Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Kovalam - Trivandrum
10 nights – 11 days
Day One – Arrival in Cochin
Met on arrival in Cochin by our Representative who will introduce you to your driver and transfer you to your Hotel. Afternoon free to relax and explore and in the evening enjoy a visit to the Kerala Folklore Museum and Cultural Centre that has a performance theatre called Kalithattu, where folk art performances like string puppet, Kalaripayattu, Thira, Pavakathakali, Darikan Kali and Kaalakali are performed. The museum showcases tribal jewellery, Raja Ravi Verma paintings and much more.
Day Two – Cochin – half day sight seeing included
One of the main areas to explore – Fort Cochin has many beautiful and historic places to explore; visit the oldest European Church in India – the historic St Francis Church originally built in 1503. Marvel at the magnificent medieval Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 155AD – gaining the name The Dutch Palace after extensions and extensive renovations in 1663 were carried out by the Dutch. Be dazzled by the rich splendours housed within the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth – built in 1586 the Paradesi Synagogue is home to the beautifully carved teak Arc that contains the scrolls from the Jewish Torah and gold crowns set with gems from the Royal Family of Cochin. Admire the ancient, individual, hand painted floor tiles from China – the gold pulpit and the chandeliers from Belgium. Will the amazing Chinese Fishing Nets become one of your favourite Kerala Moments – seemingly suspended on bamboo and teak poles in mid-air over the sea the outstretched nets are worked by teams of 6 fishermen.
Day Three – Cochin to Munnar
Today after breakfast we will drive to Munnar – the beautiful hill station located over 1600 metres above sea level. En route enjoy a visit to the Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Dam, Top Station and the Pallivasal Water Falls. In the evening this is free for you to perhaps enjoy your own local sightseeing and shopping in Munnar town.
Day Four – Munnar to Thekkady
After breakfast we will drive through spectacular scenery – through cardamom hills and valleys –some of the most beautiful scenery in Kerala to Thekkady - enjoy the real wildlife experience.
Day Five – Thekkady
Today we will take you to explore the famous Periyar Wildlife Park – we can arrange for you to take the boat trip on the lake, go trekking with a guide or even for the more adventurous perhaps rafting! In the afternoon we will have an elephant ride and a visit to the beautiful spice gardens.
Day Six – Thekkady to Kumarakom
After breakfast check out from your Hotel and we will drive you to Kumarakom (145 Kms / 4 Hrs) the lush green vegetation and the superb climate attract a number of tourists to this place. On arrival at Kumarakom visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and later check in at your hotel and overnight stay in hotel.
Day Seven - Kumarakom
Free for you to relax
Day Eight - Kumarakom – Trivandrum – Kovalam
After breakfast we will take you to the beautiful coastal resort of Kovalam – en route visiting the Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Museum, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Zoo. Check in at your Hotel. Day
Nine – Kovalam
Free for you to relax and explore.
Day Ten – Kovalam
Free for you to relax and explore
Day Eleven – collected from your hotel and transferred to Trivandrum airport for your journey Home.