HILLS & WILDLIFE OF KERALA

Day 01  Arrival in Cochin

Meet our representative upon arrival in Cochin and drive towards hotel to check-in. 

Enjoy city tour covering Mattancherry Palace- gifted to the king of Cochin, by Portuguese in 1555, about 500 year old Jewish Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets, local spices market followed by colorful performing art – Kathakali Dance. Later in the evening, return to the hotel for overnight stay.  (Vehicle for arrival transfer & sightseeing)

OVERNIGHT STAY IN COCHIN

Day 02 Drive from Cochin to Munnar (120 km/approx. 4.5 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar - derived its name from the confluence of the three rivers around which the town grew. Today, it offers beautiful vistas, cardamom and spice plantations, aromatic oil factories, sights of several endangered species and the purple-blue of the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom every 12 years. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and spend evening at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.  (Vehicle for sightseeing only)

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MUNNAR (B)

Day 03  Sightseeing in Munnar

Explore Eravikulam National Park, home to various elusive and endangered species. It is a great place to enjoy trekking and offers mind-blowing views of the tea plantations. Later, proceed towards Tea Museum (closed on Monday), which gives an insight to the history of tea plantations of this region. Later visit Mattupetty Dam, Eco Point and Flower Garden. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.  (Vehicle at disposal)

OVERNIGHT STAY IN MUNNAR (B)

Day 04  Munnar – Thekkady (110 kms / approx. 3 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady (Periyar) and on arrival check-in at the hotel. Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Periyar. Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Herds of playful wild elephants have made Periyar Lake their favorite haunt for frolicking in the water. They can be witnessed bathing and swimming here. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake to view the wildlife at close quarters. Other inhabitants of Periyar include the leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgirilangur, bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and sloth bear. Later, take a spice plantation tour. The aroma and pleasant ambiance of the spice and tea plantations of Periyar are fascinating. Spices found in Thekkady include pepper, clove, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, vanilla and curry leaves. In evening, watch traditional Kalari show. (Optional) - You can also enjoy an elephant ride in Periyar. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.  (Vehicle at disposal)

OVERNIGHT STAY IN THEKKADY (B)

Day 05  Drive from Thekkady – Kumarakom (120 kms / approx. 3 hour)

After breakfast, check-out and proceed to Kumarakom - a charming emerald peninsula jutting into the picturesque Vembanad Lake dotted with innumerable traditional country rafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake flows into the mainland, making a labyrinth of lagoons, canals and waterways. Enjoy a boat ride in Vembanad Lake (Optional). Overnight at the backwater resort.  (Vehicle for transfer only)

OVERNIGHT STAY IN KUMARAKOM (B)

Day 06  Kumarakom

Today, enjoy your visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary- An ornithologist's paradise, the sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. Also, you may want to indulge yourself with some Ayurveda treatments in your hotel (On direct-payment basis). Ayurveda is the ancient healing system of India and has been practiced continuously for over 5,000 years. The various treatments are individually prescribed and involve the use of medicated herbal oils, herbs, powders and poultices & natural ingredients. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.  (Vehicle for sightseeing only)

OVERNIGHT STAY IN KUMARAKOM (B)

Day 07 Departure from Cochin

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cochin airport for return flight back home.  (Vehicle for transfer only)