Best Of Kerala

Duration: 6Days /5Nights
Places Covered:Cochin - Munnar - Thekaddy - : Periyar - Trivandrum - Kovalam - Alleppey -

Day 1: Arrive - Cochin
You are met on arrival at the Cochin airport and transferred to your hotel. Cochin is one of the most interesting towns in South India. A trading port since Roman times, it was on the main trade route between Europe and China. Fort Kochi, a Portuguese fort, founded in 1503 is now in ruins. Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights and in 1663 it was substantially rebuilt by the Dutch. The cosmopolitan history is still evident as well as European intervention. The Jewish synagogue is in Mattancherry and the Jews claim to have settled here in 587 BC and some legends trace their origin to King Solomon 1030 BC. The earliest evidence of their presence and importance is a copper inscription dated AD 388.
Afternoon proceed for a guided tour of Cochin visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Cemetery, the Chinese Nets, Willingdon Island, and Hill Palace Museum. In the afternoon, you will be taken for an hour show of Kathakali - the ancient dance from Kerela. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2: Cochin - Munnar
Morning you travel approximately 3-4 hours by private vehicle for Munnar. MUNNAR - One of the most popular hill stations in India, is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts. above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.
Overnight is at the hotel

Day 3: Munnar - Periyar
This morning you travel by private vehicle to Thekkady, the main entrance to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. Afternoon proceed for boat ride on Lake Periyar. Covering an area of 300 square miles Periyar is one of the largest and most frequently visited wildlife reserves in India. It is part of the Project Tiger campaign and animals inhabiting the area include elephant, deer, pig, tiger, leopard, bison, monkeys and malabar squirrel. Whilst actually spotting an illusive tiger or leopard could prove difficult, the mix of wooded hills and valleys make it a wonderful place to enjoy the greenery. Return to your resort for breakfast then a local guide takes you to view spice plantations of cardamom, pepper and other local specialties.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Periyar-Alleppey
After breakfast you make a short trip to the ferry point where you board your houseboat. Depending on the number of travellers in your party you will be on a one or two room houseboat that travels until sunset when it then anchors for the night. Your boat has a private balcony with comfortable chairs (perfect for that G&T while the sun goes down!). The rooms are fully furnished with attached bathrooms. Each boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialities and fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips!
The entire state of Kerala is blessed with plenty of rivers and the resources of many are still untapped. The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala's villages. Houseboats, also known as kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these boats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. With their languid grace and quaint design adding another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters. Overnight at houseboat

Day 5: Alleppey-Trivandrum/Kovalam
Around midday you depart from your majestic rice boat home at Allepey. Your private driver will meet you and take you directly to the hotel in Kovalam. Rest of the day is free and at leisure to explore the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 6: Kovalam - Trivandrum // Depart Trivandrum
In the morning proceed for a guided half-day city tour of Trivandrum visiting The ancient temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy is one of the major attractions in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Move around the city and you get to see various picturesque spots besides the glimpses of the city's past. Some of the attractions that are not to be missed are the Napier Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Zoo, Observatory Hill, Science and Technology Museum, and Chacha Nehru Children's Museum.

Later in time transfer to the airport enable board flight for onward destination.
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