Bestowed upon by God- natural beauty, tranquility and solace Kerala is a sought after tourist destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. Owing to its beauty, it is named as one of the ‘Ten Paradises of the World’ and ‘Fifty Places of a Lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Just pack your bags and arrive at Kerala, get enchanted and live your best holiday ever!
Day 1: Mumbai – Cochin:
From the Mumbai Airport board a flight for Cochin, the starting point of your tour. Visit the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. In the evening, get back to your hotel and have a good night’s sleep at Cochin.
Day 2: Cochin In the morning move around Cochin and explore the Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi Beach, the Santa Cruz Basilica and the Chinese Fishing Nets. Don’t miss the Kathakali show. Get back to your hotel and spend your night at Cochin.
Day 3: Cochin – Munnar After your breakfast, proceed to Munnar (135 Km/ 5 Hours). By afternoon you reach Munnar and are escorted to your hotel. You enjoy your day at leisure, stay overnight at Munnar.
Day 4: Munnar In the morning, move out of your hotel to explore Munnar, visit the Mattupetty Dam, the Echo Point, Anamudi (the highest peak in South India), Rajamalai and the tea gardens of Munnar. Get back to your hotel & stay overnight at Munnar.
Day 5: Munnar – Periyar In the morning after your breakfast, proceed to Periyar. After you reach Periyar by the afternoon, go out for a nature walk. . The nature walk programs are conducted by Forest Department between 7.30 A.M to 11 A.M and 2.30 P.M to 3.30 P.M. Get back to your hotel and stay for the night at Periyar.
Day 6: Periyar Set out for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the morning. This is a Tiger Reserve but is more popular for the Asiatic Elephants. There are many animals and birds here. You can enjoy this place, its serenity and the fresh air of the deciduous forest and the wildlife. Get back to your hotel in the evening and stay at Periyar for the night.
Day 7: Periyar – Alleppey In the morning proceed towards Allepey and enjoy a stay in a houseboat in the Backwaters. The houseboats cruise through the Vembanad Lake. Enjoy the stay in the houseboat for a full day & spend the night in it.
Day 8: Alleppey – Kumarakom Take your breakfast and move towards Kumarakom. Kumarakom is picturesque portion of the coastline. The beach has retained its natural ambience and you will feel pleasant swimming or sun bathing. Take a short drive to the main city of Kumarakom and get into your hotel. Have a day of leisure and enjoy your night stay at Kumarakom.
Day 9: Kumarakom – Varkala Take a stroll across the beach and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Arabian Sea. Amidst the village of Kumarakom is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Explore this Bird Sanctuary at ease during your Kerala tour. Get back to your hotel and spend your night at Kumarakom.
Day 10: Varkala Proceed for Varkala in the morning. Varkala is another beach holiday destination. There are mineral springs near Varkala which are believed to have medicinal properties. Spend your day at leisure and have a good night’s sleep at Varkala.
Day 11: Varkala – Cochin – Hometown Early next morning, start for Cochin and board a flight that shall take you to your hometown. Take wonderful memories along with your baggage and smile!
◊ Enjoy the traditional ambience of Cochin.
◊ Try adventure activities at Periyar. Visit the Wildlife Sanctuary.
◊ Stay in a houseboat at Alleypey in the backwaters, cruise through the Vembnad Lake.
◊ Enjoy water sports at Kumarakom. Visit the Bird Sanctuary.
◊ Try para sailing at Varkala.
The pristine waters, the palms, the blue beaches and the greenery is all that comes to the mind at the mention of Kerala- God’s own country! Bestowed upon by God- natural beauty, tranquility and solace Kerala is a sought after tourist destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. Owing to its beauty, it is named as one of the ‘Ten Paradises of the World’ and ‘Fifty Places of a Lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The imposing serenity of this state leaves a long lasting charm on a traveler, planting in the heart a desire to come back. The sun kissed beaches, the Karnatic music, mist covered hill stations, rich forestlands, pilgrim centers and the historic monuments, Kerala has everything you can dream of. A visit to this beautiful state will give you memories that can make you smile forever and rejuvenate your senses. Just pack your bags and arrive at Kerala, get enchanted and live your best holiday ever!
