Escape to Kerala

Day 01: Munnar

After arrival in Cochin (air/rail), you will head off south towards the cool and misty mountains of Munnar (4 hours/135 kms travel). On the way, you will visit the Cheeyapara Waterfalls, Valara Waterfalls, Karadi Para Viewpoint and other interesting spots, before checking in at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will go for a walk in Munnar Blossom Park and Pothenmedu Viewpoint, and in the evening, take a stroll around in the old town. While in Munnar, don’t forget to pack up on world class tea and tea dust that comes directly from the local plantations. Retire back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 02 – Munnar

After a wonderful breakfast, you will visit Mattupetti Dam, Kundala Lake, Echo Point and Top Station. You can also hop on for a speed boat cruise at the dam, before going over to the Eravikulam National Park in Rajamala. Here, let’s see if you can spot the mountain goat, Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus Hylocrius). In the evenings, take a short visit in the Munnar Tea Plantation, before retiring back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 03: Thekkady (Periyar)

After breakfast, you will check out and head off to Thekkkady (Periyar). This is a 110 kilometres trip that spans approximately 3 hours, with Cardamom plantations along the way. Check in at the hotel, and in the afternoon, get out and about for sightseeing in Thekkady. Here, you can visit the Spice Plantations, take an Elephant Safari, have an Ayurveda Body Massage, go for boating in the Periyar Lake, or view a Kathakali performance for a quintessential Kerala experience. All are extras, with payments done direct. Over here, you can have opportunities to see Elephants, Tigers, Deers, Monkeys, Wild Buffaloes, and a wide variety of Birds from all over. Before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay, visit the local markets for one of the best quality spices in the world.

Day 04: Alleppey

After breakfast, check out and head west towards Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East. By noon, you will be able to check in to the Houseboat. Relax and take some shots of the famous freshwater lagoons of Kerala, while winding through narrow canals, rivers and backwaters. On board, partake of some delicious Kerala local freshwater cuisine for lunch. Alleppey is the place to be if you’re interested in coir. From all over the world, people descend to this tiny town in search of coir products. Have a romantic candle light dinner in the houseboat, and stay on for the night.

Day 05: Kovalam

After disembarking from the houseboat following breakfast, you will be taken directly to the famous Kovalam beach, the backpacker’s paradise. Check in at hotel, take a walk on the beach in the evenings, after which, a relaxing night’s sleep in the hotel.

Day 06: Kovalam & Trivandrum

After the beach, you will go to the capital city, Trivandrum. Over here, you will get to see the Sree Padhmanabha temple, Shanmukham Beach, Veli Lake Vilage, Museum, Zoo, Attukal Temple and other major sightseeing spots. In the evening, you will return back to hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 07: Trivandrum/ Cochin (Departure)

After checking-out, you will go to Trivandrum or Cochin for departure. If it’s Cochin and you have time, you can engage in some sight-seeing in the city. Cochin is known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea,’ and here you can see the famed Chinese Fishing Nets, while exploring various parts of the port city like the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Vasco de Gama Church, Jew Town and Marine Drive, the city’s picturesque promenade. You could also go for a quick round of shopping – the markets are teeming with high quality Kerala Textiles, Spices, Handicrafts, and loads of other mementos to take back home, before returning to the airport or railway station for the journey back home, rejuvenated and filled with happy memories.