Kerala Tour

Day 01: Arrive Mumbai
Arrive late evening at Mumbai International airport. Upon arrival at International Airport, you will be met by our representative, after a traditional 'Swagat' (Indian welcome consisting of Aarti-Tikka and garlands) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for two nights.

Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.

Day 02: Bombay - Cochin ( by Flight )
Morning on time transfer to the airport to board the flight for Cochin. You arrive in Cochin by domestic flight from Mumbai. On arrival our representative will assist you at the airport and transfer to our hotel for check-in.

Cochin always had a very popular and historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, Dutch and British. It has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. It is one of the few places in the world where one can see a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, architecture, mosques, temples and Chinese fishing nets, all in one city. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub.

Today afternoon our guide will take you for a half day city tour of Cochin, with visits to St. Francis' Church, Dutch Palace (Built by the Portuguese), Jew Town, the Jewish Synagogue built in the year 1568, spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices, and Chinese fishing nets. In the evening we see Kerala's most popular classical dance, Kathakali.

Day 03: Cochin - Munnar drive (130 km)
Drive to Munnar and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Munnar, largely blanketed by tea plantations, this little hill resort offers breath-taking scenery. Situated at an altitude of 1525 metres, this town has a local bracing climate. The atmosphere is fragrant with extensive tea and cardamom plantations. There are enchanting high ranges, lakes and streams and lovely views of low flying clouds and mist filled valleys.

Day 04: Munnar - Periyar drive (100 km)
Today morning we drive to Eravikulam National Park, the best place to see the Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat). The altitude varies from about 1,400m on the valley floor to Anaimudi peak at 2,695m, the highest peak in Nilgiris and south of the Himalayas. The drive is through the sprawling tea gardens, among the world's highest.

You make like to stop over and have a short tea garden visit. And later we drive to Periyar and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Periyar, spread over an area of 777 sq km, this sanctuary has about 35 tigers and leopards.

Day 05: Periyar - Kumarakom, 136 km (via Kottayam)
Early morning before breakfast at 0630 hrs we go for wildlife viewing to the sanctuary on lake Periyar by boat cruise.

After two hours of wildlife viewing we get back to the hotel for breakfast. Later we leave for Kumarakom known for its backwaters, huge Vembanad Lake and the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Late in the afternoon we visit the Bird sanctuary. There are two seasons for birds: between October and February there are cormorants, teals, and other ducks and from February to July there are darters (snake birds), night herons, egrets, and Siberian storks. It also has golden backed woodpecker, crow pheasant, white-breasted water hen & tree pie.

Day 06: Kumarakom - Embark Houseboat
Cruise in the canal by Bamboo Poles, sail through the lagoon with favorable wind. Evening witness sunset through coconut palms.
Dinner under million stars.
Overnight Houseboat.

Day 07: Alleppey - Quilon
Morning wake up and after breakfast, cruise through Pallathuruthy River and reach Ambalappuzha. Visit ancient and historical temple of Lord Krishna and later Karumadi (Buddha Temple).

Leave for Champakkulam. Can swim in River Pampa and thereafter visit a village Farm House in Champakkulam and village market.

Day 08: Quilon - Kanya Kumari (170Kms)
Morning short visit of Quilon, famous for old wooden houses and cashew tree plantation on the edge of Ashtamudi Lake. The delightful Best of Kerala Tours begin from this picturesque town. Drive to Kanya Kumari, arriving before sunset. The sunset at the confluence of Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea is a delight to witness.

Day 09: Kanya Kumari - Kovalam
The Southernmost end of Tamil Nadu, the land's end of India or the point where three seas meet. Cape Camorin of Kanya Kumari is at its best during Chitra Pournima (full moon day in April) when sun and moon are face to face at the same horizon at the confluence point of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

The Vivekananad Memorial built on the rock into the water where the great Philosopher guide Swami Vivekananda when into meditation that transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leader of the century.

Day 10: Kovalam-Trivandrum (16Kms) - Departure.
Morning sightseeing tour of Trivandrum. The capital of Kerala, built over seven forested hills. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a seven storey stone structure is the most impressive landmark. This temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu contains several inscriptions and excellent murals, innumerable intricate stone carvings adorn the temple. Napier Museum of Arts and Crafts completed in 1880, it was an early experiment in what became known as the Indo Saracenic style.