Day 1: Mumbai – Cochin:
From the Mumbai Airport board a flight for Cochin, the starting point of your tour. As soon as you arrive at Cochin by afternoon, you will be escorted by a cab to your hotel by a representative of Remarkable India. After you freshen up, proceed for a small tour of the city and explore the following places:
Jewish Synagogue
The Jewish Synangogue was built in the year 1568 by the prosperous trading community of Jews. It is the oldest synagogue in India which was rebuilt by the Dutch as it was partially destroyed in the war of 1662. The clock tower that the synagogue bears was added in late 18th century. The floors were paved with beautiful hand painted willow tiles imported from China. Thought these tiles are two hundred years old, no two tiles bear the same design. A Belgian chandelier, copper plates bearing the records of the grants given by Cochin rulers to the Jewish community in the 4th century, great scrolls of the Old Testament catch your eye the moment you set foot inside. There are also five fine gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons.
The Dutch Palace
Popularly known as the Mattancherry Palace, the Dutch Palace is located at Palace Road, just 10 Km from Ernakulam. It was constructed by the Portuguese in the honor of the King of Kochi- Veera Kerala Varma. Subsequently, various renovations were made by the Kings of Kochi, giving it a Hindu feel. Today, it signifies the glory of the Hindu Temple Art in Kerala.
The Dutch Palace is double storied and it is constructed around a central courtyard. This is a traditional style of architecture and is called as ‘Nalukettus’ in Kerala. The Palace has an arch shaped entrance which leads you to the suite of the public rooms. The rounded doors, the windows and the masonary walls make the Dutch Palace look like a European Building.
In the evening, get back to your hotel and have a good night’s sleep at Cochin.
Day 2: Cochin Enjoy the second day of your tour by exploring the city of Cochin.
Willingdon Island
The Willingdon Island is an artificial island that was created from the sand that was dug out during the deepening of the Kochi Port. It is a modern serving port of Cochin. Lord Willingdon, a former Madras Governor was very instrumental in implementing this island project and its maintenance and that is why the port is named after him. However, the main engineer is heading this project was Robert Bristow. A port hotel was built in order to accommodate people who wished to halt here for a short while and it was called the Malabar Hotel. The basic structure of this island was completed in 1939, prior to the Second World War. In the preliminary phase, a deep wharf, a rail bridge and a road bridge that connected to the mainland were built in order to facilitate the local war effort.
Fort Kochi Beach
The Fort Kochi Beach is a beautiful beach that is situated in Cochin. The scenic view that it offers the visitors, make it a vulnerable tourist spot. It is a hub for adventure sports and those who love adventure will have a great time here. Water sports like Catamaran Sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Para Sailing, Scuba Diving, Wind Surfing and Snorkeling can be enjoyed here. Adding more luster to this place is the yearly fest that is organized here during the last week of December, try not to miss it!
Santa Cruz Basilica
One of the oldest churches in Cochin as well as India is the Santa Cruz Cathedral. It is regarded as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala. Thousands of tourists throng this Church all the year round. Francesco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy built this Cathedral in 1505 when he arrived in Kochi. The foundation stone of this Church was laid on the 3rd of May that year, during the “Invention of the Holy Cross”. Upon completion it was rechristened as the Santa Cruz Cathedral.
In 1663 the Dutch conquered Cochin and they destroyed all the Catholic founding, this Cathedral and the famous church of St. Francis being an exception. The Santa Cruz Cathedral was then used as an armory. Later it was destroyed in 1795, after the British invaded the city, only an elaborate granite pillar was what remained. That pillar is still kept on the Southeastern corner of the present Basilica.
Chinese fishing Nets
The Chinese Fishing Nets at the Fort Kochi Beach are a very popular tourist spot. These fixed land installations are used in a very unique way for fishing. They are operated from the shore. The nets are set up on teak and bamboo poles which are held horizontally by gigantic mechanisms that lower them into the sea. The entire structure is about 10 meters in height. Each of the fishing nets extends to about 20 meters over the water and is operated by six fishermen.
The Kathakali Show
One of the oldest theatre forms in the world, Kathakali is a dance form that originated in the south Indian state of Kerala. Kathakali is popular among the locals and tourists in Kerala. The state has many important Kathakali dance centers in Kochi which render training as well as organize dance recitals. The dance is presented in a group, the theme of the dance is based on different Hindu Mythologies, epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. The makeup that a Kathakali artist puts on is very elaborate. Before the recitals, the artists take rigorous training as Kathakali is an art which involves highly developed language of gesture and expressions through which they need to convey the entire story that they are about to perform. Kathakali is an integral part of Kochi’s existence.
