Day 01 : ARRIVE COCHIN – FORT COCHIN [By Road – 45 km/Approx 1.5 hrs]
Arrival at Cochin by flight. After clearing customs and immigration you will be met by our representative once you exit the arrival hall and whisked away to your waiting transport. You will be transferred to the hotel at Fort Cochin. Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is the green commercial capital of Kerala, a cluster of islands located on the coast of the Arabian sea with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. The harbour is the nucleus around which Cochin and its mainland part Eranakulam has grown to attain such strategic importance over the centuries as underlined by the sobriquet “Queen of the Arabian Sea “. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala, being the most cosmopolitan and modern city of Kerala where the best shopping, markets and bazaars are located. Check in at hotel and you are at leisure to acclimatize with new destination.In the evening visit to a nearby theatre to witness Kathakali dance (1700 Hrs to 1900 Hrs) in the nearest theatre. The Kathakali is the famous art form of Kerala with elaborate make up for the artists, each performance based on a story. It will be interesting to watch from the time the artist starts the makeup.
Overnight at Cochin
Day 02 : COCHIN
After breakfast proceed for a half day tour of Cochin. Visit St. Francis Church – the oldest European built Church in India. It has several antiquities including a wealth of records. These include a palm-leaf title deed the local Raja gave the Portuguese in 1503. See the Chinese Fishing Nets, introduced by Chinese traders and unique to this part of Kerala and living symbols of a centuries-old Chinese influence on this coast. Visit Mattancherry – The Dutch Palace – which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663. In the ancient rooms there are 17th century murals that relate in vibrant colour the story of the epic Ramayana. Visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of Mattancherry which is locally called the Jew Town. Later roam around Jew town and spice market at Mattancherry. Afternoon at leisure for your own activities or you may drive thru the modern part of Cochin called Eranakulam.
Overnight at Cochin
Day 03: COCHIN – THODUPUZHA [By Surface – 90 km/Approx 2.5 hrs]
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, by 1000 hrs drive to Thodupuzha
Dewalokam is an exceptionally beautiful farm on the banks of Kannadipuzha in the lower and middle ranges of Blue (Neel Giri) Mountains of the Western Ghhats. Dewalokam spreads over an area of ten acres. The other side of the river is the pristine tropical forest, protected by the forest department. Dewalokam is an eternity away from air and noise pollution. All that the guests see is nature in its pristine, virginal unspoiled form, wonderful growth of trees and plants. Check in at the Farm stay and stay relaxed or explore the property
Overnight at Thodupuzha
Day 04 : THODUPUZHA
The farm has four fish ponds which offers the guests to be in the midst of water life. The farm produces meat, fish, milk, eggs and vegetable for our own consumption and we are able to sell the surplus. Dewalokam is an eternity away from air and noise pollution. All that the guests see is nature in its pristine, virginal unspoiled form, wonderful growth of trees and plants. All that we hear is the singing of the birds in our trees and across the river. We hear in some years constant calls of pheasants, we see buzzards, kites, eagles sailing in the sky, and sometimes perching on our own tall huge trees. In our farm, in Dewalokam you are, even If you come to us stressed or care worn, transported into the world of pure nature, the world of wonderful colors and sounds. Enjoy various activities by the resort. Yoga Sessions, Spice Walk(Guided walk in the organic farm), Cooking Demo Village Walk etc and more are offered . You can refer the website to find if there is something else you are interested.
http://dewalokam.in/Alliance/AllianceList.aspx?linkId=6 .
Overnight at Thodupuzha
Day 05 : THODUPUZHA – MUNNAR [By Surface: 110 km /Approx. 3.5 Hrs]
After breakfast drive to Munnar. Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats at about 1600 meter above sea level. There are lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates in Munnar. Famous Tata Tea estate and factory is in Munnar. There is a wildlife sanctuary in the Eravikulam –Rajamala area in the Munnar forest division. Munnar was the summer resort of the British Government in the South. It is the right place to spot Nilgiri Thar (a rare breed of Mountain Goats in the world). Check in at the resort and you are at leisure for the rest of the day or you may enjoy the plantation walk offered by the resort in the evening
Overnight at Munnar.
