Destinations Covered: Cochin - Thekkady - Munnar - Madurai - Kovalam Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Day 1 Cochin
Traditional warm welcome at Cochin.
Tender coconut on arrival.
Transfer to a heritage hotel for overnight stay.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city.
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.
Day 2 Cochin
Day for sightseeing and exploring the city.
Cruising on backwaters of Cochin in the evening.
Day 3 Munnar
Transfer to Munnar.
Optional stay at Cochin.
Day 4 Munnar
Morning drive to Thattekad bird sanctuary.
After lunch visit Kodanad, the elephant training center and enjoy elephant ride.
Drive back to Munnar for overnight stay.
Day 5 Munnar
Sightseeing tour of the city and trekking to tea plantations and nearby village of Mattupetty.
Munnar - Situated in Kerala, Munnar is 1600 m above the sea level. Also known as the Kashmir of South India, this beautiful hill resort is ideal for trekking. It also has Anamudi, the highest peak in South India. Its highlights are terrace farming of tea and cardamom, misty mountains, narrow lanes snaking around the hills, waterfalls and lush green forest sanctuaries.
Overnight stay at Munnar.
Day 6 Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady to visit Aranyanivas or Lake Palace.
Evening free to relax and pass time in each other's company.
Day 7 Thekkady
Boat cruise to spot wildlife closely.
Rest of the day free to relax and indulge in jungle activities.
Overnight stay at Thekkady.
Day 8 Madurai
Drive to Madurai.
Sightseeing tour of the city including temples.
Madurai - Famous for the Meenakshi Temple, around which Madurai was built in shape of a lotus, this temple town of South India was once the capital of the Pandya rulers. Originally, it was named as 'Madhurapuri' as it is said that Lord Shiva showered divine nectar here on the day it was to be named. Jasmine flowers of Madurai are very famous.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 9 Kovalam
Visit to Padmanabhapuram Palace.
After lunch drive to Kovalam.
Transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 10 Kovalam
Sightseeing tour of the city including the beaches and indulge in Sun/Sea bath.
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 stay at Kovalam.
Day 11 Kovalam
Ride the traditional houseboats of Kerala for the day.
Day 12 Kovalam
Sightseeing tour of Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala as you cruise on traditional houseboats. In evening, leave for Trivandrum airport, to catch return flight.
