The Captivating Kerala !!


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Location :

Cochin / Munnar / Periyar / Kumarkom / Alleppey / Kovalam / Cochin
Duration : 10 Nights & 11 Days
Day 01 Cochin

Arrival at Cochin and transfer to the hotel check in at the hotel.

Briefing (Cochin): The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's.

Overnight will be at Cochin.

Day 02 Cochin

Enjoy a leisurely break fast.

Later proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin visiting the Chinese Fishing Nets, and Jewish Synagogue.

Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.

JEWISH SYNAGOGUE: The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower.

St. Francis Church: St. Francis Church in Kochi is one of the famous churches of Kerala. Built in European style of architecture, the St. Francis Church of Kochi was built in 1503. The wooden structure was established in 1503. It is believed that Vasco Da Gama breathed his last here and his remains were kept in this church for a few years before it was shifted to Portugal. The St. Francis Xavier’s Church in Kochi is considered to be the oldest European Church in Kochi. It was constructed by Portuguese Franciscan friars. In the year 1663, the Dutch converted St. Francis Church into a protestant church from a Catholic Church. It was under their rule till 1795 and then it was accepted into the Anglican Communion of the British. Right now the St. Francis Church is a part of the Protestant Church of South India.Inside the St. Francis Church of Kochi in Kerala, you can find several inscriptions which are the anecdotes of Portuguese and Dutch rulers. Originally this church was dedicated to Santo Antonio, a priest of Portugal and later on named as St. Francis Church.

Return back to the hotel for lunch and relax for sometime.

In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION. Over night stay at hotel.

Day 03 Cochin - Munnar

By Road
Distance 160 / 3 hrs

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Later proceed for Munnar. A peaceful and the only hill station of Kerala.

Briefing (Munnar): Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.

The day will be spent at leisure taking treks and finding small buildings of historical importance around the hill station.

The night will be at Munnar.

Day 04 Munnar - Periyar

By Road
Distance 150 kms / 3 hrs

Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at the resort. Later proceed for Periyar (Thekkady).

Briefing (Periyar): Four hours drive southward lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.  Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360sq.km is thick evergreen forest.  The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, ‘Akananuru’, ‘Purananuru’ etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the ‘Choorni Nadi’ or ‘Thamraparni Nadi’ (Sukasandesam –stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in Kerala, is the Periyar famous for its National Park. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a perennial source of water for the local wildlife. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park.  This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake.  The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.

Overnight stay will be at Periyar.

 

Day 05 Periyar

Enjoy breakfast at the resort.

Start your day with a short Jungle trek, paddle boating at Gavi Lake, and jeep safari in the national park.

Afternoon visit Spice Plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. and also visit the famous Spice Market on your way back to the hotel.

Spend night at Periyar.

Day 06 Periyar - Kumarakom

By Road
Distance 175 kms /4 hrs

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Briefing (Kumarakom): Kumarakom is one of the top most beautiful villages in the world. Foreign guests used to think that it is like a paradise. Kumarakom is a small village in Kerala, a group of little islands on the Vembanad Lake is an enchanting backwater destination and it forms a part of the Kuttanad Region. It is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests with emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with excellent waterways and canals adorned with while lilies. The Vembanad Lake is locale for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot), shrimp and prawns. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres, and came into existence subsequent preservation hard work from the government. It is a main tourist attraction. Kumarakom is a bird watchers paradise as it is the home to lots of migratory and resident bird species.

The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.
Enjoy a visit to the BIRD PARK.

Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat towards Alleppey.

The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 km, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south.

Day 07 Alleppey - Kovalam

By Road          
Distance 175 kms / 4.5 hrs

Enjoy a leisurely break fast on board and cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening. Disembark the houseboat at Alleppey.

Checkout from Houseboat and proceed to Kovalam.

Briefing (Kovalam): Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South". Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum, Kerala's capital city. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort. Kovalam is a dreamland for tourists all over the world. With high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. The warm and clean atmosphere by the coconut trees and the white sand bed are perfect for relaxing holidays, as the sea breeze gently plays with the waves. 

With composed climate, luring surroundings, azure sea, soft sand and solacing sun. The nature around Kovalam is mind blowing. The coconut groves, the soothing breeze, the murmuring sea, the sun and the soft sand all adds to the charm of Kovalam, making it a paradise for the beach lovers. 

Reach and check in at the resort. Day will be free to explore and relax at the beach.

Overnight will be in Kovalam.

Day 08 Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam

By Road
Distance 80 kms / 2 hrs

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the resort.

Proceed for an excursion of Kanyakumari.

Briefing (Kanyakumari): Kanyakumari City marks the end point of the Indian subcontinent in the south. It is located at the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. It was ruled by the Pandyas and named after the deity of the place, Goddess Kanyakumari Amman. This pilgrimage centre is also known as Cape Comorin. The long sandy seashore of Kanyakumari is known for the multicolored sands. This sea side city with majestic hills, vibrant sea shores and fringed coconut groves attracts tourist round the year to enjoy the breath taking beauty of the marvelous temples, sandy beaches and spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Kumari Amman Temple - The temple is devoted to the Goddess Parvathi as Devi Kanya- the Virgin Goddess. Legend has it that Devi did penance to secure Lord Shiva's hand in marriage but ultimately when she could not marry him, vowed to remain a virgin all her life. The diamond nose ring of the deity is very famous.

 

Gandhi Mandapam - This memorial stands on the place where the the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public viewing before being immersed into the sea. This memorial is designed in Oriyan style of architecture. The construction is such that sun's rays fall on the place of urn on Gandhiji's birthday i.e. on 2nd October.

Suchindram Temple - This marvelous temple houses a linga representing the trinity i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It was built in the 17th century. Exquisite sculptures depicting the characters of Hindu mythology of Ramayana and Mahabharata can be seen on the walls. Inside the temple, in the Alangara Mandapa, musical pillars are carved out of a single granite block, with the sounds of different musical instruments like mridanga, sitar, tambura, and jalataranga. The huge divine Nandi bull carved in white stone and Lord Hanuman's 18 ft statue are noteworthy.
Evening - return to Kovalam.

Overnight will be in Kovalam

Day 09 Kovalam

Have a relaxed morning at the resort and enjoy your breakfast.

Rest of the day will be at your own leisure. You can relax and spend time at the beach.

Overnight will be at the resort.

Day 10 Kovalam - Cochin

By Road
Distance 220 kms / 4 hrs

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the resort and later proceed for Cochin.

Reach and check in at the hotel and relax. Rest of the time will be at your own leisure.

Later in the evening take a boat ride in the harbour watching the dolphins playing and enjoying the city from the water.

Overnight will be at Cochin.

Day 11 Cochin - Back Home

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel.

Later you will be transferred to the international airport to connect flight back home.


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Houseboat, Kerala
 
Elephants, periyar
 
Kovalam Beach, Kovalam
 
Gandhi Mandapam , Kanayakumari