous for its three adjacent crescent-shaped shallow water & low tidal beaches; Ayurvedic treatments, massages, yoga & meditation are few of them. On arrival check in to the hotel.
Rest of time at leisure.
Overnight stay.
Overnight stay.
09 Kovalam
Breakfast at hotel.
Day free at leisure to relax on the beach!
Optional activities:-
1. Visit Kovalam Art Gallery: This Art Gallery displays the age-old art that represents the cultural traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It also showcases beautiful sculptures, intricate paintings and the work of various artists from all over the world.
2. Ayurvedic Massages: Trip to Kovalam is incomplete without experiencing the famous Kerala Ayurvedic massages. One of the best things to do in Kovalam for rejuvenation.
3. Surfing in the Sea: Kovalam is home to the most fascinating water sports and activities like surfing, boating etc. This sea surfing experience is a great experience to cherish as you enjoy the high of adventure & once-in-a-lifetime trip that you’ll never forget!!!
Overnight stay.
1. Visit Kovalam Art Gallery: This Art Gallery displays the age-old art that represents the cultural traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It also showcases beautiful sculptures, intricate paintings and the work of various artists from all over the world.
2. Ayurvedic Massages: Trip to Kovalam is incomplete without experiencing the famous Kerala Ayurvedic massages. One of the best things to do in Kovalam for rejuvenation.
3. Surfing in the Sea: Kovalam is home to the most fascinating water sports and activities like surfing, boating etc. This sea surfing experience is a great experience to cherish as you enjoy the high of adventure & once-in-a-lifetime trip that you’ll never forget!!!
Overnight stay.
10 Kovalam – Trivandrum (20 Kms/30 Min drive)
After breakfast drive towards Trivandrum airport to connect flight for your onward destination.