20/01/2016
TOUR CODE: CLASSIC KERALA 08 DAYS
TOTAL DURATION: 07 NIGHTS / 08 DAYS
01 NIGHT COCHIN / 02 NIGHTS MUNNAR / 01 NIGHT THIKKADY / 01 NIGHT ALLEPPY / 02 NIGHTS KOVALAM
DAY 01: COCHIN
Arrival at Cochin, Assistance upon arrival & transfer to hotel / resort, get freshen up and move for Sightseeing / Visits in Cochin
Kerala, branded Kerala with a catchy tagline Kerala “God's Own Country” Today, Kerala tourism is a global brand and regarded as one of the destinations with highest recall. Its culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demographics, have made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. National Geographic's Traveller magazine names Kerala as one of the "ten paradises of the world and "50 must see destinations of a lifetime". Travel and Leisure names Kerala as "One of the 100 great trips for the 21st century". Kerala's beaches, backwaters, mountain ranges and wildlife sanctuaries are the major attractions for both domestic and international tourists.
The city of Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala; This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate.
Visit at Fort Cochin – Jewish Synagogue (Built in 1568 AD. Closed on Saturdays & Jewish Holidays), Visit at Dutch Palace (Built in 1557 AD Closed on Friday & National Holidays), ST. Francis Church (Built by Portuguese in 1503 AD) Santa Cruz Cathedral, Maritime Museum – INS DRONACHARYA FORT KOCHI (Monday Closed ), Chinese Fishing Nets (The Chinese Fishing Nets that, like the sea-front and exhibit a method of catching fish, introduced by Chinese traders)
DAY 02: COCHIN – MUNNAR
After Breakfast departure for Munnar, En-route A Pleasing 04:00 Hrs Journey Riding through the Picturesque Hills Jacketed in Greenish Tea Gardens and Spice Plantations, Enjoy Photography and the way to Scenic View of Nature Beautiful Waterfalls and Sceneries – Arrival at Munnar as per the timings and transfer to hotel / resort, get freshen up & leisure at hotel / resort in Munnar, Munnar At 5000 feet it is not just south India’s most sought after hill resort, it is also the centre of Kerala’s premier tea growing district. Aptly known as the high range. In Tamil, moon–aar literally means 3 rivers, a reference to streams around which the town grew. Shola trees hug the mist shrouded hillsides, sheltering several highly endangered species of wildlife – Arrival at Munnar as per the timing, transfer to hotel / resort , get freshen up and move for Sightseeing / Visits in Munnar as per the timings,
Munnar, breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country Kerala. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave- so welcome - log on to munnar.com for all information on Munnar anytime, every time.
DAY 03: MUNNAR
After Breakfast move for Sightseeing / Visits in and around Munnar, Visit at Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum and Cheeyappara Waterfalls
Mattupetty Dam The Mattupetty lake and dam is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity
Echo Point is a popular adventure tourism destination. Trekking and nature walks are popular activities in this scenic destination with beautiful views of the green hills. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view makes it worthy of a visit. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park a sanctuary set up for thepreservation of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The main inhabitant of the park is Nilgiri Tahr. Now the park has the largest known population of Tahr's existing in the world. The park exhibits the breathtaking natural splendor of rolling grasslands and exotic flowers. Anamudi (2,695 m), the highest peak south of Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride.
Have a wonderful experience in the Tea Museum: This hill station is well known for its tea plantations. This museum highlights some very interesting facts and figures about the growth and development of tea plantations in Munnar and the finer aspects from plucking to packaging of tea.
Cheeyappara Waterfalls Have a wonderful wash under the fresh green water; Located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai Highway, Cheeyappara waterfalls is a treat to the eyes. The fall cascades down in seven steps making it unique…
DAY 04: MUNNAR – THIKKADY
After Breakfast departure for Thikkady – A Nature Scenic 03Hrs Journey, The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up Images of Elephants, Unending Chains of Hills and Spices Scented Plantations, In the Periyar Forest of Thekkady is one of the finest Wild Life Reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are Picturesque Plantations and Hill Towns that hold great opportunities for treks and Mountain Walks.
Arrival at Thikkady transfer to hotel / resort get freshen up and move for Sightseeing / Visits in Thikkady Visit at World Famous Spice Market and Spice Plantations, Here you can see the Pepper, Cardamom, Vanilla, Cinnamon and other spices are grown.
DAY 05: THIKKADY – ALLEPPY
After Breakfast Proceed to ALLEPPEY (Approx 04Hrs Scenic Journey) Alappuzha or Alleppey also referred to as “Venice of the east” is situated on the confluence of Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s biggest backwaters, and the Arabian Sea, offering a setting like nowhere else in the world. Its beauty is not merely in its backwaters, but in the man-made islands that you will find amidst the waters. These islands are hedged by mud walls, a haven for migratory birds, with paddy fields inundated with water through the year. These islands are special as they lie below the sea level and are found only here… Cruise along slowly in these intricate networks of canals (Kayals) passing through villages and paddy fields.
Arrival at Allepy and transfer to Houseboat Cruise Alleppey Round (A Luxury Boat made in ethnic Kerala style having well appointed sitting room, bedrooms, toilet and kitchen) enjoy the tranquil beauty of the inland waters and the countryside for one day. Enjoy the cruise in Vembanad Lake, the serene backwaters of Kerala….. check-in to the meandering canals and swinging coconut palms…..witness the paddy fields of Kuttanad, perhaps the only place in the world where cultivation is done at 02MTRS below sea-level……an experience to cherish for life……..Also enjoy freshly cooked Kerala cuisine in the boat….
DAY 06: ALLEPPY – KOVALAM
After Breakfast Proceed to Kovalam – Arrival at Kovalam, transfer to hotel / resort, get freshen up and move for Sightseeing / Visits in Kovalam as per the timings
Kovalam has remained an all-time favourite across the world. Thanks to three crescent beaches. An imposing Lighthouse adds to the charm of Kovalam. Located in the middle of three palm-fringed coves in the world-renowned Kovalam beach, Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. It is also known as the paradise of the south.
Kovalam is famous for its beaches, among the most pristine in India. Kovalam is extremely popular among westerners due to shallow waters and low tidal waves. It is also one of the oldest tourist enclaves in India, which known among tourist circuit right in 1930s. Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies. That started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India- the Kovalam beach.
DAY 07: KOVALAM
After Breakfast move for Sightseeing / Visits in Kovalam
Lighthouse Beach, The southernmost beach, the Lighthouse Beach is the one most frequented by tourists; Lighthouse Beach got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a rocky promontory here. Its intermittent beams at night render the beach with an unearthly charm
Hawah Beach, Eve’s Beach, more commonly known as Hawa Beach, ranks second, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.
Samudra Beach, A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part.
DAY 08: KOVALAM – TRIVANDRUM
After Breakfast move for Sightseeing / Visits in Trivandrum and transfer to Trivandrum Station / Airport as per the timings,
Trivandrum also known as Thiruvananthapuram, Located in the south-western tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram is bound by the Arabian Sea in the west and Tamil Nadu in the east. Named after Anantha Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu, the city is home to many ancient temples. The landmark is the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple around which the city has been built on seven low hills. The wooded highlands of the Western Ghats in the eastern and north-eastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought-after tourist destination. Clean and green, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is one of the most beautiful cities in the country
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