Day 06 : MUNNAR
Morning proceed for Munnar sightseeing with an English speaking Naturalist. Visit Eravikulam National Park where you can spot endangered Nilgiri Thars. Later visit Tea Museum which gives you an insight to the history of Munnar and an opportunity to witness the the process and the taste of Munnar Tea.
(Optional: If you wish to have a short trekking, please let us know in advance and we can arrange the same with a supplement)
Overnight at Munnar.
Day 07: MUNNAR – PERIYAR [By Surface: 115 km /Approx. 4 Hrs ]
Breakfast at the hotel and then drive to Periyar. Thekkady or Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq km. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake; it attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Though the sanctuary was made a part of Project Tiger in 1973, it is better known for its elephants. On arrival check in at the hotel. Enjoy the resort facilities till evening. Evening visit to a nearby centre to witness Kalaripayattu show- (Martial Art ) in the nearest theatre.
Overnight at Periyar
Day 08: PERIYAR
Breakfast at the hotel and in the morning proceed for spice plantation visit with a naturalist where one can see the cultivation of a whole range of spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, all spice cinnamon etc. In the afternoon enjoy a boat ride at the Lake Periyar (1530 Hrs to 1700 Hrs) , it gives you an opportunity to see the wildlife around the lake as you cruise along its banks. The sanctuary is rich in wide variety of flora and fauna and eye catching sights like elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, otter and flying squirrel are common.
Overnight at Periyar
Day 09: PERIYAR –KUMARAKOM (160 Km / 04 Hrs)
You are at leisure in the morning. Kumarakom, a beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you’ll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. Later enjoy the glimpses of back waters and rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Kumarakom
Day 10: AT KUMARAKOM
Day at leisure to enjoy the various activities, facilities at the resort backwaters. Opportunity to explore Ayurveda at the resort.
Overnight at Kumarakom
Day 11: KUMARAKOM – MARARIKULAM [Surface: 28 km/Approx.01 hr ]
After a leisurely breakfast, by noon drive to Marari. Everyone loves endless golden beaches and they’ve become something of a tourism clinch, often indistinguishable from one another. But the allure of a beach is not just in the sand and the sea. It’s in the living environment that surrounds it. In the trees and plants, the birds and fishes that call it home. And most of all, in the culture, life and color of the people who belong there. Because it is only this that makes it special, different from other interchangeably pretty stretches of sand around the world. Check in at the resort and rest of the day at leisure or relax by the beach.
Overnight at Mararikulam
Day 12: MARARI BEACH – Day at leisure
Day at leisure to enjoy the beach and the facilities at the resort or a bicycle ride through the neighboring villages. Also there are yoga sessions daily morning & meditations sessions in the evening for the guests. In addition the resort offers various activities like cooking demonstration, fisherman village visit etc which can be availed on direct payment basis.
Overnight at Mararikulam
Day 13: MARARI BEACH – Day at leisure
Day at leisure to enjoy the beach and the facilities at the resort
Overnight at Mararikulam
Day 14: MARARI-COCHIN AIRPORT DEPARTURE [By Road: 80 km/Approx 2.5 Hrs]
In time transfer to Cochin Airport to connect your onward flight
***Ends of Tour***
Includes:
- 13 Nights Accommodation in 01 DBL Room on twins sharing as mentioned above
- Bed and Breakfast at all places except at Dewalokam. Dewalokam on full board basis
- Transport services using Aircon Toyota Innova as per the program from Day 01 to Day 09
- Transfer from Kumarakom to Marari Beach using Aircon Toyota Innova on Day 11
- Transfer from Marari to Cochin Airport using Aircon Toyota Innova on Day 14
- Service of English Speaking local guide for Sightseeing at Cochin on Day 02
- Kathakali show at local theater at Cochin
- Activities at Dewalokam – Yoga Sessions, Spice Walk(Guided walk in the organic farm), Cooking Demo Village Walk etc
- Service of English Speaking Naturalist at Munnar
- Kalaripayattu show & Spice Plantation visit at Periyar
- Forest entry charges and ticket charges for Common Boat ride at Lake Periyar
- Arrival/Departure assistance at Cochin airport by our Representative
- Applicable taxes as per present rules.
