Destinations Covered: Cochin -Thekkady - Kumarakom - Trivandrum Duration: 06 nights / 07 days
Day 01: Arrive Cochin - Thekkaddy (160 kms/4.5hrs)
Meet and assistance on arrival at the airport.
Transfer to hotel.
Cochin - Kochi (Cochin) is rightly termed as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' with a number of islands and promontories between the Arabian Sea and backwaters. It spreads across modern Ernakulam in the east and the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin in the west, which are interconnected by romantic ferries and bridges. The profound foreign influence can be seen in the architectural styles of its monuments. Some of the city's highlights are spice markets, Chinese fishing nets, Jewish synagogue, Portuguese palace, India's first European church, Dutch homes and Kathakali dance performances.
Overnight in a jungle resort.
Day 02: Thekkady
Early morning visit to the Periyar Wildlife Park on a safari.
Periyar Wildlife Park - Best-known wildlife sanctuary in South India, Kerala's Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is famous for wild Indian elephants and a century old artificial lake set in the beautiful thick woods of Western ghats. The other highlights here are Nilgiri Langoors, Nilgiri Tahrs, Bisons, Deers and Antelopes. Besides one can spot about 100 species of butterfly and 240 species of birds here and take a tour of the aromatic spice gardens around the park.
Later, return to the resort and have breakfast.
Day free at leisure at the jungle resort to explore the natural beauty on own.
Evening, visit the Periyar Lake for boating.
This is unique experience to watch captivating assortment of the fauna at close quarters into the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Overnight stay at the resort.
Day 03: Thekkaddy - Kumarakom (130kms/5hrs)
After breakfast proceed to Kumarkom.
On arrival, check in backwater resort. You will enjoy the serene beauty of this backwater famous calm place.
Day free at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Kumarakom
Breakfast at resort.
Day free to experience the backwater cruising on the rice houseboats luxury double room houseboats with meals served on board.
Kumarakom - 14 km from Kottayam, Kumarakom is situated on the shores of Vembanad Lake in Kerala in the 'Kuttanad region' known as the rice bowl of Kerala. A cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, the 14-acre bird sanctuary in Kumarakom is a favourite haunt of migratory birds such as Egrets, Darters, Herons, Teals and Siberian Storks. However, boat cruising in Kettuvallams, traditional houseboats of Kerala, round the islands is the best way to spot them.
One can also opt for an overnight lazy cruising in Kettuvalams.
Kettuvallams, the old rice-barges or Kera;a has now been converted into houseboats and are much popular with the tourists. Surprisingly, it is hand-made and not even nails are used to make these boats. The slow movement of the boats suit the purpose of leisurely enjoying the colorful village scenery of the South. After breakfast, cruising through Azhikkal Canal passing through Kuppapuram, Pallathuruthy, Swamy Canal, Meenappally Kayal, Muttael Canal, Kainakary Church Canal, Vatta Kayal, Venattukadu Canal, Aakkathara Canal and Paddy fields is once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Overnight in resort/houseboats.
Day 05: Kumarakom - Trivandrum (Kovallam): (170 kms/5hrs)
Enjoy relaxed breakfast in resort.
Then, drive to Kovallam beach.
Upon arrival, check in beach resort and enjoy and rejuvenate your body and souls with Ayurveda massage (optional).
Day 06: Trivandrum (Kovallam)
Breakfast at resort.
Experience the various kinds of Ayurveda treatments, oils and other products along with massages and the procedure and the art of doing so at the resort (optional). Also, relax yourself on the beach.
Kovalam - Kovalam is known for its golden sands bordered by coconut palm trees. 16 km from Trivandrum, it was once a fishing village and is now an evergreen beach resort with a pleasant climate. Known as the 'Paradise of the South', Kovalam is now one of the most favoure tourist destinations all over the world. The scenic beauty, serenity and the seafood alonf with Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities make Kovalam a popular haven for tourists.
Overnight at resort.
Day 07: Trivandrum - Departure
Breakfast at hotel.
Day free at leisure until late evening transfer to the international airport to board flight back home.
