Kerala Beaches and Backwater Tour (7 Nights / 8 Days)
Day 01: On arrival in Cochin
On arrival at Cochin airport, you will be greeted by our Tour Executive and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the time of your arrival, you’ll be taken on a sightseeing tour of Cochin, which includes a visit to Mattancherry Palace. In the evening you will see an Indian classical dance, called Kathakali. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Please note, Mattancherry Palace visiting hours: 1000 – 1700 hours on all days except Fridays.
Destination Information
Cochin is also called Kochi. Kochi is Kerala’s most cosmopolitan city and it’s the main trading centre for spices and seafood. Built around a saltwater lagoon of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a collection of narrow islands and peninsulas.
Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557. It is a double storeyed palace building which stands by the panoramic Kochi backwaters and has an exquisite collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. Also on display are royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture, which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.
Kathakali is one of the major forms of classical Indian dance. It is a “story play” genre of art and by the elaborately colourful makeup, costumes and face masks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear.
Day 02: Cochin to Munnar (One of the Best Hill stations of Kerala)
Munnar altitude – 1,524m
After breakfast, you’ll travel 140km taking approximately 4 hours to Munnar. Munnar is one of the smallest states in the Republic of India and is about one percent of the total land area of India. The state stretches for about 579 km along the Malabar Coast on the western side of the Indian peninsula.
You will not only experience a beautiful cool drive through the natural forest and tea estates of this hill country but also enjoy the sweet fragrance of fresh tea leaves. Upon arrival in Munnar proceed to the hotel and check in for an overnight stay.
In the afternoon, enjoy light sightseeing around by travelling approximately 30 mins (13km) to Mattupetty Dam where you will enjoy a leisurely-paced walk around the lakeside area. Overnight stay at Munnar
Destination Information
Mattupetty Dam was constructed in the late 1940s. Built for the purposes of water construction and power generation, the dam is now a vital source of electricity for Munnar and a water source for many animals and birds.
Day 03: Munnar Sightseeing
After breakfast, you’ll visit a local tea plantation and the Tea Museum to learn about the timeless cultivation of tea. Following this, a walking tour is arranged in the Eravikulam National Park.
Destination Information
The Tea Museum – The museum houses photographs and machinery each depict a turning point that contributed to the flourishing tea industry that is evident today.
Eravikulam National Park – Situated along the crest of the Western Ghats in the high ranges of Idukki district, the park is approximately 97sq km in size. The park holds the largest viable population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a small stocky goat. Apart from the Nilgiri Tahrs, the national park is home to other animals such as Nilgiri Marten, ruddy mongoose, small-clawed otter and dusky striped squirrel.
Day 04: Munnar – Periyar (Thekkady)
Depart Munnar after breakfast and begin a 5-hour (130 km) drive to Thekkady, where Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is located. In the afternoon visit a local village and spice market.
Optional to have one of the following – have an Spice plantation tour, watch show “Kalaripayattu” (Traditional Martial art of Kerala) elephant ride, trekking, boat ride or village visit. Overnight stay at Periyar.
Destination Information
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is in South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777sq km and set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake. It was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Though the sanctuary was made a part of Project Tiger in 1973, it is better known for its elephants.
Day 05: Periyar – Kovalam
On this day you will proceed to Kovalam and relax at the beach resort all day. Kovalam is a beach town by the Arabian Sea and is also famous for their Ayurvedic treatment and massages. You’ll visit a renowned centre for this relaxing experience. Stay at a beach resort.
Destination Information
European guests brought Kovalam to the public eye as a tourist destination in the 1930s. This is also a fishing village of Kerala and one of the most important tourist destinations in all India.
Day 06: Kovalam
Relax all day at the beach resort.
Day 07: Kovalam to Alleppey / Houseboat Stay
Enjoy a lifetime experience, by cruising the palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala on board a private Kettuvallam, which is a traditionally thatched houseboat. You’ll be checked-in on one of these air-conditioned houseboats, and your meals will be provided and prepared by the chef who would accompany you as part of the houseboat crew. The crewmembers will see to your every need.
Day 08: Alleppey – Cochin Departure
After breakfast, you will disembark the houseboat then proceed to Cochin. On arrival, you are free to spend the day shopping at Lulu Mall. LuLu Mall, in the city of Kochi, Kerala, is the largest shopping mall in India and is Kerala’s most preferred shopping destination. We then continue on to Cochin airport or railway station, for your journey back home with the wonderful memories of God’s own country.
