8Days Best of KERALA with Munnar and Thekkady

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Hotel

Meal

Partial Meals Inclusive

Tour Guide

Entrance Pass

Private Arrangements

Return Airport Transfer
TRIP OVERVIEW
Visit Cochin, Munnar, Theekady, Allepey, Trivendrum & Kovalam. This tour is as relaxing as an ayurvedic massage, just setting foot on this swathe of soul-quenching green will slow your stride to a blissed out amble. Besides its famous backwaters, rice paddies, coconut groves, elegant houseboats and delicately spiced, taste-bud-tingling cuisine, Kerala is home to wild elephants, exotic birds and the odd tiger and crazily vibrant traditions.
HIGHTLIGHTS
Dubbed 'God's Own Country' & 1 of the 10 Paradises of the World by National Geographic. Let us take you on a Guided Private Tour of this Place
Visit & Explore the Spice Capital of the World
Enjoy & experience Sumptuous Malabar Cuisine at your hotel
Watch the perfect Sunset on the The Arabian Sea in Kovalam
Be entertained to the famous Kathakali Cultural Performance
Pamper yourself to an Ayurvedic Spa in Kovalam Beach Resort
Visit Kuthira Malika Palace - known for its Travancore styled architecture
Embark on a Boat Safari in Periyar National Park for a 1 of a kind animal sighting
Cruise The Famous Backwaters of Kerala enjoying the charms of the local village life
Spend 2nights to explore what is called the "Kashmir of South India", Munnar Hill Resort
Explore the 1st European township in India, A charming seaside area known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture
SKETCH ITINERARY
D01: Arrive Cochin
D02: Proceed And Explore Munnar (B,D)
D03: Discovery Tour Of Munnar (B,D)
D04: Travel And Explore Thekkady (B,D)
D05: Proceed To Allepey To Embark On The Backwaters Cruise (B,L,D)
D06: Travel To The Capital Of Kerala (B,D)
D07: Return To Cochin And Take A Discovery Tour Of Old Kochi (B,D)
D08: Free To Explore On Your Own Before Departing Cochin (B)
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE COCHIN
Upon arrival welcomed and transferred to the hotel .
Named as 1 of the 10 Paradises of the World by National Geographic Traveler, Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives and beautiful backwaters. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, have made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Dubbed God's Own Country, this picturesque destination is sandwiched between the Western Ghats mountains and the Arabian Sea, dotted with magical backwaters, lush greenery, wildlife, pristine beaches, rich art and culture, spice and tea plantations, Ayurvedic therapies and tantalizing cuisine.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Cochin.
DAY 02: PROCEED AND EXPLORE MUNNAR (B, D)
After breakfast at hotel proceed to Munnar.
Munnar is situated at around 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above sea level, in the Western Ghats mountain range. Munnar is also called the Kashmir of South India and is a popular honeymoon destination. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it's surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. Explore the Eravikulam National Park here, a habitat for the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr, and is also home to the Lakkam Waterfalls, hiking trails and the 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak.
Enroute the Munnar you will visit the Stunning Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls with its dense growth of trees all around and several rare species of plants and animals can be seen here. The Waterfalls gush down in seven tiers and the area is truly a spectacular sight to behold.
Thereafter proceed to the Karadipara View Point getting you a picture perfect view to seizure the beauty of Munnar. Enjoy magnificent views of the mountains and Tea plantations from this place.
Upon arrival check in at the Resort. Evening free at your leisure.
Dinner and Overnight stay in Munnar hotel.
DAY 03: DISCOVERY TOUR OF MUNNAR (B, D)
Morning after breakfast proceed on a Discovery Tour of Munnar.
First visit the Eravikulam National Park home and sanctuary of the Nilgiri Tahr (Endangered Mountain Goat). The park is spread over 97sq km and has very rare flora and fauna present which is one of the main attraction for visitors here.
Next visit the Mattupetty Dam & Lake The Mattupetty Lake is a perennial lake which never dries up even in the summers, while swelling to its maximum capacity in the monsoon when the rains add to its volume. This availability of water continuously round the year makes it very popular with birds and wild animals that rely on this reservoir to quench their thirst. It is possible to sight elephants by the Madupetty Lake as it is a vital source of water for these pachyderms that travel around the region in groups.
Thereafter proceed to the Tata Tea Museum, showcasing the history of tea cultivation in Munnar since 1876 when tea was first planted in this tea plantation district. On display are several rare artefacts and curios as well as evocative photographs from an era long forgotten and of which few are aware. The Tata Tea Company holds the record for being the World’s Second Largest Tea Producer and distributor.
