Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Places Covered: Cochin - periyar - munnar -kumarakom -
Backwaters - cochin
Day 01:Arrival Cochin
Warm Welcome from Capital City Travels & Tour representative
at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Cochin, also known as the spice
coast of India, has been attracting traders and invaders from all over the
world since ancient era. Needless to say, Cochin offers you some fascinating
snippets of history and culture. Relax and unwind at the hotel. In the evening
enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Cochin
Today you can choose from any of the fascinating sightseeing exploration
options including - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew
Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the
Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace, the
Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been
brought by Chinese traders. In the evening, enjoy the famous dance drama
of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterized by some great story
telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Cochin – Munnar (150kms/4hrs)
Drive to Munnar a hill station located 1600 meters above sea level. Once
the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India
it still retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea plantations,
most of which are privately owned. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills,
sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar
is an ideal get-away destination. Check into your hotel and unwind. Rest
of the day at leisure to enjoy the ambience of Munnar.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04: Munnar
Today you will have the option of a visit to the tea museum or Eravikulam
National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar mountain goat amongst
others) or simply walk through the local enchanting tea estates and enjoy
the tranquility it provides.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05 :Munnar - Periyar (110kms/3.5hrs)
Drive to Periyar an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations,
and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar
valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel. Either have the
rest of the day at leisure or go on a spice plantation tour where you will
be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper
and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed
before they reach the supermarkets. In the evening you could go for a boat
ride where you will have the opportunity to sight elephants and other animals
along the bank.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Periyar
Today you have the option to go for a three hour escorted jungle trek or
engage in a full day jungle trail involving bamboo rafting and treks. Enjoy
a full body rejuvenating massage.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Periyar - Houseboat
Drive to Kumarakom and embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the
Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats
or 'Kettuvalloms' are luxurious boats with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite
bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape
from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it's the life along
the backwaters that makes this a fascinating experience. The locals' travel
in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders
bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. As you cruise
along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy
fields and other places enroute.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08: Houseboat - Mararikulam
Disembark in the morning and drive to the picturesque fishermen's village
of Mararikulam. Check into your resort. Tucked away inside quiet and lush
coconut groves the resorts here are set by the pristine white sand beaches
of the Marari and offer you unparalleled quiet in astoundingly beautiful
settings. Fishermen for millennia have inhabited Marari and here you will
find the authenticity and the breathtaking natural surroundings have been
preserved carefully. Day at leisure in the beach resort.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: Mararikuklam
Day at leisure on the beach. Bicycles can be organized for you so you can
go biking along the beautiful coastal back roads of Marari. The area offers
breathtaking views and one can bike through the beautiful fishermen's villages
right up to the Arthumkal Church which is built by the sea. You could also
choose to visit nearby Alleppey town and its bazaars and historical buildings.
A visit to the coir factories around the village is also very interesting.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Mararikulam - Cochin -Departure
Departure transfer to Cochin airport for return flight. (Vehicle for transfer)
