Beautiful Kerala Backwater Tour

Tour Destination: Mumbai - Trivandrum - Kovalam - Varkala - Kumarakom - Periyar - Kottayam - Alleppey - Cochin - Calicut - Wayanand - Ooty  Mysore - Bengaluru

Travel Duration: 19 Nights/20 Days

DAY 1: MUMBAI- Arrive in Mumbai and later transfer to the hotel.  After breakfast, full day city tour of Mumbai

ELEPHANTA CAVES- located on an island about 10 kilometers away from the shores of Mumbai. These caves comprise of temples carved from solid rock dating back to the 7th century. The main attraction is the three-headed bust of Lord Shiva, famously known as 'Trimurti'.

GATEWAY OF INDIA- The Gateway of India was built during the British Raj in Mumbai. Located on the waterfront in the Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai, the monument is companioned by the Arabian Sea.

PRINCE OF WALES MUSEUM- The Museum of Western India is the main museum in Mumbai.  The museum is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India. The museum building is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, incorporating elements of other styles of architecture like the Mughal, Maratha, Jain, etc and the museum building is surrounded by a garden of palm trees and formal flower beds.

TARAPOREWALA AQUARIUM- Taraporewala Aquarium on Marine Drive has a good collection of sea and fresh water fish and other marine life.

CHOWPATTY BEACH & MARINE DRIVE- It is one of the most famous public beaches in Mumbai. The beach is famous for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Marine Drive is a 3-kilometre-long boulevard in South Mumbai. It is a 'C'-shaped six-lane concrete road along the coast, which is a natural bay and links Nariman Point to Babulnath and Malabar Hill.

KAMLA NEHRU PARK- The park covers an area of 4,000 square feet. Located atop of Mumbai's Malabar Hill, it is named after Kamala Nehru, the wife of India's first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru.

HANGING GARDEN- These Gardens are terraced gardens perched at the top of Malabar Hill, on its western side, just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 2: MUMBAI- Today continue sightseeing of Mumbai viewing

HAJI ALI DARGAH- The Dargah is located on an islet off the coast of Worli in the Southern Mumbai. Near the heart of the city proper, the dargah is one of the most recognisable landmarks of city. An exquisite example of Indian Islamic architecture, the dargah contains the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.

SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE- The temple is devoted to Ganesh, the elephant headed God for Good Fortune.

ISKCON TEMPLE- Hare Krishna Land is set upon four acres of prime land and a stone throw away from Juhu beach, Mumbai. Founder of ISKCON inspired the construction of one of India most beautiful temple of Lord Krishna in Mumbai.

JUHU BEACH- Juhu Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai. The beach is famous for its Mumbai street food, notably bhelpuri, pani puri, and pav bhaji. Juhu beach is also a very popular place for watching aircraft as planes from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 3: MUMBAI -TRIVANDRUM - KOVALAM- After breakfast, transfer to airport to catch flight to capital city of God's own country Kerala- Thiruvananthapuram. Later drive to hotel in Kovalam. In the evening relax at Kovalam 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.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 4: KOVALAM- After breakfast 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.

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 5: KOVALAM - VARKALA- In the morning drive to the coastal town- Varkala. Transfer to Hotel. After freshen up enjoy the evening watching a spectacular sunset or swimming at the picturesque Varkala Beach.

VARKALA BEACH- The beach is a beautiful stretch of sand renowned for its solitude unlike other commercial beaches of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Also known as the Papanasam Beach meaning 'Destroyer of Sins', is unlike any other beach in the area with impeccable beauty. The water of Varkala Beach is regarded to own medicinal and curative properties.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 6: VARKALA - KUMARAKOM- Today cruise to the beautiful backwater village- Kumarakom along the serene & scenic backwaters of Kerala.

