Best of Kerala ... God's Own Country !
Kerala is a perfect destination for nature, culture and relaxation.
With its laid-back beach scene, swaying elephant rides and gentle houseboat cruises along tropical backwaters, you'll soon see why National Geographic Traveller voted Kerala one of its ten 'Paradise Found'.
There are many fascinating elements that make Kerala an ideal family holiday destination
For many travellers, Kerala is South India's most serenely beautiful state. This slender coastal strip is defined by its layered landscape: almost 600 kms of glorious Arabian Sea coast and beaches; a languid network of glistening backwaters; and the spice-and-tea covered hills of the Western Ghats, dotted with fiercely protected wildlife reserves and cool hill stations such as Munnar.
Just setting foot on this swathe of soul-soothing, palm-shaded green will slow your subcontinental stride to a blissed-out amble. Kerala is a world away from the frenzy of the rest of India, its long, fascinating backstory illuminated by historically evocative cities like Kochi (Cochin) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Tour cost starts at Rs.130000
Photos
Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival Kochi / Transfer to Athirapaly / Sightseeing
Upon arrival at Kochi transfer to Athirapally [Water falls] [70 Kms - 2 hours drive]
Athirapally is located in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. The falls located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, with height of 24-metres (80 ft), is a popular tourist destination. Let the soothing sounds take you to some of nature's most relaxing places - the beautiful waterfall of Athirapally
Check in at hotel
Enjoy views of Athirapally water falls from the hotel and later visit the Falls
Athirapally Waterfalls
Athirapally Waterfalls are located at the entrance of Sholayar ranges, the major host town is Chalakudy, this waterfall is one of the major picnic spots of Kerala. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirapally water Falls is 80 feet high and located exactly in the forest area.
Vazhachal Waterfalls
The Vazhachal waterfall is a scenic and popular waterfall on the edge of the Sholayar forest range in Kerala. The Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy River. It is cool, misty waters cascading down with the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain is a scintillating experience for visitors.
Dinner & overnight at Athirapally - Day 2
Athirapally to Munnar
After breakfast, depart for Munnar [130 Kms - 3 to 4 hours drive]
Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquillity - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft from sea level located in Idukki district, Munnar was the favoured summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - The misty mountains and valleys, the whispering wilds and the refreshing drizzles are delight at any time of the year. The mountain slopes are a nicely laden green carpet of evergreen tea plantations interspaced by murmuring jungle streams, winding roads and pathways.
Upon arrival check in at Hotel
Day at leisure to relax or free for local sightseeing
Dinner & overnight at Munnar - Day 3
Munnar Sightseeing
After breakfast, day at leisure for local sightseeing
Echo Point
This is an ideal place for adventure and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.
Mattupetty
The Mattupetty Lake and Dam is enroute to Top Station and is situated at an altitude of 1700 m. You will often see people enjoying a lazy picnic here. Visitors love the panoramic view of the dam surrounded by wooden hills and tea plantations.
Kundala
The charming town of Kundala is located at a distance of about 20 kilometers from Munnar. This town is famous for the Golf Course, which is owned by the famous Tata Tea Ltd. Company. You can also visit and the Kundala artificial dam, which is a popular picnic spot.
Tea Plantation Walk
You can spend hours enjoying the lush greenery of the tea gardens spread for miles and miles in and around the picturesque KananDevan Hills. You can watch the tea pickers with their bags strapped to their backs. They are so skilled to safely do their work even when they work in very steep hill terrain in misty conditions.
The Tea Museum
The Tata Tea has opened a museum to preserve and showcase a large collection of very interesting aspects on the origin and progression of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges. It has displayed old photographic images, machineries and other interesting antiques related to the very early tea cultivation at Munnar. These exhibits pay tribute to the hard work of its pioneers who have shown utmost determination and personal sacrifices to transform Munnar into a major plantation of Kerala. Visitors can get a first- hand glimpse into how Munnar was turned into one of the best tea gardens in the world. Timings: 10.00 am to 05.00 pm
Kottagudi Plantation
Kottagudi plantation is in the Kolukkumalai Hills. The walk or drive to Kottagudi Plantations is a thrilling experience. This is located in the picturesque East –Western Hills and valleys of the Western Ghats. The ridges of Kottagudi Plantations tell you more about the story of the plantation history of South India.
Dinner & overnight at Munnar - Day 4
Munnar to Thekkady
After breakfast, depart for Thekkady [100 Kms - 4 to 5 hours drive]
Thekkady is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations & thick jungles. Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is centered around the large (24 sq km) artificial lake formed by a dam across the Periyar river
The main attraction is a boat trip over this man-made lake of Thekkady. The forest department can also arrange elephant rides and trekking inside the sanctuary. One can see deers, monkeys, tigers, herds of elephants and other exotic flora and fauna here. For the more adventurous, trekking around the jungle would be an exciting thing to do
Upon arrival check in at Hotel
Rest of the day at leisure to bask in the natural beauty of Periyar Sanctuary
Evening free for local shows
Kathakali show - Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the areaof southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code.
