Kerala With Goa Tour

Tour Destination:  Kochi - Munnar - Alleppey - Kumarakom - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Goa

Travel Duration:  09 Nights/10 Days

DAY 1: KOCHI- Arrival at Kochi Airport and transfer to hotel. In the evening visit

MARINE DRIVE- A stroll along the long tree-lined coastal pathway that lines the backwater is well worth the time spent, especially late afternoon or dusk. The bustling backwaters, dotted with fishing boats, speedboats, ships, tankers and passenger boats, can be observed from this walkway that lines the coast.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: KOCHI- After breakfast, full day city tour of The Queen of Arabian Sea- Kochi

CHINESE FISHING NETS, FORT KOCHI- The Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.

FORT KOCHI BEACH- A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a memorable experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, which make on demand mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.

ST. FRANCIS CHURCH- It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal.

DUTCH PALACE- The Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.

JEWISH SYNAGOGUE- The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.

BOLGHATTY PALACE- This Dutch palace is situated on Bolghatty Island which is just a short boat ride away from the mainland. The island has a tiny golf course and the panoramic views of the port and the harbor, makes it an attractive picnic spot.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 3: KOCHI - MUNNAR- In the morning after breakfast, start driving towards the beautiful hill station of Munnar. Transfer to hotel. Later embark on a sightseeing tour in and around Munnar.

TEA PLANTATIONS- A vast expanse of tea plantations, winding roads, passionate climate and royal gardens make this hill station, Munnar, the Darjeeling of the south.

ATUKKAD WATERFALLS- Located on the way to Pallivasal amidst dense vegetation; the Atukkad Waterfalls is one of the major tourist attractions in Munnar. The water is cold and is also known as a great trekking hotspot in Munnar.

MATTUPETTI DAM- The dam is situated 13 km off Munnar at 1700m above the sea level, is highly famous for the Indo-Swiss live stock projects. This picnic spot is also popular among its visitors for various activities like speed boating and horse riding.

ECHO POINT- A very beautiful place to visit when in Munnar, which is itself situated at the confluence of three mountain streams- Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala and hence is a very scenic place to visit, Echo Point got its name from the natural echo phenomenon that occurs here. Echo Point is situated at a serene, calm lake bank.

ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK- The protected forest is located at an average elevation of 2000 meters above sea level and is home to several endemic and rare species of flora, fauna, reptiles and avifauna totaling at a whopping 750 species. The Eravikulam National Park is a home to rare and endangered species like Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Indian Muntjac and Sambar Deer, Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild dog and Dhole.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 4: MUNNAR - ALLEPPEY- In the morning after breakfast, start driving towards the one of the most popular backwater destinations of Kerala- Alleppey. On arrival, check in a traditional House Boat of Kerala, 24 hours cruise through the backwaters, fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.

ALLEPPEY BEACH- The Alleppey beach is one of the cleanest and well maintained beaches in Kerala. It's very spacious, airy with good sceneries. It's a very quiet beach where you can have the best picnic spot with the sun setting. It will be an exhilarating experience.

Overnight in Houseboat

DAY 5: ALLEPPEY - KUMARAKOM- Today check put of the houseboat at drive to the beautiful backwater village- Kumarakom.

VEMBANAD LAKE- The Lake emits the hues of sapphire and emerald. The sight of emerald green coconut fringes flanked by the sapphire led backwaters is a treat for eyes. With 96 km length and 14 km width, Vembanad Lake is recognized as the longest lake in India and largest water reservoir in Kerala.

KUMARAKOM BIRD SANCTUARY- Unique and diverse typography of Kumarakom is home to some of the peculiar variances of birds. This 14-acre bird sanctuary is sprawling on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. As per the fact, the bird sanctuary was earlier a tree plantation. A vast variety of birds including endangered species like waterfowl, egret, heron, cormorant and Brahminy kite can be spotted here. A leisure walk through the lush green forest will show tourists the best of Kumarakom. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

In the evening you can sit back and relax.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 6: KUMARAKOM - KOVALAM- After breakfast drive to Kovalam. Transfer to hotel. In the afternoon you can go to the beach at Kovalam and enjoy waves of Arabian Sea, the light house, watch evening sunset and the bonfire at the beach.