Day 3: Cochin – Munnar After your breakfast, proceed to Munnar (135 Km/ 5 Hours). By afternoon you reach Munnar and are escorted to your hotel. You enjoy your day at leisure, stay overnight at Munnar.
Day 4: Munnar In the morning, move out of your hotel to explore Munnar, visit the following tourist spots:
Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty is a beautiful hill station just 13 kilometers away from Munnar. En route to the hill station is the Mattupetty Lake and Dam and is situated at an altitude of 1700 meters. This is a lazy picnic spot which is mostly crowded. The panoramic view of the Dam is what people love; the Dam is surrounded by wooden hills and tea plantations. The most popular activity here is boating. The District Tourism Promotion Council provides good facility for boating; it offers a fleet of speed boats, row boats and pedal boats. Trekking in the Shola forests around Mattupetty can be another engaging activity.
This area is also home to various species of birds. The small streams lead you to the waterfall down the hillside. The pretty waterfalls add up to the beauty of this place.
Echo Point
The Echo Point is a popular tourist attraction the lies just 13 kilometers away from Munnar. You can trek or just walk around here, the scenic beauty makes it a great destination, and the greenery of the surrounding hills is spectacular. The Echo Point is en route to the Top Station from Munnar. The natural echo phenomenon has earned this place its name.
Anamudi- The Highest Peak in South India
The highest peak in South India is Anamudi. It is an ideal place for trekking and is also called as the ‘Pride of Munnar’. Marayoor is the only place in entire Kerala that has the natural growth of sandalwood trees. This place is just 40 kilometers away from Anamudi. Pothamedu is a place 6 kilometers away from Munnar where you can stroll and trek the mountains. The forests and grasslands have exotic flora. One of them is the Neelakrinji flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years. The Eravikulam National Park houses the Nilgiri Thar (Nilgiri Ibex/Mountain Goat)
Comfortable and excellent accommodation can be made at Mahindra Resorts, Bluemount, Windmere Estate, Sterling Resort and Royal Retreat.
Devikulum, a place in the vicinity of Munnar which is an ideal place for trout fishing while Chilthirapuram is a wonderful place with panoramic views, little sleepy cottages, tea plantations and old playgrounds. The Attukal Waterfalls and the Chinnakanal Waterfalls are very popular tourist spots.
Rajamalai
The Ervikulam-Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 16 kilometers away from Munnar. It is considered as Kerala’s finest wildlife reserve. It occupies an area of 97 Km and lies along the high ranges of the western coast in the Forest Division of Munnar in the Idukki district. Rajamalai was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1936 while Ervikulam was declared as a national park in 1978. The Park is divided into 3 main region- the core are, the buffer area and the tourism area. The surrounding mountains which are covered with rolling grasslands and high level shoals, it is a great sight. The tourists are allowed only to enter the tourist area which lies in the Rajamalai region. Trekking can be done here.
Tea Gardens
The Tea Gardens are a major attraction of Munnar and when at Munnar you must just not miss going there. There are about 30 tea estates which are privately owned. Most of the managers allow tourists to wander around the estate for free.
Get back to your hotel & stay overnight at Munnar.
Day 5: Munnar – Periyar In the morning after your breakfast, proceed to Periyar (Thekkady) (106 Km/ 3 Hours). By afternoon you reach Periyar, you will be escorted to the hotel. After you freshen up, move out for a nature walk.
Adventure activities are the specialty of Periyar. Here, nature walking programs are arranged that cover trekking area of 4-5 Km. it is an excellent chance to experience the natural beauty. These routes pass through grasslands and forests which help you get an amazing experience of bird watching and other small wild animals. The nature walk programs are conducted by Forest Department between 7.30 A.M to 11 A.M and 2.30 P.M to 3.30 P.M. Every batch consists of 5 people at the most and a well trained guide who guides the batch through the jungles. The guide is a local inhabitant of the forests and knows every nook and corner of the jungle and wildlife behavior.
Get back to your hotel and stay for the night at Periyar.
Day 6: Periyar Set out for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the morning. It opens at 6 in the morning and closes at 6 in the evening.
