Destinations Covered: Mumbai – Kovalam – Varkala – Kumarakom – Thekkaddy – Munnar – Cochin – Mumbai
Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Day 01 / Arrive Mumbai On arrival, meet assist at the airport and transfer to hotel. Night stay in Mumbai. Day 02 / Mumbai Morning enjoy a half day tour of Mumbai covering Gateway of India – The stone archway designed by Wittett in the 16th century Gujarat style. Elephanta Caves – 9kms by sea. These 7th century rock – cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Night stay in Mumbai.
Day 03 / Mumbai – Trivandrum – Kovalam Morning transfer to airport to connect flight to Trivandrum. On arrival in Trivandrum drive to Kovalam & transfer to hotel. Later enjoy the day in the sand. At one’s choice from any of the centers nearby, one can pamper oneself with a herbal, body- toning message. Night stay in Kovalom.
Day 04 / Kovalam – Cape Camorin – Kovalam Morning go for a same day return trip to Cape camorin. Visit, Padmanabhapuram Palace & Archaeological museum – drive back to Kovalam. 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. Night stay in Kovalam.
Day 05 / Kovalam – Varkala Morning after breakfast proceed towards Varkala. Varkala is a small seaside town in Kerala, has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century. To this day, the eight-hundred year old Janardhana Temple remains a popular pilgrimage spot. Varkala is also blessed with an unspoilt, golden beach, lapped by the waters of the Indian Ocean. Visit the Portugese church of Anjengo dated to the time of occupation, which maybe the Elanchoros of the geography of Ptomempee (2nd century A.D.). Also visit the English Fort constructed in 1695 A.D. by the English ‘East India Company’, which play an important role in the war of Mysore in 18th century. Also have an option to go for body therapy over there. Night stay in Kovalam.
Day 06 / Varkala – Kumarakom Morning ride into Kumarakom – the backwater country – by speed boat or a luxury cruiser from Varkala and then make yourself at home in its small-town hush. Night stay in Kumarakom.
Day 07 / Kumarakom Morning after breakfast proceed for a boat ride into the countryside, and visit the Bird Sanctuary. One can indulge in water sports such as Wind Sailing & Water Skiing. Afternoon free at leisure Mangrove Forests, Paddy Fields, and Coconut Groves networked by a maze of waterways and canals adorned with waterlillies, make Kumarakam an unbelievably beautiful natural paradise. Can even take a canoe out into the quiet lakes. Night stay in Kumarakom.
Day 08 / Kumarakom – Thekkady Getting to Periyar is as sublime as the destination itself. A scenic journey past mist capped mountains, spice plantations and open grasslands lined with spectacular water falls & delightful trekking trails form the access to your hide way here. On arrival transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Thekkady.
Day 09 / Thekkady Morning visit the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Trekking with a local guide familiarizes you to the rare birds, trees & flowers that are come across here. One can even set upon a walk through the plantations filled with the heady fragrance of fresh spice. A boat safari on the Periyar Lake extends a lifetime’s chance to spot exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. Like the eccentric bathing habits of the wild elephants that come down to the lake. Night stay in Thekkady.
Day 10 / Thekkady – Munnar In the morning, head towards a place which is called as ” nature lover’s paradise” Sprawling tea plantations. Picture book’s town. Winding lanes filled with the heady fragrance of fresh tea, all 1800m above the sea level. After arrival , transfer to hotel. Night stay in Munnar.
Day 11 / Munnar Munnar has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi – which towers over 2695m. An assortment of wild life such as the Nilgiri Thar, Nilgiri Langur, Sambhar, Gaur and the lion tailed Macaque are found in the rich tropical forests around. Devikulam – This serene hill township is a nature lover’s retreat. Trout fishing on the Devikulam lake is a major attraction. Eravikulam National park – It is the best place to see Nilgiri Thar, the mountain goat of South India. Night stay in Munnar.
Day 12 / Munnar – Cochin Morning drive to Cochin, On arrival in “Queen Of The Arabian Sea” transfer to hotel. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening enjoy Kathakali dance show. Kerala renowned through out the world for its harmonious blending of poetry, music, costumes and gestures to narrate stories from Indian Epics. Night stay in Cochin.
Day 13 / Cochin Morning proceed for city tour covering: Jewish Synagogue – Built in 1568 the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth stands, adorned by hundreds of exquisite hand – painted Chinese tiles in blue & white. St. Francis church Originally, built out of wood in 1503 and thus earning fame as the oldest European church in India. Vasco de Gama was buried there. Dutch Palace – As one climb its stone steps, one enter a different world of Palanquins and heraldry, jewels and rich murals. Roam about in the cobbled streets. Night stay in Cochin.
Day 14 / Cochin – Mumbai – Departure Transfer to airport to en board flight to Bombay . On arrival meet assist and transfer to hotel. Later have dinner and transfer to International Airport to board the onward flight.
