God's Own Country - KERALA (8 Days private trip)

Day 1 Kochi (arrival)

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   Fort Kochi

   2 hours

   Arrive by flight at Kochi by noon. The serene Kochi (a.k.a. Cochin) has been drawing traders and explorers to its shores for over 600 years. Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix of giant fishing nets from China, a 400-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj. The result is an unusual blend of medieval Netherlands, Portugal and an English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast.
   The private car will pick up from the Kochi airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kochi. In the afternoon head out for local sightseeing tour of Kochi. Visit the Cochin Spice Market & Chinese fishing nets, the biggest attractions of Kochi.
   Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kochi.

Day 2 Kochi – Munnar [5 hours by road]

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   Munnar

   1 hour

   After breakfast check-out from the hotel and head straight to Munnar. The rolling hills around Munnar, South India's largest tea-growing region, are carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations, contoured, clipped and sculpted like ornamental hedges. One of the biggest tea-plantation regions of South India, Munnar is also one of the most beautiful and popular hill-stations of Kerala. Situated on the banks of three rivers- Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru, Munnar is also blessed with natural view-points apart from the tea-plantations.
   After around 5 hours journey reach Munnar by afternoon. Check-in at hotel on arrival. In the evening head out to see Kalaripayattu Show. Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art, which originated as a style in Kerala.
   Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Munnar.

Day 3 Munnar (sightseeing)

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   Kannan Devan Tea Museum

   7 hours Admission ticket included

   After breakfast head out for sightseeing. Visit Pothamedu View Point, which provides a panoramic view of the mountains and tea plantations. Then visit the Munnar Tea Museum. The tea museum preserves the aspects of the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's mountain region of the Western Ghats. Later enjoy a tea plantation walk. In the noon go for a Jeep ride tour, enjoy the ride to Mankulam and Anakulam villages surrounded by plantations and dense forest. On this ride, you will get a chance to see high-altitude tea gardens, waterfalls, tribal areas, organic villages and possibly wild elephants.
   Reach back at the hotel by evening. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Munnar.

Day 4 Munnar - Periyar (Thekkady) [4 hours by road]

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   Thekkady

   6 hours

   After breakfast check-out from the hotel & head towards Periyar. The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
   On the way visit spice plantation. The spice plantations are one of the major attractions of the region. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in, since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation.
   Reach Periyar by late afternoon and check-in at the hotel on arrival. Evening is at your leisure. Dinner & overnight stay will be at the hotel in Periyar (Thekkady).

Day 5 Periyar (sightseeing)

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   Periyar National Park

   6 hours Admission ticket included

   Early in the morning (around 7:00 am), set out for half day guided jungle walk tour and Bamboo rafting at Periyar National Park. This activity takes close to 6 hrs. The wildlife sanctuary is also famous for its tiger reserve and elephant reserve. Visiting the sanctuary will be like exploring the nature around, enjoying the pristine and peaceful atmosphere around and getting relaxed from your busy schedules. There are bright chances to spot the elephant herd in the jungle while you are walking through the trails.
   Reach back to hotel by noon. Afternoon is at your leisure. In the evening head out to see Kathakali show (a very popular Indian classical dance form). Dinner & overnight stay will be at the hotel in Periyar (Thekkady).

Day 6 Periyar (Thekkady) – Kumarakom [4 hours by road]

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   Kumarakom

   6 hours

   After breakfast check-out from the hotel & head towards Kumarakom, a sleepy little village on the shores Vembanad Lake in Kerala, situated 14 Kms away from Kottayam. It offers wide variety of flora, exotic sightseeing, boating and fishing experience. Kumarakom is a true travel pleasure that will mesmerize your senses. It is a paradise on earth. It is one of the foremost travel destinations of India and a jewel in the crown of Kerala tourism.
   Reach Kumarakom by the afternoon. Check-in at the hotel on arrival. Evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 7 Kumarakom – Alleppey [1.5 hours by road]

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   Alleppey Backwaters

   3 hours Admission ticket included

   After early breakfast head out for village tour. Visiting a local village will give an experience beyond imagination for the tourists who look for something different during their trip in Kerala. See how locals do the Coconut tree climbing, Screw pine weaving, Net fishing, Toddy tapping and other farm activities. Also enjoy a Shikara boat ride during this tour. Shikara boat is comparatively small in size than houseboats and motorboats but it is really beautiful handicraft work in elegant Kerala style.
   In the noon check-out from hotel & head towards Alleppey (a.k.a. Alappuzha). Welcome to the “Venice of the East” – Alleppey, world famous for its vast mesmerizing backwaters.
   Reach Alleppey by noon. Check-in at a private AC houseboat. Have lunch on the houseboat. Enjoy a boat cruise through the magnificent Vembanad lake for an unforgettable experience of backwater cruising. Dinner & overnight stay at the houseboat in Alleppey.

Day 8 Alleppey – Kochi (departure) [3 hours by road]

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   Kochi (Cochin)

   3 hours

   After breakfast check out from houseboat, Private car will drop you at Kochi Airport by afternoon. Bid farewell with the memories of this amazing fun-filled 08 days trip through the God’s Own Country – Kerala, worth remembering for the lifetime!