All India Travel Tours - India Holiday Tour Packages - Best of Kerala
Best of Kerala
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Places Covered: (Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarokom -Alleppey - Cochin )
Day 01: Cochin
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 natural harbours in the world. Kochi thus became a heaven for sealover 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.
Afternoon proceed for city tour of Cochin which includes Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace etc.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Cochin - 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.
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.
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 - Alleppey
Houseboat Cruise
Morning go for Bird Sanctuary Visit.
Later, check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Overnight at Houseboat.
Day 07: Alleppey - Cochin (By Road: 60 km in 1 hr)
Disembark the boat at Alleppey.
Alleppey is known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Here you can enjoy the lively villages and backwaters. It is located on the banks of the backwater and you can witness various types of traditional activities like coir making, fishing, etc.
Transfer at leisure to Cochin for flight/train to the next destination.
Best of Kerala
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