Essence of Kerala - 7 Nights 8 Days Tour

Duration: 07 Nights / 08 Days

Destinations Covered: Cochin-Alleppey-Kumarakom-Periyar-Munnar-Cochin

On arrival at Cochin airport or Ernakulam railway station our representative having a placard displaying your name will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. In the evening enthrall yourself with a special presentation of the colorfully costumed Kathakali Dance Drama at a local theatre; thereafter return to hotel for overnight stay.

This morning after breakfast take a full day city tour of Kochi. Your sightseeing will include Fort Kochi beach, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace or 'Dutch Palace' & the Chinese Fishing Nets. The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. Dutch Palace: The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portugese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja (King) of Kochi. Coronation of many Kings of Kochi was held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Fort Kochi beach: A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. Jewish Synagogue: The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace. In the evening enjoy Motor Boat Ride at Cochin Harbour and thereafter evening free to walk around the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning after breakfast transfer to Alleppey popularly referred to as 'Venice of the East' and check-in to the traditional houseboat for Back water Cruise, which will be a unique experience in your life. No tourist can go away from Alappuzha without taking a cruise along the backwaters in a traditional houseboat. The houseboats complete with a well furnished bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom. There are drivers and a cook on board. On the houseboat you can observe the everyday life of locals, pick up toddy (a mild alcoholic drink made from coconut sap), dig into grilled prawns and indulge in bird watching. Enjoy dinner on board and overnight in the houseboat.

This morning after breakfast check-out from the houseboat and drive to Kumarakom located on the Southern coast of India enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. Kumarakom is one of the 10 best preferred destinations in India for tourism. The village comprises of cluster of small islands on the famous lake called Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom is an enchanting backwater destination to visit After check in at hotel visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, the best time for this is between November and March, when a range of migratory birds from Siberia make it their winter home. Some of the species include the Snake bird Little Cormorant, Crow Pleasant, White-branded water Hen and Tree pie. Occasionally you can catch the native kingfishers setting the waters ablaze in a psychedelic flash of colours. The night herons, the Golden-backed woodpeckers are added delights. At the fourteen-acre bird sanctuary one can glimpse many a rare bird some of which, sadly, may not be around forever. Evening enjoy the sun set cruise thereafter return to hotel for overnight.

Today wake up early in the morning for the grandest show on earth. The sunrise. In the mornings, the lake is calm, misty and sensuous. And the sun breaks with a smile and stretches its arm across the river to wish you good morning. After breakfast transfer to Periyar. The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is spread across 780 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest; this sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife. Further, the splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River 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 are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the play in the lake. This afternoon enjoy boat ride and experience a unique wild life experience. Overnight at hotel in Periyar.

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Munnar. Munnar is undoubtedly one of the best hill stations in Kerala. It is the heaven of tranquility and peace far from the busy and hurry life of cities. This is an idyllic tourist spot in Kerala, God's own country. Munnar is a premium hill station in Kerala situated 1600m above sea level. This transcending hill station is surrounded by gentle undulating hills that are draped by green blushing tea plantations. The bracing climate, the laidback atmosphere, the refreshing colonial buildings and atmosphere makes it the most sought after hill station in India. The misty hills with tea plantations appear like velvet lawns on the gentle slopes of the hills. Some of the highest tea gardens of the world are located in Munnar. Rest of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

This morning after breakfast visit Eravikulam National Park. Eravikulam National Park is the best place to see Nilgiri Tahr (Hermitragus Hylcrious) popularly known as the mountain goat of South India. Other attractions of Munnar are Kundale tea plantation surrounded by a lovely lake, Rajamala, Power House Waterfalls, Kundala, Echo Point, CSI Christ Church and to name a few. And if you are adventure enough you can take a trek to Anamudi-the heist peak in South India. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

This Morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Cochin airport to take your onward flight.

Your Tour Includes:

• 06 Nights accommodation in hotels on twin sharing basis in a double room.
• 01 Night accommodation in traditional houseboat in a double room with all meals.
• Daily buffet breakfast.
• All arrival, departure, sightseeing's as per above itinerary by air conditioned car with English speaking driver. (Including fuel, parking, road tax, toll tax, state taxes, vehicles insurance and driver's expenses.)
• Motor Boat Ride at Cochin Harbour.
• Boat ride in Periyar.
• Kathakali dance show tickets.
• All applicable hotel & transport taxes.
• Government services tax of 3.09%.

Your Tour Does Not Includes:

• Any meals other than those specified.
• Expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, liquor etc.
• Entrance fees during sightseeing.
• Any other item not specified.
• International airfare.

Terms & conditions:

• The hotels and services mentioned in the itinerary are subject to confirmation.
• The rates give below may change in case of change in hotels, transport rates or Government taxes.

Hotels to be provided: