KERALA TOUR WITH HOMESTAYS

On arrival at Kochi Airport, our representative will meet you and you will be transferred to HOTEL for 02 nights. Kochi – the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ is one of the most interesting cities of South India and has one of the finest natural harbour 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. Evening visit ‘Kathakali’ centre, where you’ll watch the interesting Kathakali costumes followed by performance. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast proceed for half day guided 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 is 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 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 has now around 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. Afternoon is free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast check out and drive to Munnar which is one of the most beautiful hill station of South India. Munnar 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. Munnar was the summer resort of British govt. in south. On arrival check into HOTEL for 01 night. Afternoon sightseeing of Munnar which covers Eravikulam National Park and Tea Museum. 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. Evening free to relax. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast you’ll drive through the beautiful mountain ranges of Western Ghats and cardamom hills to Periyar, one of the well maintained wild life sanctuary of South India. On arrival check into HOTEL for 02 nights.

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. Overnight at hotel.

Morning you will be invited for a boat cruise in the lake to watch wild animals OR if you are interested you can proceed for Nature walk. 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 return back to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast check out and drive to Kumarakom. On arrival embark in a HOUSE BOAT to go for the cruise through the world famous backwaters of Kerala to Alleppey. 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 house boat through backwaters is an unforgettable experience and you can enjoy the real Kerala village life.

These boats, originally known as Kettuvallam’s were 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 house boats are very special and is very tasty and fresh. During the cruise you will have opportunities to enjoy typical Kettuvallam meal. During the cruise you can see the ancient temples, floating markets, toddy shops, duck fields etc. as well as  you will have stops to go for short walks through the villages. The villagers are normally pleasant and generous to the tourists. In between your cruise you can understand the real village life. Day is free to relax. Overnight on the houseboat.

Morning have a relaxed breakfast on board. After breakfast disembark from the house boat and drive to Marari. On arrival check in at HOMESTAY for 01 night. Rest of the day free to relax by the beach or for your own activities. Overnight at hotel.

Morning have a relaxing breakfast on board. After breakfast disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam. On the way you can 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 crossed 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 proceed to visit the horse palace which is very much near to the temple containing the collections of antiques. After the temple and palace visit continue to Kovalam. On arrival check into HOME STAY for 02 nights. Overnight at hotel.

Kovalam, one of Kerala’s most popular beach destination 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. Day free to relax by the beach / swimming pool or for your own activities. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Trivandrum airport to catch your onwards flight after an ever memorable holiday in Kerala.