Backwaters of Kerala
Duration : 14 Days
Places to Visit : Trivandrum - Kovalam
- Quilon - Houseboat - Kumarakom - Periyar - Vandanmedu - Munnar - Kochi
- Wayand - Calicut
Golden Beaches, riotously decorated temples, an amzing array of backwaters,
and lush tropical scenery are just some of the attractions of the paradise
that is called Kerala . Spend a relaxing and refreshing holiday in the
lap of Mother Nature.
Day 01 : Trivandrum
On arrival at Trivandrum you will be met by our representative and transferred
to Kovalam Beach. The most beautiful beach Resort in South India. The
surf here is ideal for surf riding and the water invites the visitor to
ride the "Catamaran" or log with the fisherman, or to take a
cool swim. Nearby is the Beach centre of aquatic sports. Arrive &
check in hotel. Rest of the day free to relax & exploring the beach.
Day 02 : Kovalam
After breakfast drive to Trivandrum, visit Shree Padmanabha Swami Temple,
Napier Museum, Chitralayam Art Gallery, Zoological Gardens, Reptile House
Observatory and Kanakakannu Palace at Trivandrum. After lunch excursion
to Kanya Kumari to visit the stunning Padmanabhapuram palace and to enjoy
the unique experience of Sunset & Moon rise over the ocean simultaneously.
Return to Kovalam in the evening.
 Day
03 : Quilon
Quilon is the gateway of Kerala backwaters. Here you will stay in a backwater
resort on the bank of Ashtamudi Lake. Visit one of the oldest ports of
the Malabar Coast that were once the centre of international spice trade.
Quilon is famous for its delicious Cashew and Seafood. After checking
in hotel proceed to see some historic remains and the temples built in
ornate style. One can also visit the village to know the life style and
culture of locals. Overnight at Quilon.
Day 04 : Houseboat
Morning after breakfast drive to Alleppey Jetty point to board the houseboat.
The houseboats are giant country Crafts, measuring upto 80 feet length.
It took great skill and meticulousness to construct these giants by tying
huge planks of jack wood together, without the use of a single nail. Today
these are the most exciting tourism product in India, which usually has
one or two bath rooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising
oarsmen, a cook and guide. You will cruise through the beautiful villages
and lush paddy fields witnessing the men at work. All meals will be served
on board. Overnight at Houseboat.
Day 05 : Kumarakom
Morning disembark the boat at Kumarakom and check into the backwater resort.
Today you can visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Relax at the waterfront,
with the occasional native row boat gliding silently by, and the air so
calm, you can reach out and touch the sky with your finger tips. You can
also enjoy a sunset cruise.
Day 06 : Periyar
Periyar, one of the most fascinating wildlife sanctuaries in India, noted
for elephants, Spice plantations and its scenic beauty. A boat ride on
the splendid Periyar Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.
The greatest attraction here is the herds of wild elephants that come
down to the lake to frolic in the waters. Wild Boars, Sambar, Wild Dogs,
Langur Monkeys, Bison, Red fox can also be spotted in the forest. Afternoon
visit spice plantations like cardamom, pepper, tea.
Day 07 : Vandenmedu
Rolling hills, tea and cardamom plantations of Vandenmedu welcomes you.
Here you will find sprawling tea, rubber and eucalyptus plantations side
by side with natural grasslands and pine forests. Visit Cardamom plantation
and Tea factory at Kailasam. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 : Munnar
Munnar is a nature lover's paradise. Enjoy the picture-book towns, winding
lanes, the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds
passing by that makes Munnar a popular hill station. Arrive Munnar and
check in at hotel. Witness tea gardens spread like a green carpet over
hundreds of kilometers, lust green hills, a place so difficult to describe,
very low population too far from pollution, most of the covered by Tata
tea. Sightseeing Munnar which includes the Raja Malai, a top peak of Munnar
where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats), Muttupetty dam, Indo Swiss
project, you can also enjoy boating in the Lake (optional).
Day 09 : Kochi
Morning drive to Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala. Kochi is the
natural harbour created by the famed underwater Malabar mud-banks whose
quality ensures that the rougher the seas are outside the calmer the waters
are within the Harbour. Vasco-da-Gama placed it on the world map. It has
a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, mosques & Hindu temples.
Watch the Chinese Fishing Nets. In the evening proceed for traditional
Kathakali Dance Show.
 Day
10 : Calicut
Drive to Calicut. Kappad beach, 20 Kms away from Calicut is where Vasc0-da-Gama
landed in 1498 A.D. The legends woven around its historic origins and
traditions cast a mystical spell on this beach.
Day 11 : Calicut
Day excursion to Pookot Lake With its own dreamlike serenity, this natural
fresh water lake surrounded by meadows and trees on all sides is a haven
for peace-loving travellers. Contoured by lush green forests the lake
has good prospects for boating facilities. It is located half way from
Calicut half an hour ahead of Kalpetta.
Day 12 : Wayanad
Drive to Wayanad. One of the most beautiful hilly regions of Kerala and
is the home of several sects of tribals, who have built some shrine s
for the village deities. Visit Edakkal Caves - caves contain several paintings
and pictorial writings of the New Stone Age Civilization, Muthunga wildlife
sanctuary - Herds of elephants, bear, deer, wild pig etc can be seen here,
Glass temple - famous Jain family temple.
Day 13 : Wayanad
Vythri is renowned for its coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber plantations.
Mist capped mountains and breathtaking scenery dominate the tourist attractions.
Day 14 : Departure Transfer
Transfer to Calicut Airport for departure.
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