Tour Duration: 09 Nights/ 10 Days
Tour Destinations: Cochin – Periyar National Park – Kumarakom – Alleppey - Kovalam
Highlights: Kerala - God's Own Country Tour will take you to the main destination of Kerala. One will explore the historic Fort Cochin area in Cochin which boasts of old palaces, synagogues, churches, and charming markets.
One of the impressive wildlife destinations of South India, Periyar National Park is part of the programme. An overnight houseboat cruise on the backwaters of Kerala.
You will end your tour unwinding on the beaches of Kovalam, where you can enjoy “Ayurveda” a famous traditional wellness system.
Watching Kathakali Dance, Kalaripayattu, taking a walk around the spice market, exploring the forest on a bamboo raft, exploring the jungle on foot are some of the additional experiences this tour will offer.
Tucked between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean, Kerala is one of the most beautiful destinations on the southwestern coast of India. Long white shorelines, golden beaches, stretches of serene lagoons and backwaters, tall shadowy palm trees, and the resplendent Nilgiri Hills inhabited by exotic wildlife, carpeted by tea gardens, aromatic spice plantations is how one can define Kerala in short. The beauty of Kerala mesmerizes many therefore it is popularly called “God’s Own Country”. In fact, Kerala has been a prominent spice exporter since 3000 BC and it is the spice trade that prompted Europeans in the 15th century to head towards Kerala and that paved way for the colonization of India.
Day 01 - Arrive Cochin
Day 02 - Full day sightseeing tour of Cochin visiting Dutch Palace, Jews Town, Pardesi Synagogue, St Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets etc. Evening witness Kathakali dance performance.
Day 03 - Morning drive to Thekkady. Afternoon wildlife viewing boatride in Periyar National Park.
Day 04 - Early morning take a walking safari in Periyar National Park. Afternoon wildlife viewing boatride in Periyar National Park.
Day 05 - Morning drive to Kumarakom and start overnight houseboat cruise.
Day 06 - Late morning end bouseboat cruise at Alleppey and drive to Kovalam.
Day 07 - Day at leisure or explore the beaches or enjoy Ayurvedic maggages.
Day 08 - Day at leisure or explore the beaches or enjoy Ayurvedic maggages.
Day 09 - Day at leisure or explore the beaches or enjoy Ayurvedic maggages.
Day 10 - Depart Kovalam for onward Destination.
Day 01 – Arrive Cochin
Arrive at Cochin international airport and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 – Cochin
Morning proceed on a full-day sightseeing tour of Cochin. You will visit some of the Historic sites of Fort Cochin such as Mattancherry or the Dutch Palace built in 1555 by the Portuguese and gifted to the then King of Cochin. However, what we see today is renovated form of it which was carried out by the Dutch middle of the 17th century. Though the palace is built in traditional Kerala style, one can still see European influences in the architecture. Wood carvings and polishing are very interesting inside the palace, however, it is the paintings and murals that infuse life in this palace. Walk around the alleyways of Jews Town and visit the Pardesi Synagogue that is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. St Francis Church the oldest European church in India built during the early 16th century. Watching the fishermen work at the Chinese fishing nets against a backdrop of the setting sun could be termed as the highlight of the day.
Evening witness Kathakali dance performance. One of the most popular 17th century Indian classical dance forms, Kathakali has its origination in the Kerala region. In this dance, form themes are taken from great Hindu epics such as Ramayana, Mahabharata, etc. The costumes and elaborate makeup are the most distinctive characteristic of Kathakali.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 – Cochin to Thekkady
Morning drive to Thekkady (190 Km/ 05 Hrs. approx.). Arrive at Thekkady and check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon boat ride on picturesque Lake Periyar. Periyar National Park is one of the best Tiger Reserves in south India that harbours many endemic and endangered species like Lion-tail Macaque and Malabar Flying Squirrel. The Tiger is the main predator here followed by Leopard, the Jungle Cat. Other carnivores in Periyar are Sloth Bear, Palm Civet, Otter, Jackel etc. Other mammals include Asian Elephant, Gaur, Giant Indian Squirrel and various other smaller squirrel species, Mongoose, Porcupine and Black-naped Hare, Sambar, Axis Deer (Cheetal), Indian Muntjac etc.
The area also supports a healthy avifauna population. Over 320 bird species of birds have been recorded here that includes rarities like Pompadour Green Pigeon, Nilgiri Pipit, White-bellied Treepie, Malabar Trogon, Sri Lanka Frogmouth etc.
Evening walk around the spice market.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 – Thekkady
Early morning take a walking safari in Periyar National Park. Exploring the forest on foot is a very different experience and Periyar is one of those few places where you get to do this. In this walking safari you will get an opportunity to understand the jungle and its inhabitants so much that no riding safari provides.
Afternoon boat ride wildlife viewing in Periyar National Park.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 – Thekkady to Kumarakom and Backwater Cruise
Morning drive to Kumarakom (120 Km/ 03 Hrs. approx.) Arrive Kumarakom jetty and embark the awaiting “Kettuvallam” (houseboat) for an overnight cruise on the backwaters of Kerala.
Kettuvallam actually a cargo boat designed to ferry rice bags on the waterways which is an intrinsic part of Kerala’s economic lifeline now is a major tourist attraction here. The houseboats are individualistic in character due to its unique design and use of indigenous materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. It certainly is a unique and exciting experience and definitely the best way to explore life around backwaters.
Overnight onboard the houseboat.
Day 06 – Alleppey to Kovalam
End cruise in the late morning at Alleppey jetty and drive to Kovalam (170 Km/ 04 Hrs. approx.). Arrive at Kovalam and check-in at the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities.
The imposing lighthouse, swaying palms, rocky cliffs and silver beaches are just some of the features that defines landscape of Kovalam. Soared to fame during 70’s amongst the hippies, Kovalam now is more popular for quiet beaches and wellness resorts. Ayurveda resorts dotted along the beaches now offers a perfect rejuvenating wellness holiday here.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 – Kovalam
Full day at leisure or free for optional activities (You can also enjoy rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages or other alternative wellness therapy if desired).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 – Kovalam
Full day at leisure or free for optional activities (You can also enjoy rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages or other alternative wellness therapy if desired).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 – Kovalam
Full day at leisure or free for optional activities (You can also enjoy rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages or other alternative wellness therapy if desired).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 – Kovalam
In time transfer to Trivandrum airport to board the flight for onward destination.
Note: One can take a day return excursion to Kanyakumari (Cape Cameron) when you are in Kovalam.
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