Kerala

Welcome to God’s own country. Pick up from Cochin airport. Check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, admire the Chinese fishing nets and have a walk in Vasco de Gama Square and Fort Cochin Beach. Watch a classical dance of Kathakali. This traditional performance art combines drama, dance, music, and ritual, captivating audiences with its vibrant costumes, intricate makeup, and expressive gesture. Overnight in Kochi.

Start the day with the visit of the famous Dutch Palace (The Mattancherry Palace), which is one of the finest examples of the Kerala style of architecture interspersed with colonial influences. It was built around 1545 C.E. by the Portuguese. Visit the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, originally built by the Portuguese in 1505. The St. Francis Church, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, was built around 1503 by the Portuguese traders who reached the Kingdom of Kochi with their Admiral Pedro Alvarez de Cabral. The legendary Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama was buried in the St. Francis Church in the year 1524. Even though his remains were later taken to Portugal, the church still has the burial spot and tombstone inside. Continue your visit to the Jewish Synagogue, situated at one end of Jew Street in the Jew Town enclave of Mattancherry in Fort Kochi. This synagogue was built in 1568 by the Malabar Yehudans and the Cochin Jewish community. The Jew Street in Kochi is noted for its antique shops. Overnight in Kochi.

Travel to Munnar, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundale, Munnar is 1600 meters above sea level. During colonial times, Munnar was the summer resort of the British government.

Full day sightseeing tour of Munnar. Today you will spend the day sightseeing locally. You will visit Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake, and Echo Point. Then have a walk in the tea plantations.

Proceed to Thekkady, the famous wildlife sanctuary. Later, visit the spice plantations. In the evening, you can enjoy a refreshing boat safari in the beautiful Periyar Lake, where you can see wild elephants, boars, deer, and maybe tigers. Stay overnight in Thekkady.

Drive to Kumarakom. Check in to the hotel. In the afternoon we proceed for local sightseeing in & around Kumarakom – a tiny backwater village perched on the western banks of Vembanadu Lake. The serene backwater stretches for over 900 sq. km. which is truly a sight to witness. Opt for a canoe to soak in the beauty of this backwater paradise at its best and admire the species of birds. Overnight in Kumarakom.

This place is known for its calm backwaters and cruise houseboats. Experience a cruise in a private houseboat along the banks of the Vembanad, known as the “Venice of the East.” Float past rural villages, coconut palms, and rice paddies. Overnight in Alleppey in the houseboat.

Leave the serene town of Alleppey to reach Kovalam. Kovalam is a famous beach town in Kerala known for its palm-lined sandy beaches. Upon reaching Kovalam, explore its popular attractions, and then check in to your allotted hotel. Overnight in Kovalam.

Full day rest in Kovalam to enjoy the beach. Overnight in Kovalam.

Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, is known for its colonial-style architecture and illustrious art galleries. You will visit Padmanabha Swamy Temple dedicated to Vishnu, before going to the airport.