Destinations Covered : Cochin -
Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppy - Cochin
Duration : 9 nights / 10 days
Stay in Houseboats on Backwaters of Kerala...
The Kerala Backwaters is the main reason to visit Kerala for most
travellers and hence, arguably, the most important component in any trip to
Kerala.
Day 1 : Cochin
Arrival at Kochi (Cochin) meet and assistance at the airport / railway
station by our representative and transfer to your hotel.
Proceed for a half day sight seeing of Cochin by boat. A few interesting
sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da
Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion
Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of
restaurants serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists. The
Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the
principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD
1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the
beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of
the sea.
Over night stay at hotel in Cochin.
Day 2 : Cochin to Munnar
By Road - 130 km in 4 hr
Proceed to Munnar enjoying the scenic beauty & the marvelous
waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by.
In the evening you can go for sight seeing of Munnar which includes the
Raja Malai - a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain
goats). Other important places are Muttupetty dam and Indo Swiss project
(you can also enjoy boating in the Lake) and witness tea gardens spread like
a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers.
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams -
Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill
station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in
South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes,
and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic
flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This
flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom
next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi,
which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Overnight stay will be at hotel.
Day 3 : Munnar - Anamudi - Munnar
Morning, after breakfast, visiting of tea plantations, Anamudi, Eravikulam
National Park, Devikulam, Mattupetty, Pallivasal, Pothamedu, Attukal etc.
Rest of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight stay at Munnar.
Day 4 : Munnar - Periyar (THEKKADY)
By Road - 110 km in 3 hr
Morning, proceed to Periyar on the way visiting Idukki dam.
Check in at hotel on arrival. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic
tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more.
Evening go for boat cruise in the lake to watch wild animals.
Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
Day
5 : Periyar
Morning, after breakfast boating through Periyar lake - Wildlife sanctuary.
You can visit the rare species of plants and animals.
Afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee,
tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local
market and pick up some fragrant spices.
Stay the night at Periyar.
Day 6 : Periyar - Kumarakom
By Road - 130 km in 4 hr
Early morning proceed to Kumarakom. Reach and visit the Bird Sanctuary.
Proceed to the Vembanand Lake.
The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found
nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and
estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea.
The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with
aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used
for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is
navigable.
Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely
backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with
all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You
will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the
houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the
backwaters.
Cruise through the backwaters to Alleppy. Overnight will be at Houseboat.
Day 7 : House Boat Cruise
Today also you will be cruising through the backwaters of Kerala and stay
overnight in the Houseboat.
