Kerala Splendour
Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kovalam
10 nights – 11 days
Explore Kerala with our wonderful tour that will take you from the Historic Port of Cochin – through the magnificent Western Ghats to Munnar – to the spice plantations in Thekkady and the Periyar Wildlife Park – relax on your Houseboat exploring the famous Kerala backwaters – then relax in Kovalam and enjoy the stunning beaches.
Day One – Arrive in Cochin
Our representative will meet you on arrival in Cochin and transfer you to your hotel for your two night stay in the historic Port of Cochin - ancient temples, the famous Chinese Fishing nets, stall selling local produce and the myriad of historic streets all waiting to be explored. In the evening visit the Kathakali Centre and enjoy watching the preparations and the performance.
Day Two – Cochin
After breakfast we will take you on a sightseeing tour to explore the main historic sites including St Francis Church, the Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace and the Jewish Synagogue. In the afternoon relax before enjoying an evening harbour cruise.
Please note the Dutch Palace and the Synagogue are both closed on Friday - the Synagogue is also closed on Saturday and other special days.
Day Three – Cochin to Munnar – 150 kms and 4 hour drive
After breakfast your driver will take you on the drive up through the Western Ghat Mountains to Munnar – 1600 metres above sea level. En route visit the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre – once the largest elephant capturing centres of Southern India. In 1977 it became illegal to capture elephants and the Kraal and training centre remain intact with 6 elephants in residence. The town of Munnar is situated at the confluence of the three mountain streams – the Mudrapuza, Nallathanni and Kundala – the area is home to lakes, reservoirs and forests with tea plantations hugging the ground.
Day Four – Munnar to Thekkady – 130 kms – 3 hour drive
In the morning we will take you on a sightseeing visit to the Eravikulam National park, Mattupetty Dam and the local scattered villages plus a visit to the tea factory. After your sightseeing we will continue our journey to Thekkady through the beautiful cardamom covered hills, through scenic valleys filled with views at every turn.
Day Five – Thekkady
Periyar is one of the most famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in South India and is particularly famous for elephants. Thick evergreen forest covers over 777 sq km and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. From your boat ride you will enjoy views and perhaps glimpse the elusive wildlife!
After breakfast we will take you for a guided 2.5 hour trek - enjoy a 5 - 6Km walk through flat terrain through the National Park. Later we will visit spice plantations and in the afternoon enjoy your 2 hour boat cruise on the lake.
Day Six – Thekkady to Alleppey – 180 kms – 5 hours drive
After breakfast your driver will transfer you to your houseboat for your 22 hour cruise exploring the backwaters - late afternoon/early your boat will moor up along the bank and relax whilst your evening meal is being prepared and watch the life along the river bank unfold around you.
Day Seven – Alleppey
Wake up to your breakfast being prepared for you after which your driver will collect you and transfer you to your Home stay Accommodation - the beautiful Nelpura Heritage Home stay at Alappuzha - dating back 150 years and showcasing the traditional Keralan Architecture and wood carving - the building has been transformed into comfortable accommodation.
Day Eight – Alleppey to Kovalam
Enjoy your drive to Kovalam - located just 15 km from Trivandrum and deservedly one of the most popular coastal resorts in Kerala.
Day Nine – Kovalam – free to relax or we can offer an option to visit Trivandrum for sightseeing.
Day Ten – Kovalam – free to relax
Day Eleven – transferred to Trivandrum Airport for your flight home.