Kerala with Spice Tour

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

Travel Duration:  08 Nights/09 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.

Overnight at hotel.

DAY 4: MUNNAR- Today go for the wildlife safari to very famous national park.

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 5: MUNNAR - PERIYAR- After breakfast, drive to Periyar. Transfer to hotel. Later visit

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 6: PERIYAR - 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' 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: KOVALAM - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM- 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 towards onward destination.