Next visit Top Station, The Highest Point in Munnar (1700m). Top Station got its name from the fact that it was the uppermost railway station located in the Kundala Valley. At this highest point, you may feel that the clouds are just a hands touch away from you. The destination is famous for the Neelakurinji flowers (Strobilanthus), which used to bloom once in twelve years.
Lastly visit the
Echo Point which is situated right in the lap of a quaint lake and misty hills covered with lush green trees. As the name suggests, this place is well known for its enthralling illustration of the phenomenon of echoing. As you scream, it is fun to hear your voice reverberate around the attraction again and again. Trek, walk, stroll or indulge in boating because Echo point in Munnar is a place where you see the creamy clouds floating and rolling down the hilltops, the lush vegetation creates a sight which is often captured in cameras to boost the beauty of Munnar.
Thereafter transferred back to your hotel.
Dinner and Overnight stay in Munnar hotel.
DAY 04: TRAVEL AND EXPLORE THEKKADY (B, D)
Morning after breakfast proceed to Thekkady.
Nestled in the heart of the protected jungle area, the alluring Thekkady or Periyar Lake is famous for its wide varieties of wildlife. You can also take a boat ride in the reservoir, which offers plenty of chances to spot some rare birds like Malabar Grey Hornbill and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.
Enroute visit the Spice Plantation. Known as the Spice Capital of the World, 12 varieties of them including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg is cultivated in Thekkady and its neighboring villages. From those days Kerala was known for its spices and traders used to travel here to trade and to gain control over this rich land. It is believed that the spice trade dates back three thousand years. Today the Biggest Cardamom auction centre in the World is situated here in Thekkady.
Next visit the Periyar National Park known as Periyar Tiger Reserve. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and a significant elephant population, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. In the park's north, Periyar Lake is popular for boat rides. Here we will embark on a Boat Safari, with a one of a kind animal watching where you can watch the animals very closely, sitting comfortably in the boat. Boating is the best way to adore the beauty of the lake and the national park.
Thereafter transferred to your hotel.
Dinner and Overnight stay in Thekkady hotel.
DAY 05: PROCEED TO ALLEPEY TO EMBARK ON THE BACKWATERS CRUISE (B, L, D)
Morning after breakfast at hotel proceed to "Allepey known for its Backwaters, Beaches, Lagoons and dubbed Venice of the East
A vacation to Kerala is incomplete without spending some relaxing time, cruising through the backwaters of Alleppey. You can sit back and relax as you enjoy the magnificent setting of beautiful coconut fringed waters, paddy fields and lovely sights of the human-made islands. A houseboat experience is truly the best of both worlds as you enjoy the luxury style treatment of comfortable interiors and delicious food to make your experience memorable and worthwhile.
Alleppey is gifted with a unique crisscrossing network of canals that runs throughout the town which allows you to access and explore the entire area while you're relaxing on your houseboat. These 120-foot-long abodes of luxury glide along the placid backwaters of Alleppey and provide you with a stunning view.
The houseboat will always be manned by at least 3 people- a cook, a guide and an oarsman. Delicious meals are provided on the houseboats by the in-house cook which are a local favourite. The guide keeps you posted of all the important landmarks you pass and the oarsman makes sure you have a wonderful time cruising along the calm backwaters.
Upon arrival check into your traditional houseboat by 1230hrs. Lunch and dinner will be served onboard while you Cruise The Famous Backwaters of Kerala enjoying the charms of the local village life.
Overnight stay in the houseboat in Allepey.
DAY 06: TRAVEL TO THE CAPITAL OF KERALA (B, D)
Morning after breakfast on the houseboat checkout and travel to Trivandrum.
Trivandrum is the Capital City of Kerala. The city has an appealing blend of a strongly rooted heritage and a nostalgic colonial legacy. Built upon seven hills, this city has long since left the days when it was only used by seafaring explorers behind - today, Trivandrum is an expensive metropolis with quaint urban charm and plenty of architectural and historical places to visit. In addition, Trivandrum is a gateway to nearby popular beach towns of Kovalam and Varkala.
Enroute visit the Richest Temple in the World, Padmanabhaswamy temple (also known as Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple) is a must-visit temple of India. The name of the city of 'Thiruvananthapuram' in Tamil and Malayalam translates to "The City of Lord Ananta", referring to the main deity of the temple.