In the evening you can sit back and relax.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 7: KUMARAKOM- After breakfast go for sightseeing tour of 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.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 8: KUMARAKOM - PERIYAR- After breakfast, drive to Periyar. Enjoy the beautiful views of zigzag hill roads & paths, gushing waterfalls, chatty streams, scenic nature trails and lush spice plantations on the way. Transfer to hotel. Evening  free for leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 9: PERIYAR- After breakfast go for sightseeing tour of Periyar.

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY- Periyar wildlife sanctuary and National Park in the Thekkady region of Kerala is an apt example of nature bounty that boasts of a rich bio-diversity in terms of flora and fauna. Best way to explore its magnetic natural surroundings and amazing wildlife is not a guided walk trip, but a boat trip in the adjoining Periyar Lake. The lake is branched into various creeks and islets that are certainly the prominent habitats of the wildlife prevailing in the region.

PERIYAR LAKE & BOAT RIDE- Periyar Lake is a beautiful artificial lake in the heart of Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Boat ride is the best way to explore the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Taking a boat ride in the lake of Periyar to explore the wildlife attractions and view the birds of the sanctuary offers a mesmerizing experience.

In the evening you can sit back and relax.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 10: PERIYAR - KOTTAYAM- Today drive to Kottayam. 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 to Alleppey.

Overnight at Houseboat.

DAY 11: ALLEPPEY - COCHIN- Today, disembark the houseboat at Alleppey. Later drive to Kochi. 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 12: COCHIN- 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 13: COCHIN - CALICUT- Today morning drive to Calicut. Transfer to the hotel. Later visit

KOZHIKODE BEACH- The beach nestles on the coast of the Arabian Sea of about 1.2m above the sea level. The beach is among the oldest beaches in India built by British is famous in the world for its serenity.

KADALUNDI BIRD SANCTUARY- A community reserve, Kadaludi bird sanctuary is located in Malapuram district of Kerala. Popular for its wide variety of avian fauna, the sanctuary is situated 19 km from Kozhikode and seven km from Beypore port.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 14: CALICUT - WAYANAD- Today drive to Wayanad- "Land of Paddy Fields". Transfer to hotel. 

In the afternoon enjoy the mystic quality of awe inspiring mountain views and the plantations where tea, coffee, rubber, pepper and cardamom gently coexist with the rich diversity of tranquil sub-tropical forests. With a cool climate and lush greenery Wayanad enjoys a pleasant climate the whole year.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 15: WAYANAD- After breakfast spend the whole day enjoying Bird Watching, Boating and rickshaw rides at the sanctuary.

BANASURA SAGAR DAM- The dame is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. Positioned at a distance of around 21 km away from Kalpetta, this dam is made up of boulders and huge stacks of stones.

CHEMBRA PEAK- Highest peak in the Wayanad region of Kerala, Chembra Peak stands at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level. The peak is close to the town of Meppady, which makes the hill easily accessible on foot. Being nestled amidst the beautiful Wayanad hills and the adjoining Nilgiri hills, trek to the peak is a certainly a rejuvenating affair.

EDAKKAL CAVES- The caves is the treasured site of Neolithic and Mesolithic rock inscriptions located in Ambukuthy Mala in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Located at 1200 meters above sea level, the caves are covered in lush environs of the hills. Edakkal is one of the earliest centres of human habitation.

WAYANAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY- Made up of 2 broken patches- Tholpetty and Muthanga, the sanctuary covers an area of 344.44 sq km. The rugged wild charm attracts a crazy number of travelers from all around. This wildlife reserve is also close to Nagarhole Range of Karnataka and Kurichiat Ranges within Kerala.

POOKODE LAKE- This is a lovely freshwater lake that is around 15 km from the Kalpetta town. The scenic beauty and the peaceful environment are real charmers. The lush surrounding of the lake is popular amid nature lovers and photographers. The lake is the originating point the Panamaram stream, one of the main tributaries of River Kabini.