The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is set in the ranges of the Western Ghats. There is a beautiful lake in the centre of the Park. It is the main source of water for the wildlife. Though this Park is a Tiger Reserve, the Indian Elephants are what appeal the tourists more. They are all playful and charming when they come by the Periyar Lake. Animals like the Wild Dogs, rare Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque and the Common Langurs are also found here. Around 40 tigers are there in this Park, one can rarely see them. Also the Park houses the Nilgiri Tahr.
The Park has birds like Darters, Kingfishers, Cormorants and the Great Malabar Hornbill and the Racket-tailed Drongoes. Apart from the birds, there are reptiles like Monitor Lizards, Pythons and King Cobras. You can enjoy this place, its serenity and the fresh air of the deciduous forest and the wildlife. To enjoy this Park to the fullest, you must go there during winter and the summer.
Get back to your hotel in the evening and stay at Periyar for the night.
Day 7: Periyar – Alleppey In the morning proceed towards Allepey and enjoy a stay in a houseboat in the Backwaters. (155 Km/ 4 Hours). Do not forget to take mosquito repellents.
The houseboats cruise through the Vembanad Lake in the beautiful background of the canalas, tropical vegetation and striking fauna. The backwaters have a magic of their own. Decorated with fishes, butterflies, paddy fields and flowers, they make you feel like you are in another world. You will be nothing but pleased to explore the backwaters of Allepey, ’the Venice of the East’.
Enjoy the stay in the houseboat for a full day & spend the night in it.
Day 8: Alleppey – Kumarakom Take your breakfast and move towards Kumarakom.
Kumarakom is picturesque portion of the coastline. The beach has retained its natural ambience and you will feel pleasant swimming or sun bathing. In close proximity, there are many beach resorts, shacks and bars and restaurants but nothing on the main beach. This makes the natural beauty of the beach shout out louder than anything else. Everything is photogenic and you won’t stop clicking for a long time. Activities like snorkeling can be entertaining and will help you explore the rich marine life. You can also try other water sports here. Fishing and bird watching are other interesting activities that can keep you engaged. Kumarakom is one of the best beach holiday destinations.
Take a short drive to the main city of Kumarakom and get into your hotel. Have a day of leisure and enjoy your night stay at Kumarakom.
Day 9: Kumarakom – Varkala Proceed for Varkala in the morning (148 Km/ 2½ Hours). By afternoon you reach Varkala and check into your hotel.
Varkala is another beach holiday destination where you can be at peace in this isolated expanse smeared with sand. Relax on the beach without the hustle bustle of the crowd commonly found on every beach in Kerala. Lay back and admire the attractions of the Varkala Beach.
There are mineral springs near Varkala which are believed to have medicinal properties. It is popular tourist spot where people come and drink the water from the mineral springs and bathe in its water too. The other name of the Varkala Beach is Papanasam Beach because according to beliefs taking a dip in this Beach will wash away all the sins of a person. There is a temple nearby which is believed to be 800-2000 years old. It is called the Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple. There is also a nature centre near the Beach.
The landscape of the Beach also makes it popular. The rocky cliffs and the stretches of clear sand extend down the sea. The disparity between the sand, sea and the cliffs make an interesting sight. Also, the sunset at the Varkala Beach is amazing.
The new moon day in the month of ‘Karkidakam’ is considered auspicious according to the Malayalam calendar. It is a holy day. On this day, thousands of pilgrims throng Varkala Beach to offer ‘Vavu Bali’ to honor their relatives who are not in this world. This is the time when you can feel the religious ambience of Varkala.
Spend your day at leisure and have a good night’s sleep at Varkala.
Day 10: Varkala Enjoy your the next day at Varkala with the following activities:
Para sailing
You can have great amount of fun doing Para Sailing. Imagine how thrilling will it be to be above 75 feet or more of the ocean waves in a boat. As you drift downwards, the boats does the trick and you are soaring back into the air before you know!
Enjoy Volleyball game & other water sports. Feel the magic of Arebian Sea with the sunset.
Play volleyball or enjoy other water sports and watch the sun set beautifully. Get back to your hotel and spend another night at Varkala.
Day 11: Varkala – Cochin – Hometown Early next morning, start for Cochin and board a flight that shall take you to your hometown. Take wonderful memories along with your baggage and smile!
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