Kerala Beach Tour

Arrive by international flight in the morning, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) and the representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in. Cochin always had a very popular & historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, Dutch & British. It has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings & 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 & Chinese fishing nets, all in one city. A city of peninsulas & islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub. Rest of the day is at leisure. Evening see Kerala's most popular traditional classical dance Kathakali. Overnight stay at the hotel in Cochin. (B)

In the morning at 09:00 hrs we leave 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. Later in the afternoon we drive to Munnar. The distance of approximately 150 km is covered in around 4 hours while enjoying the scenic beauty with marvelous waterfalls, high mountains and low flying clouds passing through. Upon arrival check-in hotel for overnight stay. Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in west="on"India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts. above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Munnar is essentially a tea town. Overnight stay at the hotel in Munnar. (B)

Morning post breakfast we head for a half-day tour of Munnar, visiting the world's highest tea estates spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometres, Lush green hills all around - a place to be seen to be believed, and Eravikulam National Park (Park is closed in the month of January and February), the best place to see the Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat). Rest of the day at leisure to explore the destination on your own. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Munnar. (B)

Today we proceed for Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Set on an attractive lakeside, it is South India's most popular Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar is a place to cruise on the lake & gives an opportunity to see wildlife. It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, antelopes, sambhar, wild boar, monkey, a wide variety of birds. Optional : Boat Ride Periyar Lake. Overnight stay at the hotel in Periyar. (B)

Morning, we will take you for an Elephant safari in Periyar, followed by Spice Plantation tour & Boat ride on w:st="on"Periyar Lake. Later drive to Kottayam and upon arrival, check-in hotel. Kumarakom, the famous backwater tourist destination in Kerala is located in the district of Kottayam. This place can be reached through a voyage from Alappuzha. Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. This rich green, sleepy little w:st="on"village of Kumarkom is located on the Vembanad lake amidst mangrove forests and coconut groves. Kumarakom is an enchanting picnic spot and provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind. On the scenic Vembanad lake you will come across plenty of traditional country crafts or houseboats, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora and marine life. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom. (B)

After breakfast check-out and visit Kumarakom 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 etc. Afterwards transfer to the jetty. On arrival board the houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam, and cruise around cruise around beautiful Vembanad lake, This lake offers an enchanting experience to the tourists. The lake is the best picnic spot, where you can relax your mind and body. While the water gives the place a cooling effect, trees and shrubs act as a respite to the parched eyes. The lake is an excellent family-picnic destination too. While seniors can laze around the lake reading a book or talking, youngsters can opt for fishing and boating. Later proceed to Alleppy through backwaters to observe and experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters. Overnight stay at the Houseboat. (B, L, D)

Today morning we disembark houseboat at Alleppy & we drive to Kovalam, en route visit Trivandrum, the Padmanabha Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu is held sacred by the Hindus from antiquity. The temple has a large complex with a huge Gopuram. It has a tank beside it for ritual bathing. Next we visit Napier Museum: This 19th century structure displays a rare collection of archaeological artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The Indo-Saracenic structure boasts of a natural air-conditioning system that bears testimony to the technological progress of that period. Sri Chitra Art Gallery, an excellent collection of Indian art with examples from early to modern schools. Paintings by Raja Ravi Varma & works from Mughal & Rajput miniature paintings & Tanjore paintings embellished with semi- precious stones are displayed. Also visit the beautiful Horsu Palace. Resume your drive, reach Kovalam located at the most Southern part of India and famous for it's beaches. There are two main beaches at Kovalam, separated by a high cliff. It is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, & recuperation & regeneration resorts which provide a slew of Ayurvedic. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kovalam. (B)

Day will be at your leisure for independent activities. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kovalam. (B)

Day will be at your leisure for independent activities. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kovalam.(B)

Day at leisure, later transfer to Trivandrum Airport to board your flight for on ward destination with memories of India Trip.