MEENMUTTY FALLS- Situated close to Neelimala, the spectacular Meenmutty Falls can be reached through a 2 km trekking route from the main road connecting Ooty and Wayanad. It is the largest of waterfalls in the district of Wayanad with its three stage falls dropping from about 300 metres.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 16: WAYANAND - OOTY- After breakfast, drive to the Queen of Hill Stations- Ooty. Transfer to hotel. Evening free for leisure and relaxation.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 17: OOTY- After breakfast at hotel, visit the Queen of Hill Stations- Ooty.

BOTANICAL GARDEN- The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close. It is located at the slopes of the Doddabetta peak. The terraced garden is maintained by the Tamil Nadu horticultural society and covers an area of 22 hectares. OOTY LAKE- Covering an area of around 65 acres, the Ooty Lake is a manmade lake formed in 1824 under the British. It features a boathouse which offers boating facilities to the visitors and is famous for for boating on the lake or enjoy their favorite outdoor activity of fishing.

DODDABETTA PARK- It is the highest point in the district, making it possibly the best vantage point around Ooty. The picturesque Nilgiris and the amazing views this place has to offer. This place offers amazing trek spots and plenty of quiet and picturesque locations to solitary wanderers like me.

LAMB ROCK- another vantage point that is ideal for taking pictures and is a wonderful picnic spot.

PYKARA RIVER- Known as a sacred place for the Toda people, Pykara River flows through the plateau and form several cascades and waterfalls. The Pykara falls are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ooty and are famous for the shola trees, Toda settlements and wildlife.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 18: OOTY - MYSORE- Today drive to Mysore. Transfer to hotel. Later visit Mysore City viewing.

MAHARAJA PALACE- This palace occupies a prestigious place among the tourist attractions of Mysore,. The magnificent structure was designed by an English Architect

JAGANMOHAN PALACE- It features stained glass shutters and ventilators and also has a lovely garden setting that has now been transformed to an art gallery. Some of things this museum has on display are paintings, sculptures and musical instruments.

CHAMUNDI HILLS- Mysore is located at the foothills of Chamundi Hills. On top of the hills there is Chamundeshwari temple that serves as a famous landmark. 

ST. PHILOMENA CHURCH- This church is a lure for the religious traveler and is a must watch among the tourist attractions of Mysore.

MYSORE ZOO- This is a magnificent zoo which was established in the year 1892, and houses a diverse collection of animals, including magnificent species kept in natural surroundings.

DAY 19: MYSORE - BENGALURU- In the morning after breakfast, start driving towards Bengaluru. Later, full day city tour of The Garden City- Bengaluru

VIDHAN SABHA- It was built by K.Hanumantaiah which is a granite structure built in Neo Dravidian style of architecture and is one of India's most magnificent buildings. Presently, the building houses the state Secretariat, Legislature and other state Government offices.

LAL BAGH- The garden was laid during18th century by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The Bi-annual flower show at Lal bagh brings in entrants as well as visitor's from all over the world. It has also a magnificent Glass house built in 1840 on the lines of London's Crystal Palace.

TIPU PALACE- It is located in the heart of the city and adjustent to fort Venkateshwara temple. Supposed to be built by Tipu Sultan. Attracts people from all over the world. This palace is purely a wooden structure.

BULL TEMPLE- Built by Kempe Gowda in a typical Dravidian style. It has mammoth, monolithic Bull 15 feet high and 20 feet long. There is a mystery related to this temple, even to this day people celebrate "Kadalekayi Parishe" every year.

CUBBON PARK- It was planned in 1864 by Sir Richard Sankey, the then chief Engineer of Mysore. In the Cubbon Park there is Attara kacheri, The Central Library, The Aquarium, The Jawahar Bal Bhavan with its Mini Theater and Toy train, The Musuem.

Other places to visit are Venkatappa Art Gallery, The Bangalore Palace, Ulsoor Lake, Chinaswamy Stadium.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 20: BENGALURU

Day free for shopping and leisure. Later departure at airport to catch your flights towards onward destination.