Kalaripayattu show – Kalaripayattu -the oldest of martial arts-is a gift to the modern world and known as the mother of all martial arts. legend traces the 3000-year old art form to sage Parasurama-the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the arabian sea. Kalaripayattu originated in ancient south India. Kung-fu, popularized by the monks of the shaoline temple traces its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma-an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master.
Dinner & overnight at Thekkady - Day 5
Thekkady Sightseeing
After breakfast, day free for Thekkady local sightseeing
Hotel reception / activity center can help you with reservation to Periyar Sanctury, Boat ride, etc.
Safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife.
Though its a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian Elephants of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake. Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here.
Plantation Tour & Nature Walk
Plantation Eco-Tours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Kumily, Thekkady. Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions. The hotel also arranges for morning and evening nature walks.
Elephant rides
The forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle. Time : 1000 to 1700 hrs. Duration of a trip : 30 minutes. Tickets are available from the wildlife information centre.
Boat cruises on the Periyar Lake
The boat ride is open from morning 7 AM to afternoon 4 PM and is of approximately 2 hours duration. You will be moving around the lake and might get a glimpse of animals in the jungle bordering the lake to quench their thirst. Spot tickets are to be bought at an approximate rate of Rs.100 per person.
Dinner & overnight at Thekkady - Day 6
Thekkady to Alleppey or Kumarakom
After breakfast, depart for Alleppey or Kumarakom [130 Kms - 4 hours drive]
The scenic backwaters of Kerala comprise serene stretches of lakes, canals and lagoons located parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea. The backwater regions of Kerala are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The tranquil backwater cruises are a once in a lifetime experience. Alleppy & Kumarakom are especially popular for its houseboat cruises where you can soak in nature at its finest form.
Upon arrival check in at Hotel
Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the back waters
Dinner & overnight at Alleppey - Day 7
Alleppey or Kumarakom Sightseeing
After breakfast, day at leisure for local sightseeing & backwater cruise
Vembanad Lake
The beautiful Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom is famous for its exceptional scenic beauty, lush green surroundings and exciting boat cruises. The Vembanad wetland system covers an area of over 1512 km and is bordered by 3 districts.
Backwaters
Backwaters is a major sightseeing destination that can be visited by renting a houseboat. These houseboats take visitors through the canals, lagoons, lakes, river and backwaters in the region. These houseboats comprise a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom and other important facilities.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is situated at a distance of 8 km from Kumarakom, at Vaikom. This temple is associated with Rishi Parasurama, who was believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is constructed in the traditional Kerala architectural style and is famous for its elephant pageant and unique art performances.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thronged by tourists during the Vaikkath Ashtami festival, which is celebrated every year between November and December. Lord Shiva of this temple is called by the local inhabitants as Vaikkathappan. This idol of Lord Shiva is believed to be as old as 'Treta Yuga' and the temple is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
One of the places of interest at this locale is the bird sanctuary which is a favorite haunt of migratory birds. A large number of mangrove forests cover most of the area here. Green paddy fields and coconut groves provide a perfect home to birds.
Every evening during sunset, most hotels offer a complimentary back water cruise to its in-house guest once during stay
Dinner & overnight at Alleppey - Day 8
Alleppey or Kumarakom to Kovalam
After breakfast, depart for Kovalam [180 Kms - 4 to 5 hours drive]
Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it ravishing look. The palm- fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay.
The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories, makes this beach paradise. This marvellous beach is a tourist's dream come true.
Upon arrival check in at Hotel
Rest of the day at leisure to visit the Kovalam beach
The crescent-shaped Kovalam Beach is divided into three parts. The southern-most beach, Lighthouse Beach, is by far the most popular one. The middle beach, adjacent to it, is called the Hawa Beach, whiles the northern-most beach, Samudra, is the most laidback and secluded.
Vizhinjam Lighthouse at Lighthouse Beach offers superb views across to the Kovalam Jama Masjid. The lighthouse dominates the rocky promontory and is quite a captivating sight during moonlit nights.
Azure waters and pleasant climate make Kovalam a great spot for swimming and sun-bathing. The natural bay offers some safe zones for swimming, kayaking, surfing and skiing. Surf boards and body boards can be hired on the beach. You can also hire a boat from the local fishermen for a bit if angling. The coast at many places is lined with beautiful patches of coral reefs which you can explore by snorkelling.
There are several ayurvedic massage and rejuvenation centres in and around the beach. At the waterfront, you can shop for local handicrafts and jewellery besides gorging upon the delectable seafood at the local restaurants. Fusion, Lonely Planet, Coconut Grove and Rock Cafe on the Lighthouse Beach are good options to try freshly cooked seafood. In the evening, you may watch a Kathakalidance performance right on the beachfront.
