South India Tour - Kerala Special

7 Nights - 8 Days Tour of Kerala. Travel through Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari

 

Day 01

Cochin- Arrival at Cochin Airport/ Railway station and transfer to hotel. Check in at Bolgatty Palace. Sightseeing and overnight stay.

Kochi or Cochin is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula, in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, dubbed 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.

Bolgatty Palace- Cochin

From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin.
Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.
St. Francis Church: oldest European church on Indian soil. The Portuguese Franciscans built it in wood in 1503, but it now stands in stone after having been rebuilt some years later.

 

Chinese fishing nets:
The technique came from Kubla Khan's court and till date serves the purpose, any wonder the Chinese are going great guns.

 

Mattancherry Palace
The Portuguese gifted the Palace to the raja in 1556. The double-storied building stands around a quadrangular courtyard that has a temple. Inside the rooms are stunning. Detailed and fine murals cover the walls depicting stories from the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata and other legends.
Synagogue and Jew Town: Both are in Mattancherry is home for the 20 odd Jews who still live in India, mostly old timers, they chose to stay on even after the creation of Israel and the immigration by most of the younger generation of Jews to the Promised Land.


The synagogue dates back to the 17th century and has pretty patterned floor tiles that were brought in from China. The thick aroma of spices hangs in the air and the street is dotted with tiny stalls selling curios.
Synagogue and Jew Town: Both are in Mattancherry is home for the 20 odd Jews who still live in India, mostly old timers, they chose to stay on even after the creation of Israel and the immigration by most of the younger generation of Jews to the Promised Land. The synagogue dates back to the 17th century and has pretty patterned floor tiles that were brought in from China. The thick aroma of spices hangs in the air and the street is dotted with tiny stalls selling curios.

 

 

Day 02
Munnar- After breakfast transfer to Munnar. Check in at Tea County Resort. Sightseeing and overnight stay. Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country.
Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave- so welcome - log on to munnar.com for all information on Munnar anytime, every time.

 

Day 03
Munnar- After breakfast proceed for sightseeing. Overnight stay.
The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.
Devikulam- idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Rajamala- The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr , Rajamala is 2695 Mts above sea level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.The Niligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.
Eravikulam National Park- The 97 sq. km. park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 Mts) is located in the Southern region of the park. Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.
Top Station- 1700 Mts above sea level , this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodiakanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station (a viewing point) also offers a panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil nadu.
Echo Point- This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.

Day 04
Thekkady- After breakfast transfer to Thekkady. Check in at Aranya Nivas Resort. Sightseeing, boating (own Cost) and overnight stay.
Peryiar- Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geo-morphological diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the park.


This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake's edge.

 

Day 05
Kumarakom- After breakfast transfer to Kumarakom. Check in at Water Scapes Resort. Sightseeing, cruise and overnight stay.
Kumarakom, an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country Crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming. Kumarakom offers nature's best with its virgin forest backwaters. Slumbers on the banks of Vembanad Lake, which weaves an enchanting web with its canals, streams and distributaries, Kumarakom is a place fit for those quiet and intimate moments when you just want to be with yourself in tranquility and peace.

 

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary : A trip to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary what you shouldn't miss. The best time for this is between November and March, when a range of migratory birds from Siberia make it their winter home. Some of the species include the Snake bird, Little Corrant, Crow Pheasant, White-branded water Hen and Tree pie. Occasionally you can catch the native kingfishers setting the waters ablaze in a psychedelic flash of colours. The night herons, the Golden-backed woodpeckers are added delights. At the fourteen-acre bird sanctuary one can glimpse many a rare bird - some of which, sadly, may not be around forever.

 

Day 06
Kovalam- After breakfast transfer to Kovalam. Check in at Hotel Samudra. Sightseeing and overnight stay.
Thiru-v-anantha-puram is a three sylable name meaning the abode of the sacred snake god 'Anantha'. Lord Vishnu of the ancient Indian mytholgy rests on this huge serpent. Thiruvananthapuram and its famous beaches are one of the top tourist destination of Tourists in Inida. It is the capital city of Kerala, the 'God's own Country'. Thiruvananthapuram is well connected by air, rail and road. There are air links to almost all the countries in the Gulf, besides being well connected to the rest of India

 

Day 07
Kovalam- Full day Trivandrum & Kanyakumari sightseeing.
Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of Peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center, it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here. The list of attractions in Kanyakumari is endless. The tourist destination itself is a beautiful place to move around.

The Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple, located on the shore, is dedicated to a manifestation of Parvati, the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain Lord Shiva's hand in marriage. The temple and the adjoining ghat, picturesquely situated overlooking the shore, attract tourist from all over the world. The diamond nose-ring of the deity is famous for its sparkling splendor said to be visible even from the sea.
Shree Padhmanabhaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is held sacred by the Hindus from antiquity. The temple has a large complex with a huge gopuram. It has a tank beside it for ritual bathing. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave- so welcome - log on to munnar.com for all information on Munnar anytime, every time.

Kovalam one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in South India is the best place for relaxation. It has three different beaches of which the Lighthouse beach is the most famous beach. Ayurvedic treatment especially during monsoon is another attraction of Kovalam.

Vizhinjam About 2kms south of Kovalam, it is believed to be an ancient port. The Dutch and Portugese had commercial establishments here. It is being developed as a modern fishing harbour.

Veli lagoon The boat club attracts tourists by providing facilities for pedal boating , row boating , swimming on the placid waters of the veli lake.

Day 08
Tour Ends- After breakfast transfer to Trivandrum Airport/ Railway station for departure.

 

Contact us

GOLDEN TRAVELS
HARMONY ARCADE,
428, D.B.ROAD,R.S.PURAM
COIMBATORE -641002,
TAMILNADU –INDIA
Phone No: 0422 -2477090, 2477099
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