KOVALAM BEACH- Paradise of the South, Kovalam is famous for its beautiful beaches and tourist resorts and is located just 9 km south of Somatheeram. There are three beaches here- Light House Beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. One to the south is the Light House beach and is the most popular.

THIRUVALLAM BACKWATERS- The meeting place of two rivers Killi and Karamana, Thiruvallam backwaters is a beautiful place and is very popular for canoe rides. A temple in honor of Lord Parashurama, believed to be the creator of Kerala, is at Thiruvallam which attracts devotees from far and wide.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 7: KOVALAM - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - GOA- After breakfast drive to Thiruvananthapuram to visit

PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE- A wealthy and popular temple of India, Padmanaswamy Temple with its brilliant Dravidian architecture is dedicated to Lord Padhmanabha (Vishnu). This is one amongst 180 Divya Desams in India which are holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu.

Later in the evening, depart at airport to catch flight catch flight to the Jewel of India - Goa. Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 8: NORTH GOA BEACH TOUR- Get ready to visit the most famous beaches and other attractions of North Goa.

BEACHES- Goa is famous for its lovely golden beaches. The beaches here have been accepted as a matter of life, the exotic cuisine backing the pleasure of have on sun and sand, water sports like water scooters and water gliding, a glass of fenny and beer, shopping on the beachside, and most romantic midnight bonfire on the beach. Enjoy on the beach at sunset, meditate and feel relaxed. Some beaches are popular for its nightlife with some very famous clubs such as Britto's, Tito's and Mambos.

SOME OF THE POPULAR BEACHES ARE: Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Condolim Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Vagator Beach and many more

CHURCHES- The most famous churches in Goa that attract large number of visitors are Goa Basilica of Bom Jesus which is a world heritage monument and Goa Se Cathedral which is dedicated to St. Catherine. The other important churches are the Church of Condolim Church, St Francis of Assini, Church of Lady of Rosary, Church of St Cajatan and The Rochal Seminary.

OTHER TOURIST SPOPTS- Fort Aguda, Goa Science Centre, Dona Paula etc.

In the evening, visit to any of the restaurants to taste a variety of seafood, that also includes various kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Also one can choose of visiting the exciting casinos in Goa.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 9: SOUTH GOA TOUR- Get ready to visit the most famous beaches and other attractions of South Goa which are less frequented by tourists and are oases of solitude and tranquility.

SOME OF THE POPULAR BEACHES ARE: Agonda Beach, Benaulim Beach, Palolem Beach, Majorda Beach and Colva Beach, among others.

MARGOA- Goa second largest city and commercial metropolis of South Goa. It is famous for its ancient cultural heritage and traditional customs of the people of Goa.

You can take a leisurely stroll, revel in the soothing ambience and enjoy delicious food at the shacks or at a local eatery. You could also try out several kinds of adventure sports.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 10: LOCAL GOA - MUMBAI- Today take your own time, visit casinos, relax on the beaches, and enjoy water sports like windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing, paragliding etc. Go out for shopping; buy the souvenir of this magnificent land as a memorable sojourn. The most popular of the souvenir items are the excellent local handicraft items. The handicrafts items include brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work, papier-mache, etc

The famed cashew nuts of Goa is another most wanted items of the tourists. The nuts are available in a wide variety of tastes ranging from plain, salted and masala. The prices vary based on the quality and flavor.

For the fashion lovers Goa has many fashion shops, located in fabulous old Goan houses. These shops make the best selections in home styling and fashion available to the tourists at quite reasonable prices.

Later depart to airport to catch to Mumbai.