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Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
Places to Visit: Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Kovalam - Kanyakumari - KOvalam

Day 01: Cochin
Arrival at Kerala
Fishing Net Cochin, Kerala

Arrive Cochin and transfer to Hotel.

The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.

The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.

A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.

The Santa Cruz Basilica, a church built originally by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul 1V in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors that destroyed many Catholic buildings. Later the British demolished the structure and Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new building in 1887. Consecrated in 1905, Santa Cruz was proclaimed a Basilica by the Pope John Paul II in 1984.

St. Francis Church, Cochin

Fort Kochi is also home to one of India's oldest churches - the St. Francis Church. This was a Roman Catholic Church during the Portuguese rule from 1503 to 1663, then a Dutch Reformist Church from 1664 to 1804 and Anglican Church from 1804 to 1947. Today the Church of South India (CSI) governs it. Another important fact about the church is that Vasco Da Gama, who died in 1524, was buried here before his mortal remains were returned to Portugal 14 years later... Each and every structure, street, door, window and brick in Fort Kochi have several stories to tell.

Afternoon proceed for city tour of Cochin which includes Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace etc.

Choose from:

Bolgatty Palace: This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolgatty island. At present it is being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.

Chinese Fishing Nets, Cochin

Chinese fishing nets: The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on Teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach. The Square is ideal place to idle, with stalls serving fresh delicious seafood, tender coconut etc.

Dutch Palace: the Portuguese originally built The Dutch Palace. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi was held here. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow: This charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof of the ground floor, arched doors and sprawling rooms. Waterfront verandahs are an added attraction.

Santa Cruz Basilica: This historic church was built by the Portuguese and changed to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1795 it fell into the hands of the British when they took over Kochi, and was demolished. About a hundred years later Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site in 1887. Pope John Paul II proclaimed the Church a Basilica in 1984.

Hill Palace: Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings.

Jew Town: The area around the Synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops.

Museum of Kerala History: The museum has on display life size statues of many famous personalities and several paintings depicting Kerala History.

Cherai Beach: This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here.

Pallipuram Fort: It is the oldest European fort built in India.

Parikshit Thampuran Museum: The museum is situated near the famous Shiva Temple, Ernakulam. It houses a treasure of archaeological findings and relics including old coins, sculptures oil paintings and murals.

St Francis Church: It is the oldest church built by European in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Cochin – Munnar
Munnar

By Road 150 km in 4 hr

Breakfast at hotel.

In the morning depart for Munnar (approx.4 hours journey), enjoying the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by.

Arrive Munnar and check in at hotel.

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2007 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Overnight at Munnar.

Day 03: Munnar
Morning proceed for Munnar sightseeing after breakfast.

Move through the tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers. Lush green hills all around - a place difficult to describe. Very low population and moved away from the city pollution makes Munnar a special destination.

Sightseeing includes Raja Malai, a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats), Muttuputty dam and the Indo Swiss project. You can also enjoy boating in the Lake.

Overnight at Munnar.

Tea Estates, Thekkady

Day 04: Munnar – Thekkady
By Road 150 km in 4 hr

Breakfast at hotel.

Proceed for Thekkady - drive through tea estates, spice gardens and wild forests. Arrive Thekkady after a memorable drive of approx. 4 hours. Check in at hotel.

In the evening visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available.

Overnight at Thekkady.

Day 05: Thekkady – Kumarokom: By Road 175 km in 5 hr
In the morning proceed to Kumarakom after breakfast.

Arrive at Kumarakom, after a journey of approx. 5 hours enjoying the beauty of the traditional Keralian houses.

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarokom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Houseboat, Kumarakom

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarokom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarokom. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarokom.

An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lilies - this is Kumarokom. A picturesque world of backwaters thatched houseboats, Cormorants, Chinese fishing nets and swaying palms - An ideal getaway.

Check in at Hotel. Overnight at Kumarakom.

Day 06: Kumarokom
Morning go for boat cruise in the lake.

Afternoon will be at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Kumarokom – Kovalam: By Road 120 km in 3 hr
Morning drive to Kovalam, the international beach Resort with full of Coconut trees.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach of Kerala, with three adjacent crescent beaches. Kovalam has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful Bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs, Catamaran cruising etc.

The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Puthenmalike Palace, Zoo, Planetarium, Veli Lagoon, Ponmudi hill station etc. SMSM Institute, a State owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles. Nearest railway station:

Evening enjoy the beach.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08: Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Kovalam:By Road
Day excursion

Breakfast at hotel.

Full day excursion to Kanyakumari, Enroute visit Padmanabhapuram Palace and Suchindram Temple. At Kanykumari visit Vivekanada rock.

Drive back to Kovalam in the evening.

Day 09: Kovalam – Home/next destination
Breakfast at hotel.

Transfer at leisure for flight/train to the next destination.

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