Bliss Of Kerala Tour

• Day 1: Arrive Cochin

  Upon arrival at Cochin airport meet with the Trans India Holidays representative and get assisted with transfer to your hotel. Cochin: Nicknamed ‘The Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Cochin is the port city of Kerala, also known as the gateway to the South Indian state. It is not only one of the world’s most attractive natural ports but a multi-ethnic city with roots deep down in history. From centuries, it is well known for its spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood. Traditionally rich in heritage and at the same time one of the most fast-paced and contemporary cities in India. Kochi as it is now called, is home to many palaces, museums, old churches, backwaters, palm fringed-lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a modern metro city. Check-in at your hotel, rest of the day is at your own leisure. Choose to explore on your own, the markets or the eateries, Overnight stay in Cochin.

• Day 2: In Cochin

  After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, get pick you up from the hotel, for a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin accompanied by an English speaking guide. Tour includes the following places of interest: Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): A gift for the Maharaja of Cochin Veera Kerala Varma, the Portuguese built this palace in 1557. After 1663, the Dutch renovated as well as added to the construction and later is was widely called as the ‘Dutch Palace’. The simple architecture house the most amazing paintings in all the rooms. The paintings portray scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara, and Durga. These specimens of art are certainly the most extensive and attractive to be seen anywhere in India. The Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue is brilliant testament of Kochi’s multi-ethic culture and population. Constructed in 1568 on the land gifted to the Jewish community by the then ruler of the city. It is brilliantly decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. The Synagogue has a giant scroll of the Old Testament and many other antique artifacts. Cochin Harbor: The very reason why Cochin enjoys such popularity, the harbor is a beautiful tourist attraction. Enhancing the beauty of the shoreline is the Chinese Fishing nets. These fishing nets are one of its kind and are found only in India. The fishing nets were popularized in Cochin Harbor by the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan. St Francis Church: St.Francis church was constructed by the Europeans in 1503. St. Francis Church is the oldest European church in India. The Portuguese trader, Vasco da Gama died in Kochi, during his third visit to Kerala. Initially, his body was buried in this church, but after a few years, his remains were moved to Portugal. In spite of all this, the place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church. Fort Kochi Beach: Fort Kochi beach is an ideal location to saunter in a peaceful and relaxing way. This beach happens to be one of the favorite tourist spots in Kerala. The view of the sunset with the Chinese fishing net and the sailing ships in the background is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen alongside the shoreline. Later in the evening, you will be picked up by the guide and will be taken to a Kathakali Dance Performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a classical dance form, portraying Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The costumes of the dancers are very colorful and elaborate. Dancers with painted faces depict the various characters of the ancient epics. The Kathakali dancers portray a lot of facial expressions and articulate body movements. Overnight stay in Cochin.

• Day 3: Cochin – Munnar (135 kms/ 4½ hours)

  After breakfast drive to Munnar (4½ hours), the beautiful hill station of Kerala. Munnar: Named among the most beautiful places in Kerala and India, the hill town of Munnar is worth visiting. Nestled in the lush lap of the Western Ghats, the hill town is surrounded by rolling hills covered by tea estates. The town was settled in the era of the British Raj and there are many remnants of the period in the mansions, churches and the charming city. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Spend the remaining day at leisure and enjoy picturesque landscapes. Overnight at hotel.

• Day 4: In Munnar

  After breakfast, full-day sightseeing in and around Munnar. Enjoy panoramic views of Anamudi, the highest peak of South India at 2695 m. The popular places to visit in Munnar include the Eravikulam National Park (home to the elusive Nilgiri Tahr and neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years), KFDC Flower Garden, Photo Point, Tea Plantations, Tea factory (to learn all about tea processing), Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Top Station, etc. A popular way to spend your day includes an exhilarating drive in a 4WD jeep up steep, rough tracks to Kolukkumalai, the highest tea estate in the world. You have the option to go by jeep all the way up to the top of Kolukkumalai or alternatively hop out and enjoy a moderate trek (1.5 – 2 hrs) on one of the trails leading up to the tea factory. From the summit, you’ll be given a tour of the fascinating working tea factory. Also explore the surrounding countryside before driving back down to Munnar, arriving mid-afternoon. Overnight in Munnar.

