A cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin or Kochi is perhaps the second best poet on the Western Ghats. Known as 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', it reflects the best of all that Kerala has to offer. A rich past and a vibrant present, Kochi gained the status of the business hub of the region long back. Comprising of mainland of Ernakulam, the islands of Willington, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island north of Fort Cochin, all the parts of Kochi are well-linked by ferries. Being a seaport, many foreigners came to the place and one can clearly see the influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans in its culture and lifestyles of the natives. It boasts of the oldest church in India, the famous old-traditioned Chinese fishing nets
Thekkady, about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district, central Kerala. The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arr. at Cochin - Munnar
Our representative will receive you on arrival at Cochin Airport. Get driven to Munnar (153 Kms and 5 Hrs drive). Check in at Hotel in Munnar. Day free for rest and personal activity. Overnight at hotel.
Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country.
Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave- so welcome - log on to munnar.com for all information on Munnar anytime, every time.
Day 2: Munnar
After breakfast start sightseeing of Munnar. Including: Rajamalai, Matuppetty, Kundala Dam. Evening free to explores the city. Overnight at Hotel .
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady
After breakfast drive to Thekkady (110 Kms & 3 Hrs. drive). On arrival check in at Hotel. Evening take a motorboat ride at Periyar Lake to watch the wildlife. Overnight at hotel.
Thekkady in Kerala State , India 's largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India . The 120 years old 'Surki' dam built across Peryiar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq.Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms.
The Country's sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations.
Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places for viewing wild animals. The best time to visit animals is during the months of March, April and May. Thekkady offers facilities for Trekking, elephant riding and boating. Boating through the Placid Lake provides a rare opportunity to watch wild animals at close quarters.
Day 4 Thekkady to Kumarakom
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom (142 Kms and 5 Hrs drive). On arrival check into hotel afternoon enjoy the sightseeing of Bird Sanctuary. Rest day free, enjoy natural surrounding and overnight at hotel.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, a state in India. Geographically, it is located at 9.35 North and 76.26 East. Kumarakom's soil is extremely fertile due to the proximity of the water source, this has resulted in the growth of a wide variety of flora in Kumarakom, especially the mangrove and coconut trees. Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the 'Karimeen' (Pearl Spotted Fish), the 'Chemeen' (Prawns) and the 'Konju' (Tiger Prawns).
Day 5 Kumarakom to Kovalam
Check out time form Houseboat is 10:00 A.M. After check out drives to Kovalam (170 Kms and 5 Hrs drives). On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Padhamanabha Swamy temple, Museum, Horse Palace, Art Gallery. Evening you will be free at Kovalam Beach .
Day 6 Kovalam
Day free for personal activity. All day at leisure on the picturesque white sandy beaches of Kovalam. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 7 Transfer to Trivendrum Airport dropping (15 Kms / ½ hrs)
After breakfast transfer from Kovalam to the Trivendrum airport/railway station for onward travel…Tour ends here…