Eight unhurried days down the length of Kerala — from the colonial charm of Cochin through the tea hills of Munnar, the spice and wildlife country of Thekkady and the bird-filled islands of Kumarakom, ending on the crescent beaches of Kovalam. A relaxed south-to-south route with Ayurvedic massage centres and a beach stay to finish.
On arrival, meet and greet with our representative, who will receive you and transfer you to the hotel. Check in and get ready to explore Cochin.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula, in the scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as ‘God’s Own Country’. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea, and it is also called the Gateway to Kerala.
Popular attractions include the Santa Cruz Basilica, the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry and St. Francis’ Church. Return to the hotel for the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Cochin.
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Munnar, enjoying the scenic beauty, marvelous waterfalls and high mountains with low-flying clouds passing by.
Munnar sits at the confluence of three mountain streams — Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala — about 1,600 m above sea level. Once the summer resort of the British administration in south India, this hill station is marked by vast tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather, and is an ideal base for trekking and mountain biking.
On arrival, check in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Munnar.
After breakfast, set out on a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar, visiting Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point, Kundale Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai, the tea plantations and Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.
Relax among the tea gardens and take in the beauty of nature. Return to the hotel in time to enjoy a hot cup of tea in the garden. Overnight stay at Munnar.
After breakfast, check out and depart for Thekkady by road. En route, enjoy the panoramic Western Ghat hills covered with spice plantations — cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon and clove — with occasional views of waterfalls and streams.
Thekkady, home to India’s largest wildlife sanctuary, is a dream destination for any visitor. The 120-year-old ‘Surki’ dam across the Periyar is a major attraction. The sanctuary spreads over 777 sq. km around an artificial lake of 25 sq. km, and its tiger reserve shelters a rich tropical flora and fauna, many endangered species and a rich tribal culture.
On arrival at Thekkady, check in to the hotel. Overnight at Thekkady.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on Vembanad Lake, part of the Kuttanad region.
The 14-acre bird sanctuary here is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise — egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowl, cuckoos, wild duck and migratory visitors like the Siberian stork arrive in flocks.
On arrival, check in to the hotel and later visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Kovalam, an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent-shaped bays. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body-toning massages, cultural programmes and catamaran cruising are among its pleasures, and life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.
The beach complex includes budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, and yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.
On arrival, check in to the hotel. Full day at leisure on the beach — activities include kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour visiting Cape Comorin, Padmanabhapuram Palace and the Archaeological Museum. Stroll along the beautiful beaches of Kovalam, followed by the journey to Cape Comorin, and do not miss the magnificent Padmanabhapuram Palace and Archaeological Museum.
Evening free at the beach. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
After breakfast, drive to the airport / railway station at Trivandrum. End of tour and services.