Hills and Backwaters of Kerala

Arrive at the International Airport of Kochi. After a traditional ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) our KVT’s representative would assist you at the airport and Later board the vehicle and transfer to Kochi hotel for check-in (20-30mins drive). Kochi is also known as Cochin – the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, it is one of the finest natural and major harbor city of Kerala and it has a cosmopolitan culture highly influenced by historical trading partners. Afternoon and evening free for us to explore the town or relax at the hotel.

In the morning after breakfast we proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kochi, we start with Mattancherry Palace also known as the Dutch Palace; it was built by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma (1537–65), Raja of Kochi, in 1555 AD. Visit Jewish Synagogue, it is the oldest synagogue in all the Commonwealth of Nations and was built by Malabar Yehudan People, or Cochin Jewish community. Then we visit St. Francis Church, it is the oldest European church in India and was built in the beginning of 16th century. Later visit The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, it is a very popular tourist attraction. These nets are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. After that we return back to hotel and relax.

Today we drive to Munnar (Distance: 130km); it is a beautiful hill station situated in the Western Ghats range of mountains at an altitude of 1600m above sea level. Munnar was once the summer resort of British Government in South India and it is popular for its vast tea plantations. Reach there in the afternoon and check-in to the hotel; rest of the day is free for us to relax at the hotel and enjoy the beauty of the Munnar.

This day we walk into the tea plantations area and explore the beauty of the sprawling tea plantations just like a carpet spread over the hills and then we climb to seven Mallai hills. Before reaching to the top point we cross through cardamom and coffee plantations and finally we reach at top; from here we would be blessed with a magnificent view of Chittrapuram Dam, Changulam Lake and Annamudi Peak. After that we return back to our hotel and relax.

Morning after breakfast we leave Munnar and start driving towards Madurai (Distance: 170km approx.). Madurai is a major city and the oldest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu; it is commonly known as temple town of the country. Madurai is located on the bank of River Vaigai; reach there and check-in to the hotel and relax.

Today we proceed for the sightseeing tour of Madurai; we start with Meenakshi Amman Temple, it is a historic Hindu Temple situated on the bank of River Vaigai. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati known as Meenakshi and her consort, Lord Shiva named here as Sundareswarar It was built between 1623 – 1655AD; after that we head to flower market, it is one of the biggest flower market in the southern India. Madurai flower market is popular for Jasmine, rose and other varieties also; especially Jasmine flower is exported to the countries like Germany, The United States of America and Italy. Jasmine flower in Madurai is also known as Madurai Malli. Later we return back to our hotel and relax at the hotel.

This day we start driving to Thekkady (Distance: 145km approx.) leave the temple town and enter into the hills of Thekkady, we reach Periyar National Park in the afternoon; Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and also notable as an Elephant reserve and a Tiger reserve. It was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982 and it is set in the high ranges of Southern Western Ghats in Cardamom Hills. We reach there and check-in to the hotel; in the afternoon we visit to the spice garden. Overnight Hotel

Today we spend the early morning for a jungle walk into the national park and later after breakfast we have free time for optional activities such as Ayurvedic massage, Kathakali dance show. Late afternoon we take a boat safari in Periyar national park at Periyar Lake to see the wild life such as wild elephant, chital and sambar deer, wild boar, and lots of bird species. Evening is free for us to explore on our own. Overnight Hotel

This day we drive to Alleppey (Distance: 150km approx.), a backwater heaven interlocked with lakes and canals. The network of canals is used for inland navigation. A vast stretch of paddy fields make this place as the rice bowl of Kerala. Apart from rice production the coir making and boat building is a thriving industry in this area. Houseboat or a Backwater Cruise along the palm fringed waterways of Alleppey is the most exciting holiday experience. Reach there and board the traditional houseboat and enjoy the backwaters. Overnight Houseboat

Morning after breakfast we drive to Kovalam (Distance: 165km), Kovalam is the beach resort of Kerala and is very popular tourist destination. Kovalam beaches are very popular due to shallow waters and low tidal waves. Kovalam has three beaches which together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach these are Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. The beaches are covered by fertile coconut palms; especially the southernmost part of light house beach is most beautiful. We reach there and check-in to the hotel and we relax on the beach. Overnight Hotel

We have a free day to enjoy the idyllic soft sandy beaches, warm clear waters and wide views of the ocean horizon that Kovalam has to offer or an optional excursion to Kanaykumari can be arranged. Overnight Hotel

Now today you will be assisted by our representative while checking out at the hotel then you will be transferred to Kochi International Airport to board the flight for back home.