Kerala Backwaters and Leisure Trip

Welcome to India! Upon your arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will escort you to your pre-booked luxury hotel. After check-in, relax and unwind before beginning
your half-day sightseeing tour of Cochin.

• Afternoon: Sightseeing in Cochin
  • Jewish Synagogue: Visit the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, adorned with stunning Belgian chandeliers and Chinese tiles.
  • Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): Explore this palace known for its beautiful murals and a blend of Kerala and European architecture.
  • Chinese Fishing Nets: Witness these iconic fishing nets in action along the waterfront.
  • Fort Kochi: Stroll through this historic neighborhood, soaking in the colonial charm with its quaint streets and vibrant street art.
• Evening:
  • Kathakali Dance Performance: Optional evening experience of Kerala’s traditional dance form at a local cultural center.
  • Overnight: Stay at a heritage hotel in Fort Kochi.

• After breakfast in the hotel embark for the journey towards houseboats in Alleppey where you will board the traditional rice boats.  
• Houseboat Check-in: Board a traditional Kerala houseboat, known as a kettuvallam, and start your journey through the tranquil backwaters.
• Cruise: Drift along the serene waterways, passing by paddy fields, coconut groves, and village life. Enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine on board.
• In the evening you have an option to have a short walk in nearby villages.
• Traditional fishing rods with wire with flour dough can be provided if fishing interests you.
• Evening: Sunset Viewing: Relax on the deck as the sun sets over the backwaters, offering a breathtaking view.
• Overnight: Stay on the houseboat, anchored in the calm backwaters.

• Breakfast on the Houseboat: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the houseboat as it cruises back to the dock.
• Drive to Thekkady: Depart for Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Spice Plantation Visit: Explore the lush spice plantations of Thekkady, where you can see cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and more being cultivated.
• Shopping: Option to purchase freshly harvested spices from local shops.
• Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Take a peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you
• may spot elephants, bison, and a variety of bird species coming to the water’s edge.
• Overnight: Stay at a hotel or resort in Thekkady.

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
• Drive to Munnar. Begin your journey to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations and cool climate. Munnar, often referred to as the "Kashmir of South India," is a picturesque hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala. Situatedat an elevation of around 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) above sea level, Munnar is renowned for its cool climate, rolling hills, and expansive tea gardens. It was once the summer resort for the British during the colonial era, and its charm remains intact, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, honeymooners, and adventure enthusiasts.
• Scenic Beauty and Tea Gardens: Munnar is synonymous with lush green tea plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see. These tea gardens, established by British planters in the late 19th century, are among the highest in the world.
• Afternoon: Explore Munnar
  • Tea Gardens: Visit the sprawling tea gardens, where you can learn about tea production and enjoy the stunning vistas. The Tea Museum in Munnar, managed by Tata Tea, offers a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of tea production in the region. The museum houses old machinery, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of Munnar’s tea industry. Visitors can also watch demonstrations of the tea-making process.
  • Mattupetty Dam: Stop by this popular spot, known for its beautiful lake and opportunities for boating. A short drive from Munnar town, Mattupetty Dam is a popular spot for picnics and boating. The surrounding area is rich in flora and fauna, and the lake offers beautiful reflections of the hills. The dam is also a vital source of hydroelectric power for the region.
  • Echo Point: Visit Echo Point, where the natural echo phenomenon attracts tourists. True to its name, Echo Point is a place where your voice echoes back to you. Located around 13 kilometers from Munnar, this spot is a favorite among tourists for its natural echo phenomenon. The scenic lake surrounded by lush greenery makes it a great place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.
  • Overnight: Stay at a resort in Munnar, nestled amidst tea gardens and rolling hills.

• Morning: Eravikulam National Park: Optional early morning visit to this park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and known for its rolling hills covered in lush greenery.
• Return to Cochin: After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive back to Cochin.
• Afternoon: Last-minute Shopping or Leisure: Depending on your flight timing, enjoy some leisure time in Cochin for shopping or a last walk around Fort Kochi.
• Departure: Transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey.