Kerala: Hike, Bike, & Kayak

HIGHLIGHTS:

Visit Fort Kochi, see a traditional Kathakali dance and take a walk through tea and cardamom plantations in this active journey through 'God's Own Country.' Enjoy cycling through Periyar National Park to view wild Asiatic elephants, and glide a kayak through the backwaters of Kerala before relaxing on your own private houseboat.

•   Dutch palace
•   Jewish Synagogue
•   Kathakali performance
•   Thattekkad Bird sanctuary
•   Tea museum in Munnar
•   Periyar National Park and guided walk
•   Kayaking in the Alleppey backwaters
•   Overnight on a Houseboat
•   Fully supported bicycle ride and trek in Kerala's Western Ghat region

Duration : 13 nights / 14 days
Destination covered : Kochi - Thattekked - Munnar - Periyar - Kochi

Day 1 Arrive Kochi
Arrive in Kochi at any time.

Day 2 Kochi
Explore Fort Kochi by bicycle, taking in the highlights of Jew Town, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch (Mattancherry) palace, and St. Francis church. Overnight in at hotel.

Days 3 - 4 Kochi - Thattekkad
After visitng the Elephant Kraal, we will cycle towards the Western Ghats and the lowland forests of Thattekkad. We pass through scenic countryside with temples, spice gardens, paddy fields and rubber plantations. We enter the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, with nearly 320 species. Also enjoy kayaking along the calm waters of the River Periyar. Overnight in at hotel.

Day 5 Kochi - Munnar
Morning breakfast in Hotel. Munnar was once a summer resort for the British government in South India. Now filled many with tea plantations, coffee and cardamom estates. Overnight in at hotel.

Days 6 - 7 Walking in Kerala's High Ranges (Munnar)
Walking amongst the lush sprawling tea estates and coffee and cardamom plantations. We move to reach the world's highest tea estate. Overnight in at hotel.

Day 8 Cycling in the Western Ghats from Munnar to Periyar
Cycle to Periyar National Park, to the realm of one of India's most enduring symbols, the tiger. Overnight in at hotel.

Day 9 Periyar National Park
One of the few habitats remaining for wild tigers in India, Periyar is part of Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation project designed to protect Royal Bengal Tigers from extinction. Keep your eyes out for herds of wild Asiatic elephants, which often come to bathe in Periyar lake. Overnight in at hotel.

Days 10 - 11 Kayaking in the Backwaters
Breakfast in hotel and proceed to an adventure on kayaking ride. Paddle the idyllic backwaters through narrow canals with your only company being the peaceful villages, smiling children and farmers hard at work. Overnight in at hotel.

Day 12 Houseboat
Houseboats were originally used for carrying rice and spices, but have been converted to take us through the Keralan backwaters on a relaxing journey. Made from wood and coconut fiber this journey is sure to be a highlight. Overnight in at hotel.

Day 13 Kochi
Travel back to our starting point, Kochi. There will be free to do some final shopping or maybe watch sunset at the Chinese fishing nets on Fort Kochi before gathering for a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in at hotel.

Day 14 Depart Kochi
Board your homebound flight.