Next visit the Kuthira Malika Palace. Renowned for its Travancore styled architectural features and its structural elegance, this museum houses priceless paintings, traditional furniture and the royal family collections. Built in the 1840s by the great Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, the Kuthira Malika Palace stands as an iconic monument that gives you a curious insight into the glorious history of Kerala.
Thereafter proceed to the Beach town of Kovalam The low tides, shallow water, and the pristine nature of this beach are what makes this beach a famous attraction for both local & international tourist.
Check in to your beach resort and Watch the perfect Sunset on the The Arabian Sea in Kovalam, which is said to be one of the best beaches in India.
Dinner and overnight at resort in Kovalam.
DAY 07: RETURN TO COCHIN AND TAKE A DISCOVERY TOUR OF OLD KOCHI (B, D)
Morning after breakfast return back to Cochin. (198km roughly 5.5hrs)
In the afternoon proceed on a Discovery Tour of Old Cochin.
Popularly known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, the city flaunts one of the finest natural harbors of the world and was the center of the world spice trade for many centuries. Old Kochi (presently called West Kochi), loosely refers to a group of islands which comprise of Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi & Mattancherry.
First visit Fort Kochi the first European township in India. A charming seaside area, Fort Kochi is known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture.
See the Chinese Fishing Nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, which is believed to have been introduced by Chinese explorer Zheng He. The fishing net established itself on the Kochi shores between 1350 and 1450 AD.
Together you will also visit St Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and the Jew Town.
In the evening you will be entertained to the famous Kathakali Cultural Performance Kathakali originated in the state of Kerala between the 16th and 17th centuries, around the same time as Shakespeare. Kathakali evolved from earlier temple art forms in the 17th century, is based on Hinduism and is a highly charged powerful drama that combines devotion, drama, dance, music, costumes and make up to produce one of the most impressive forms of sacred theatre in the world. This dance form uses exquisite expressions, hand and feet movements and also consists of a unique costume which is much different from other Indian Classical dance forms. The mask also forms a major attraction of this dance.
Dinner and Overnight stay in Cochin hotel.
DAY 08: FREE TO EXPLORE ON YOUR OWN BEFORE DEPARTING COCHIN (B)
After breakfast free for personal activities.
You have the day to explore Cochin and its surroundings.
Thereafter transferred to airport for your onward journey.
TRIP GALLERY
Namaskar! Welcome to the world where it's wealth i...
Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple ...
Cannot afford Kashmir? Drove a tour to Munnar, the...
Cascading down the rocky slopes you'll surely turn...
Finding a water trek but not too high? Have a ste...
Hop in at Karadippara View Point and snap the scen...
Wander at Eravikulam National Park,the famous home...
With its strong gravity, Mattupetty Dam was constr...
Haven't seen a lake that never dries out? Visit a ...
Visit Tata Tea Museum, the Worlds Second Largest T...
Feel the scenic embrace and touch of the clouds to...
Add your tour with little amazement and fun at Ech...
Expand your exploration to Thekkady, the habitat o...
Enroute your visit to Thekkady and wander at the ...
Visit the Periyar National Park,the sanctuary of w...
Have a wanderlust visit to this realistic though u...
After a tiring day tour, sit down and be entertain...
Souldn't miss the famous Allepey and for its backw...
A vacation to Kerala is incomplete without cruisin...
Backwater cruise is impossible without this fantas...
Have a fantastic exploration to Trivandrum,the cap...
Padmanabhaswamy Temple – a magnificent shrine wi...
Check out Kuthira Malika Palace,renowned for its ...
Dredge up Kovalam,a destination where you can conn...
Explore Kochi Fort, the first European fort in th...
See the well-known Chinese fishing net locally kno...
Walk in to Vasco Da Gama,an ideal place to watch h...
Enter Jewish Synagogue in Cochin and get stunned o...
Are you a historical antique keeper? Definitely Je...
Have a sightseing to Dutch Palace known as Mattanc...
Touch down to Cochin (Kochi) the Queen of the Arab...
Get a chance to see Nilgiri Tahr the endangered mo...
WHY BOOK NOW?
- 20% Savings for Online Products
INCLUSION
- Meet & Greet Services
- Return Airport Transfers
- Hotel Stay as Indicated
- Meals as per Itinerary
- Tours as per Itinerary
- English Speaking Guide
EXCLUSION
- Flight Ticket & Taxes
- India E Visa (30days) (RM 165)
- Optional MSIG Travel Insurance (RM 67)
- Tour Tips (Recommended)
- Personal Expenses
- Any item not stated under 'Inclusion'