Day 01: Trivandrum-Kovalam: Trivandrum is the state Capital with an International airport which makes it one of the gateway points to the “Gods own country” – Kerala State. Seven Hills over which the city is spread and the great variety of lovely old colonial and traditional Kerala buildings give Trivandrum (Thiruvanthapuram) a special ambience.

On arrival, our special representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Kovalam, the perfect place for a seaside holiday. Check in at the beach resort for 02 nights. Rest of the day at leisure or you can explore the handicrafts, jewel & cloth in the shops spread along the waterfront. Dinner at the Hotel. Overnight at Hotel. The palm-fringed beach of Kovalam is one of the most famous beaches in India. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands make this beach a paradise come true. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, catamaran cruising etc. Dinner at the Hotel. Overnight at Hotel. DAY 02 : KOVALAM After breakfast – First half day sight seeing at Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) – and second half for shopping. View Padmanabhaswamy temple (Non Hindus are not permitted inside). With an imposing seven storied tower, this temple is an excellent example of the Dravidian style of architecture and is one among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India. Visit Horse Palace - the magnificent wooden palace constructed by Travancore king in 18th century, Srichitra art gallery and Napier museum (This tour is not operated on Mondays as the monuments here are closed). One can also go for a shopping spree for antiques, curios and handicrafts or garments and gold jewellery in city shops in Trivandrum. Traditional Kerala cuisine lunch at one of the famous city restaurants. Dinner and overnight at Hotel. DAY 03 : KOVALAM – ALLEPPEY ~ KUMARAKOM [176 kms/ 4 hrs] After early breakfast. Check out and drive to Alleppey.

On arrival, embark on a Houseboat for an overnight cruise up to Kumarakom. Cruise through the palm fringed canals; watch the Paddy fields, village folk, relax on board hearing lullaby of the wind and waves. Unwind yourself watching the endless strips of greenery passing by you, while the boat moves in a relaxing pace. This mysterious strip of emerald green land is stuffed with endless miles of placid backwaters that add to its charm. Cruise is till 6 pm in the evening and then the houseboat halts in the lake for overnight stay. Evening, candle lit dinner onboard houseboat. DAY 04 : KUMARAKOM - PERIYAR [132 kms/ 4 hrs] After breakfast in the houseboat, disembark at Kumarakom and drive to Periyar. On the way Lunch at Kottayam Hotel. A scenic journey past mist capped Western Ghats, spice plantations and open grasslands lined with spectacular water falls & delightful trekking trails form the access to your hideaway here. Check in at hotel for 02 nights.Evening at Leisure. Dinner at the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. Periyar (Thekkady) Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the well-maintained wildlife sanctuaries of South India and it spreads out over an area of 777 sq kms. 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. Day 05: Periyar: Morning, you can enjoy a boat ride through the Periyar Lake. Lunch at the Hotel. Afternoon, if interested you can opt for a short trek in the fragrant spice plantations and visit Tea Factory at Kailasm. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 06 : PERIYAR - MUNNAR [110 kms/ 4 hrs] After breakfast. Check out and drive to Munnar, the most beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats. Check in at the resort for 02 nights. Lunch at Resort. Munnar is famous for tea estates and is the biggest tea producer in South India. Located 1600 m above the sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Govt. in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the resort. DAY 7 : - MUNNAR After breakfast. Visit Eravikulam National Park, the natural habitat of the Ibex called Nilgiri Tahar, Mattupetty Dam and the Munnar town. You can enjoy a boat ride in Mattuppetty lake (optional). Walk through the hills kissing the clouds, breathing the sweet smell of tea. The endless greenery will make you a poet or dip you in your favourite book in the lap of Mother Nature. Lunch at a local restaurant with special Kerala cuisine. Dinner and overnight at the resort.

DAY 08: MUNNAR – COCHIN [130 kms/ 4 hrs] After an early Breakfast. Check out and drive to Cochin. Cochin (Kochi), the palm green commercial capital of Kerala is located on the cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas. The older parts of the city have an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village grafted on to the tropical Malabar Coast. After check in at Hotel and lunch, those keen on sightseeing can opt for half-day sightseeing and others rest at the Hotel or engaged in shopping. Here you can see the oldest church in India St. Francis church, cantilevered Chinese Fishing nets, a Jewish 16th century Synagogue, a palace containing some of India’s most beautiful murals. Evening, watch spectacular ‘Kathakali dance’ in a local theatre. Dinner at a special Kerala cuisine restaurant. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 09: COCHIN-CALICUT After breakfast at the hotel checkout and drive to and transferred to the resort for 01 night at Calicut beach. Lunch en-route at a fine restaurant. Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins and a prominent trade and commercial centre, Calicut (Kozhikode) was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Enjoy the white sandy beach of the historic Kappad beach where Vasco da Gama, the first European to India landed in the 15th century. Later visit Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbor of ancient Kerala, located on the banks of Chaliyar river which is famous for the construction of the Ura (the Arabian trading vessel), which boasts a tradition of almost 1500 years. Can also watch Kalaripyate (Kerala’s ancient martial art form) depending upon the days of this event being performed. Dinner and overnight at the resort.

DAY 10 : CALICUT – WAYANAD [65 kms/ 2 ½ hrs] After breakfast at the resort, check out and proceed to Vythiri/Tree houses and cottages. Located in Wyanad district, this destination is a picturesque and unexploited place located in the northern high ranges of Kerala and is known for its history and legend. Rising 2600 ft. above the sea level, Vythiri had been a retreat for English planters during colonial times. After check in for 2 nights – Lunch at the Restaurants of resorts. The resort is constructed in a private forestland, specially designed to fit the natural landscape in perfect harmony with the surrounding flora and fauna. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at resort.

DAY 11 : VYTHIRI After breakfast. Day trip to Edakkal Caves. Edakkal Caves are situated on Ambukuthi Hills about 45 kms from Vythiri. It has been formed due to a large split in a huge rock and the resulting landscape represents the world’s richest pictographic gallery of its kind. Lunch at local restaurants. On the rock walls you can spot some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and these carvings speak of a highly civilized settlement that spread here in the pre-historic ages. Afternoon, visit Sentinel Rock Waterfalls - locally known as Soochippara. This is a famous picnic spot as well as a trekking centre. Dinner and overnight at the resort. DAY 12: VYTHIRI – CALICUT: After breakfast at the resort. check out and drive to Calicut/Cochin airport/Railway Station for onwards journey. |