• Day 5: Munnar - Thekkady/Periyar (100kms/ 4 hours)

  After breakfast leave for Periyar National Park. En route stop for a visit to a spice plantation accompanied by an English speaking naturalist. Periyar: Nestled in the lush expanse of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular Elephant and Tiger Reserve. Abounding in wilderness and wildlife, it is one of the most popular places for wildlife safari in India. It is also the wildlife sanctuary where boat rides take you for a game safari. Transfer to hotel on arrival. You may opt for a pleasant boat ride along the Periyar Lake in the evening. Enjoy watching varied birds and animals like tigers, elephants, wild boar, deer, etc. at the Periyar National Park. You can also visit a few tribal villages around Periyar and witness fascinating activities of tribals collecting honey from dangerous hill bees. Overnight in Periyar.

• Day 6: Periyar – Kumarakom ( 130 kms/ 3 ½ hours)

  Early morning boat ride on Periyar Lake. The early hours of the day are good to spot wildlife easily as this is the time when animals come to quench their thirst. After breakfast leave for Kumarakom (3½ hours). Kumarakom: The backwater town of Kumarakom is settled on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Houseboat rides on the backwaters is the major reason why it is sought by travellers from all over the globe. Blessed with wide variety of flora, beautiful sightseeing, boating and fishing experiences, this part of Kuttanad region is famous for the bird sanctuary spread over 14 acres. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat ride round the islands. Amid the green treetops, a large number of indigenous species of birds as well as species migrating from far-away lands call the sanctuary home. Check in at backwater resort on arrival. Spend the rest of the day at leisure at the picturesque backwaters that form one of the major attractions of Kerala. Overnight in Kumarakom.

• Day 7: In Kumarakom

  Choose to spend the day relaxing or enjoying the Kerala backwaters. The best way to spend your days here is to pamper yourself with the famous Ayurvedic massage. The ancient practice of therapeutic health and wellness is said to have originated in Kerala. Even centuries later, the salubrious weather, the availability of herbs, oils and ancient techniques have a therapeutic cure for the body, mind and soul. In Kumarakom, you could also visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is known for its colorful avian population. The eco-system of the backwaters supports a range of wildlife. In the winter months, the bird sanctuary gets visitors from far ends of the world. A visit to the villages is also suggested for interaction with the amiable folks of God’s Own Country. Overnight in Kumarakom.

• Day 8: Houseboat

  After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, complete the check out formalities to proceed further with the Kerala tour. Board your private Houseboat (kettuvallam) to journey across the Kerala backwaters. The traditional houseboats retain their original structure and design and have been furbished with all modern amenities. Spend the day in your floating villa. Enjoy the backwaters of Kerala by getting a glimpse of the village life at close quarters; a unique and unforgettable experience. Enjoy the sunset and watch the stars lying from the rooftop of the houseboat. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight stay in the houseboat.

• Day 9: Alleppey – Kovalam ( 177 kms/ 3 ½ hrs.)

  Disembark from the houseboat at Alleppey and transfer to Kovalam. Kovalam: The favourite beach getaway in Kerala, Kovalam has for many years been the major tourist charm of Kerala. The town is popular for three seashores- Hawa beach, Lighthouse beach and the Kovalam beach. Ayurveda massages and watersports activities are the most popular pursuits of the town along with enjoying the beach bliss. Check in to hotel near the beach upon arrival. The day is free to spend at leisure on the beach. Enjoy playing with the golden sands or take a swim in the shallow water. A soothing sunbath is a perfect option to unwind. The more adventurous ones can enjoy thrilling beach sports. An Ayurvedic massage can also be availed (optional). Overnight in Kovalam.

• Day 10: In Kovalam

  The day is at your own leisure. Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy strolls on the soft sands while watching the waves. Choose to pamper yourself with Ayurveda massages at one of the Ayurveda centers on the beach. You could also choose to try out water sports. Overnight in Kovalam.

• Day 11: Kovalam - Thiruvananthapuram Departure

  After breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination.

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