CHARM OF KERALA

On arrival at Cochin airport, our representative will meet you and will be transferred to HOTEL at Fort Cochin for 01 night. Kochi – the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ is one of the most interesting cities of South India and has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay).   The ancient Temples, Churches and Synagogues in this district are of special interest to archeologists and historians.  The Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch palace and the Bolghatty palace in Kochi enrich the heritage of Kerala.

Afternoon proceeds for half day sightseeing which includes the visit to St. Francis church, Mattancherry palace, Jewish Synagogue and Chinese fishing nets. St Francis Xavier’s Church at Fort Kochi was the oldest European church in India which was built in the year 1503, by the Portuguese traders. Today, it stands as the pride of Fort Cochin. It was here that the great explorer Vasco da Gama was buried first in 1562. His mortal remains were taken back to Portugal by his son 16 years later. Even though it is austere in its appearance, the Mattancherry Palace of Cochin has a quaint charm of its own. The credit for building this landmark monument partly goes to the Dutch, who captured the Cochin city of Kerala during the pre-British period. The Jewish Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth Nations. Thus, it comprises the topmost slot in the itinerary of the tourists visiting the city. The synagogue is now a fascinating mixture of shops, warehouses, and spice auction rooms.  The Chinese fishing nets make up a very popular tourist attraction since they are fixed land installations, which are used for a very unique and unusual method of fishing. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Munnar which is one of the most beautiful hill station of South India and is famous for tea estates. This beautiful hill station is 1600 meters above sea level. The town is situated at the confluence of the three mountain streams such as Mudrapuza, Nallathanni and Kundala. There are lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates.  On the way you can visit a Tea Museum. Munnar was the summer resort of British govt. in south. On arrival check in at RESORT for 02 nights. Munnar is very famous for its tea and has nearly 55,000 acres of land covered with tea which looks like a green carpet on earth.  Overnight at hotel.

Munnar is most famous for its tea and nearly 55,000 acres of land are covered with tea and look like a green carpet on earth.  Morning drive to the Munnar hills to visit Eravikulam national park (now closed due to the mating time of Neelagiri Thars), Mattupetty Dam, and the scattered villages.  A visit to this beautiful hilly town (old Munnar) and the local market will be interesting.  Overnight at the resort.

After breakfast check out and you’ll drive through the cardamom hills to Periyar, one of the well-maintained wildlife sanctuary of South India. On arrival check-in at HOTEL for 01 night. The drive from Munnar to Thekkady will be an unforgettable experience through the cardamom hills and by the valleys and hills. This will be one of the best drives you can have during this tour. Apart from the wildlife in Periyar, it is the best place in Kerala where you can see all the spices cultivated in natural surroundings. It is the prime place for the spice plantations like coffee, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, green pepper, areca nut…etc. Moreover, the cardamom from Periyar is the best available in India and is world-famous.

Afternoon you will be taken to the nearby village where you can see the spices growing naturally. There will be also opportunities to taste some of the spices during the visit. Thereafter you can visit some of the spice markets also. Later proceed to visit an Elephant place where you will get an opportunity to do the Elephant ride, enjoy an Elephant bath and you can feed the Elephant also. Elephant rides are one of the most popular activities in Thekkady. It’s quite an enthralling experience for children and adults alike to enjoy a delightful ride sitting atop these gentle giants. An elephant back safari is not just a ride on the largest animal Land, it’s an unforgettable experience, to interact with the elephants as well as enjoy a ride through wilderness areas and beautiful scenery. Overnight at the resort.

Morning you will be invited for a boat cruise in the Periyar lake to watch wild animals. Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.  Animals like Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer can be spotted during the boat cruise. Most interesting wildlife experience here would be the sight of elephant herds playing in the lake. The sanctuary is a protected Tiger Reserve and don’t wonder if you see a lone tiger gently walking in the woods. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can see wild animals at close range sitting in the safety of a boat.

After the boat ride check out from the hotel and drive to Alleppey. On arrival, you can embark in the HOUSE BOAT to go for a cruise through the world-famous backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey has a large network of canals and is a center for backwater cruises in our state.  The famous Nehru Trophy Boat race – the most colorful of boat races, is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.  The cruise in a houseboat through the backwaters is an unforgettable experience and can enjoy the real Kerala village life.

These boats were originally used for carrying goods and there were only limited facilities available in the boats for stay and for food preparations. Now these boats are made very modern and the food prepared in the houseboats are very special and is very tasty and fresh. During the cruise you will have opportunities to enjoy a typical Kettuvallam meal. Overnight on the boat.

Morning have a relaxing breakfast on board.  After breakfast disembarks from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam.  On the way you can visit the Veli Tourist Village. After that to visit the world-famous Padbhanabha Swamy Temple and horse palace in Trivandrum. The origin of the Temple of Sree Padmanabha Swamy is lost in antiquity. It is not possible to determine with any exactitude, from any reliable historical documents or other sources as to when and by whom the original idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy was consecrated.

The value of the treasure found in the four vaults of Sri Padmanabha temple in Kerala has so far grossed an estimated value of Rs 60,000 crore. Tonnes of gold, thousands of precious stones and other valuables found in the secret vaults of the temple have literally blinded the eyes of the Supreme Court-appointed team to estimate the value of the treasure. Two other unopened vaults are believed to contain the yellow metal and gems worth an equal amount. In short, the twelve centuries-old temple owned by the royal family which ruled the erstwhile princely state of Travancore is sitting on a treasure worth Rs 1.2 lakh crore. If their antique value is taken into account, their worth will be 10 times higher than the current market price. After the temple visit proceeds to visit the horse palace which is very near to the temple containing the collections of antiques.

After the temple and palace visit continue to Kovalam, one of Kerala’s most popular beach destinations which is situated just 15 kms from Trivandrum. “Kovalam” means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees.   Kovalam offers an excellent diversity with Kovalam beach to suit all desires and occasions. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Today Kovalam beach is known as the “Paradise of the South. On arrival check into the HOTEL for 02 nights. Evening free to relax by the beach or swimming pool. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast proceeds for a day trip to Kanyakumari, the place where the 3 oceans meet together (Arabian sea, Indian Ocean & Bay of Bengal).  En-route visit Padmanabhapuram Palace, the magnificent wooden palace constructed by the Maharajas of Travancore.  Later continue to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India and also a pilgrimage center of Hindus.  After lunch, go by boat to visit Vivekanada rock, Thiruvaloor statue and Kanyakumari temple.  On the way back visit Sucheendram Temple, a well-known temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.  Continue to Kovalam. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Trivandrum airport for departure after an ever memorable holiday in Kerala.