Dinner & overnight at Kovalam - Day 9
Kovalam Sighteseing
After breakfast, day at leisure for Kovalam sightseeing
Sri Padmanabhasway Temple
Covering an area of about 2,400 sq. meters, the temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy is believed to be around 260 years old. The temple with its gopuram (tower) soaring majestically upwards is believed to be one of the 108 shrines sacred to the Vaishnavites in India. The main entrance to the temple is through the eastern gopuram that towers to over 30 meters and is devised in the Dravidian style. The deity of the temple, Padmanabha (an incarnation of Vishnu) reclines on the sacred serpent in the inner sanctum. The main shrine inside the temple is well guarded with a number of massive doors and darshan (audience) can be had through the three-door openings into the sanctum sanctorum.
Napier Museum
Dating back to 1880, the Napier Museum building is a combination of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. The building has a unique natural air-conditioning system. A visit to this museum gives you glimpses of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. The museum has an excellent collection of bronzes, historic ornaments, ivory carvings and chariots, and life-size figures of the
Kathakali dancers in full costume.
Sri Chitra Art Gallery
The Sri Chitra Art Gallery houses paintings from the Mughal, Rajput and Tanjore schools of art. Besides these, the gallery has a rare collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetoslav and Nicholas Roerich. An Oriental collection consisting of paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali are a visual treat to the visitor.
Dinner & overnight at Kovalam - Day 10
Kovalam to Kanyakumari / Sightseeing
After breakfast, depart to Kanyakumari [90 kms. - 2 to 3 hrs. drive]
There are no words that can completely describe the beauty of Kanyakumari and it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations of South India. Located in the southern-most point of the Indian mainland, it is a magnificent place of natural beauty where you can see the deep blue waters of the ocean meeting the horizon. This southern-most town of Tamil Nadu is an important attraction for the tourists.
On arrival, check in at hotel
Later embark on Kanyakumari sightseeing
Vivekananda Rock - It was built in 1970. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the greatest social reformer and saint modern India has produced. Swami Vivekananda was supposed to have meditated on the rock where the memorial stands today at the end of the year 1892 before his departure for Chicago to participate in the world religious conference in 1893. The memorial stands today at this place. Meditation hall is also attached with the Memorial. Visiting hours : 8 Am to 4 Pm
Kumari Amman Temple - Kumari Amman Temple is dedicated to Parvathi as Devi Kanya the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva. Darshan Timings: 4 am to 12 noon and again 4 pm to 8 pm
Gandhi Memorial - On Mahatma's Birthday (October 2nd) Sun rays fall on the spot where his ashes were placed before immersion. "I am writing this at the Cape, in front of the sea where three seas meet and furnish a sight unequalled in the world, for this is no port of call for vessels. Like the Goddess, the seas around are virgin" - Mahatma Gandhi
Thiruvalluvar Statue - The Thiruvalluvar statue has been erected on one of the twin rocks off-shore, and nearby Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Height of the Statue is 133 foot. An imposing Memorial of Thiruvalluvar.
Overnight at Kanyakumari - Day 11
Kanyakumari to Trivandrum / Departure flight
After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum airport [90 kms. - 2 to 3 hrs. drive] for departure flight
Notes
Round the Year Destination - Extension recommended to Rameshwaram, Madurai, Trichy, Pondicherry & Tirupati
Hotels
Tour Inclusions [Best of Kerala]
1 night stay at Athirapally
2 nights stay at Munnar
2 nights stay at Thekkady
2 nights stay at Alleppey or Kumarakom
2 nights stay at Kovalam
1 night stay at Kanyakumari
Daily breakfast & dinner
All sightseeing and transfers by private vehicle
Sightseeing as stated [without entry fees / payable directly]
Plantation walk at Munnar
Dance [Kathakali] & Kalaripayattu Show [Traditional Karate] at Thekkady
Back water cruise at Alleppy or Kumarakom
Notes on itinerary
All our itineraries are "Just for Ideas" ... We will get to know you and customise an itinerary just for you that matches your requirements ... dates of travel, category of hotels, preferred airline, flexibility in choosing sightseeing, mode of travel between cities, etc.
Many of our clients have us design more relaxing, slower paced holidays with more in-depth experiences whereas some simply want to visit various destinations and cover only the highlights.
Together, we will determine the ideal route, pace of travel, accommodations, levels of pampering, style of touring, sightseeing to be included, dining preferences, adventure levels, options to meet locals, dates of travel & much more ! and based on this arrive at a price.
Do feel free to get in touch with us by a quick call on +91 79 29602961 or a short mail on mail@destinations4india.com ... Looking forward
