Glimpses of Kerala

Package Overview

Discover Kerala's essence in 6 days through Cochin's colonial heritage, Alleppey's serene backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, Kumarakom's bird sanctuary, and Thekkady's wildlife sanctuary. Experience Kathakali performances, spice plantations, elephant encounters, and witness the majestic beauty of God's Own Country.

About This Tour

Itinerary

1

Arrival Cochin

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By Ranjithsiji - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156830967

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 relax at Marine Drive. This scenic promenade offers stunning views of the backwaters and is an ideal place to watch sunsets. Take a stroll down the walkway or simply sit down at a bench, enjoying the cool breeze from the placid Vembanad Lake and have dinner at a restaurant in the Marine Drive area. Return back to your hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Today's Sightseeing

• Marine Drive
• Vembanad Lake

2

Cochin City Tour

Kerala Folklore Museum

Kerala Folklore Museum

This morning after breakfast take a trip back in time at the Kerala Folklore Museum spread over three floors exhibiting three different architectural styles, the museum houses around 4000 artifacts. These artifacts offer insights into the cultural uniqueness that exists among various regions of India, especially in South India. After visiting the museum experience tranquility at Ernakulathappan Temple the abode of Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the presiding deity of the city. Spend some moments in the tranquil setting of the temple and enjoy the beauty of traditional Kerala temple architecture. Later, visit Fort Kochi Beach and see Chinese fishing nets. you can see rows of gigantic Chinese fishing nets suspended over the sea as fishermen go about working on them. The name Fort Kochi is a misnomer. It is neither a fortified structure nor a walled city but a quaint locality in Kochi with unparalleled colonial vibes. European-style buildings, majestic churches, artsy cafes, Dutch bungalows, and manor-like houses render Fort Kochi the look and feel of a small and picturesque town in the western world. Here you can visit Santa Cruz Basilica, Indo – Portuguese Museum, Francis Church and Dutch Cemetery. All these attractions are located within walking distance of each other and take you on a trip down the lane of history. While Santa Cruz Basilica captivates you with its spellbinding Gothic architecture, the Indo – Portuguese Museum offers deep insights into the Portuguese influence on the city. St. Francis Church, another one of the famous, is known for its aesthetic beauty. History has it that Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama’s body was kept buried here for 14 years before it was taken to Lisbon. The Dutch Cemetery, bathed in greenery and serenity, makes for an exquisite sigh. Your sightseeing will include Fort Kochi beach, The Chinese Fishing Nets, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace or Dutch Palace & Jewish Synagogue. Dutch Palace: The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. 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. 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. Rest of the day is free at your leisure for shopping etc. In the evening enthrall yourself with a special presentation of the colorfully costumed Kathakali Dance Drama at a local theatre; thereafter return back to your hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Cochin.

3

Cochin to Alleppey

64 Kms, Travel Time 1 Hour & 20 Minutes

By https://www.pexels.com/photo/passenger-ship-sailing-on-tropical-river-17928231/

Passenger Ship Sailing on Tropical River Alappuzha

Alappuzha - Venice of the East, Kerala

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 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 and enjoy cruising and indulge in bird watching. Enjoy dinner on board and stay overnight in the houseboat.

4

Alleppey to Kumarakom

40 Kms, Travel Time 1 Hour

By https://www.dtpckottayam.com/destination/kumarakom-bird-sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

Spread out over 14 acres, this sanctuary is a lively hub of a wide variety of avian species

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. In the evening enjoy the Sunset cruise shikara boating in Kumarakom. Stay overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.

5

Kumarakom to Periyar (Thekkady)

140 Km, Travel time 3 Hour 30 Minutes

By https://www.keralatourism.org/ecotourism/trekking-programs/periyar-programme/30

Periyar Tiger Trail

Today wake up early in the morning for the grandest show on earth. The sun breaks with a smile and stretches its arm across the river to wish you good morning. This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Thekkady famous for Spice Plantations and The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary spread across 780 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest; this sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. On arrival check in to your hotel. This afternoon, visit Abraham’s Spice Garden- a privately run spice garden that is unique in its own right and one of the most interesting places to visit in Thekkady. Spread over 2 acres, the gardens offer a hands-on experience with an interactive tour that explains cultivation and processing of various spices. Featuring a myriad of species of banana, cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, vanilla, ginger, turmeric. The place is truly a delight for botany enthusiasts. Later visit Elephant Junction one of the most vibrant places to visit in Thekkady with its unending treasure of flora and fauna, and a host of wildlife species including elephants, Indian bison and Nilgiri Tahr. The junction also serves as a reservoir of rich tribal culture of Kerala. Take a walk among the deep woods and embrace nature in its most naked form. Interact with wild elephants as you bathe and feed them. Enjoy the rich aroma wafting from cardamom plantations. This evening enjoy boat ride in Periyar lake and experience a unique wild life experience. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the play in the lake. You can also visit Kadathanadan Kalari Center famous for enjoying Kalaripayattu martial arts, the traditional self-defense practices of Kerala. The place emanates an air of culture and historical heritage of Kerala. It is designed to ensure the safety of guests – as well as enjoying the performance of the martial arts. Rest of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

6

Thekkady to Cochin Airport or Railway Station

145 Kms, Travel Time 4 Hours

By Shady59 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75986238

Cochin International Airport

Cochin International Airport, popularly known as Kochi International Airport or Nedumbassery Airport, is an international airport serving the city of Kochi.

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred back to Cochin Airport or railway station for your onward Journey.

What's Included

• 04 Nights’ accommodation in hotels in one double air-conditioned room.
• 01 Night accommodation in a traditional houseboat 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.)
• Kathakali dance show tickets.
• Sunset cruise shikara boating in Kumarakom.
• Boat ride in Periyar.
• All applicable hotel & transport taxes.
• All applicable Government Taxes.

What's Not Included

• Any meals other than those specified.
• Expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, liquor etc.
• Entrance fees during sightseeing.
• Optional Motor Boat Ride at Cochin Harbor.
• Any Domestic or International airfare.
• Any other item not specified.
• 10% Peak Season Surcharge from 20th December 2022 to 05th January 2023.
• Xmas and New Year Eve Gala Dinner Charges as applicable.

Terms & Conditions

Seasonal Pricing Packages