Day 01: Arrive Cochin

Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel.

(Check-in time 1200 hrs)

Rest of time free.

Evening Kathakali Dance : A special treat awaits us this evening as we proceed to witness the strength and vigor of Kathakali dance drama, as it enacts episodes from great Indian epics. The extremely stylized gestures, the elaborate make-up, the masks and the splendid costumes of these all-male dancers, recreates an incomparable sense of pageantry

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Cochin

Full day tour of Cochin City : With its wealth of historical associations, and its magnificent setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin is one of the most fascinating cities of coastal South India. It is a city with indelible marks of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Jewish traditions. Of Special mention is the older parts of the Fort Cochin area.

It more or less exists as it used to be a 1000-year behind our times. This part of the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval Portugal, Dutch and English country life grafted on to the tropical Malabar Coast. The 16th century Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace is a fascinating fort with elegant buildings and interesting collections from the Royal traditions of the region. The unique feature of Cochin is the unexpected and isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52. They are self-contained and have there own Synagogue. The area around the Synagogue, known as 'Jew Town' is one of the main centres of spice trade. Scores of small firms huddle together in old dilapidated buildings and the air is filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves. The area is very busy.

(Jew Synagogue / Dutch Palace closed on Friday)

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Cochin / Munnar (158 km /4h)

Leave Delhi for Mandawa by surface.

In the afternoon enjoy sightseeing tour of:

Morning drive to Mumnar by road, on arrival check in at hotel.

Afternoon visit of Munnar : a hill station on the Western Ghats and with its lakes, reservoirs, forests and tea estates is the Nature-Lovers's Paradise. It is beautifully situated at the confluence of three rivers - the Muthirappuzh, Nallathanni and Kundala. Munnar is a major center of Kerala's tea industry.

We have two days to explore the virgin beauty of the place and its several possibilities. Anaimudi (2694 m), the highest peak in the southern India, is nearby and the views from here are incredible. Munnar offers some great possibility for nature walks and visits to nearby tribal villages where people, though poor are extremely friendly, charming and hospitable. The ethnic lifestyles, traditional homes and the traditional occupation with ethnic tools and implements provides an incredible experience. The forest that surround Munnar are still rich in wildlife. The hills surrounding Munnar are home for one of the world's rarest mountain goats, Nilgiri tahr. The tropical forests are inhabited by elephants, tigers, deer and gaur (bison) Munnar is a birdwatcher delight with a variety of birds that are supported by the evergreen vegetation of the region. If one seek a sense of peace, a desire to communicate with nature and most importantly participate in a journey through a living museum, Munnar is the place that seeks to provide all this in a heavenly setting.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Munnar

Morning you explore Munnar, which is surrounded by 30 tea gardens; the atmosphere is fragrant with extensive tea and cardamom plantations. Tea estates are situated mostly on the inner slopes of an elevated basin-like plateau. Estate elevations vary from about 1220 m to over 1830 m. some of the tea plantations, at an elevation of over 2135-m, are among the highest in the world. It would be worthwhile to visit some of these tea gardens to witness the plucking of leaves by women who carry conical bamboo baskets on their back and strapped to their forehead by a cloth band. The work on the field is all done by hand and is a fascinating sight. You may also visit the nearby Lockhart Gap, which provides a panoramic view of the valley and plantation down below. The enchanting high range of lakes and streams, the low-flying clouds and the mist-filled valleys cast a magical spell, which lingers long in the memory.

Afternoon free.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Munnar /Periyar (140 km /3h30 min. )

Morning drive to Periyar by road, onarrival check into your hotel.

Afternoon visit Periyar : Periyar and its cool, misty Cardamom Hills - a magnificently scenic region 4000 feet and higher, with forests and valleys, roaring streams and pristine jungles. Arrive at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India’s first Project Tiger Reserves and an excellent place to view elephants and many other animals.

you viewing wildlife by boat on Lake Periyar where animals come to drink. Sail within close range of elephant groups, feeding and bathing. Scout for statuesque sambar deer and giant wild oxen, or guar, browsing in the marshes. Search the green wooded shores for wild boars, monkeys, and an array of birdlife. If you are lucky, you will get a rare sighting of tiger. Spend the night in splendid isolation at your comfortable jungle cottage.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Periyar / Kumarakkom (140 km /3h30 min)

Drive to Kumarakom by road, on arrival check into your hotel.

Day free for independent activities . You can also enjoy the optional ayurvedic body massage at the resort. You could also choose to explore the surrounding tribal villages, visit the nearby water bird sanctuary or ride through the narrow backwater channels through back of beyond Kerala

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Kumarakom / Houseboat

Morning board the Houseboat for a unique experience through the narrow canals and channels of the backwaters of Kerala . The material that go into the making of houseboat are all local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc. The main wood used is “Anjali”. The Houseboat provides all comforts - Beds, a kitchen, western toilets and an upper deck. Traditional lanterns are used as lights.

The cuisine is of traditional Kerala flavour along with the local Specialties - delicious fish and prawns. Cruising on a boat through remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala is a superb experience.

We explore the backwaters in your Houseboat .Sensational in its own silent way, the cruise takes you along snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers, coir (Jute) making communities, toddy (local spirit) shops, fishing nets pitched for the day's catch, bunded paddy fields and manual canoes of different sizes criss-crossing each other. The experience enables you to reach beautiful untouched areas .

Overnight at the House Boat

Day 08: Houseboat /Kovalam (170 km /4h30 min)

Disembark from Houseboat and drive to Kovalam. On arrival check in to your hotel.

Aftrernoon free.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 - 11 : Kovalam

Full day free for Own beach activities.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Kovalam /Trivandrum / Departure

Drive to Trivandrum airport for your flight for onward destination.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation on Twin Sharing basis at the hotels of the choice
• Daily Buffet Breakfast at all places as per the itinerary except at Wildlife Sanctuaries and Houseboat on back waters where the same would be on Full board basis
• Overland Travel by Ac Indigo Car for FIT (01-03 Pax) Ac Toyota Innova (04-05 Pax) , Ac Micro Coach (05-08 Pax) ,AC Mini Coach (09-14 Pax) and Ac Large Coach 15 pax onwards
• Local English Speaking guide for sightseeing in the cities as per the program except for Wildlife Sanctuaries where the services of Naturalist will be provided.
• Train Fare in AC Chair Car and or Ac II Tier where ever applicable as per the program
• Jungle Safaris in the Canter on a Sharing basis
• Elephant Ride at Amer Fort