Day 1: Arrive in Trivandrum
The journey begins with your arrival at Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the capital city of Kerala. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest and prepare for the upcoming tour of Kerala's beautiful landscapes.
- Rest in Hotel: After your journey, take the time to relax and settle into your accommodation in Trivandrum.
Day 2: Trivandrum to Kovalam
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Trivandrum and proceed to Kovalam. This short drive takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and proceed to explore the famous beaches of Kovalam.
- Kovalam Beach: Visit the crescent-shaped Kovalam Beach, known for its beautiful sunsets and shallow waters.
- Hawa Beach (Eve's Beach): Explore Hawa Beach, a quieter part of Kovalam, popular for its scenic beauty and serene atmosphere.
Day 3: Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam (Day Trip)
Today is dedicated to a full-day excursion to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India. The round-trip journey from Kovalam takes approximately 4-5 hours.
- Kanyakumari: Upon arrival in Kanyakumari, you will visit the famous landmarks of the city.
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial: You will take a ferry to visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built on a small island off the coast of Kanyakumari. It is a beautiful monument dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here before his famous Chicago speech.
- Padmanabhapuram Palace: On your way back to Kovalam, you will visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace, a beautiful wooden palace that was once the residence of the rulers of Travancore.
Day 4: Kovalam to Alleppey
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Kovalam and drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), the "Venice of the East." The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours. Upon arrival, you will check into a houseboat for a unique backwater experience.
- Alleppey Beach: Before checking into your houseboat, you can take a brief visit to Alleppey Beach, known for its golden sand and the ancient Alleppey Lighthouse.
- Alleppey Lighthouse: Admire the historical Alleppey Lighthouse, a towering structure that has guided ships for centuries.
- Houseboat Experience: You will check into your houseboat and begin a leisurely cruise through the serene backwaters of Alleppey. You will have the opportunity to experience the unique way of life on the backwaters. A special "5-Minute Captain" experience allows you to try your hand at steering the houseboat under the guidance of a professional.
Day 5: Alleppey to Thekkady
After a peaceful night on the houseboat, you will disembark and be transferred to Thekkady. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, taking you through the beautiful green hills of Kerala. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and explore the local attractions.
- Periyar National Park: Thekkady is famous for the Periyar National Park, a wildlife sanctuary known for its elephants, tigers, and a variety of other animals.
- Periyar Lake: You will have the option to take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, which offers a great opportunity to spot wildlife drinking water at the lakeside.
- Elephant Junction: Visit Elephant Junction, a place where you can get up close and personal with elephants. You can enjoy an elephant ride, feed them, or even participate in a bath.
Day 6: Thekkady to Munnar
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Thekkady and drive to Munnar, a beautiful hill station famous for its tea plantations. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and visit some of the local attractions.
- Tata Tea Museum: Visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production in the region. You will see old machinery and learn about the entire process of tea making.
- Kanan Devan Hill Plantation Tea Estate: Take a walk through the sprawling tea plantations of the Kanan Devan Hills. The lush green hills and the fresh aroma of tea create a serene and beautiful environment.
Day 7: Munnar to Kochi
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Munnar and drive to Kochi (Cochin), a major port city with a rich history. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and proceed for a city tour.
- Chinese Fishing Nets: Visit Fort Kochi to see the famous Chinese Fishing Nets. These cantilevered nets are an iconic symbol of Kochi and are a unique sight to behold.
- St. Francis Church: Explore St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The church is known for its beautiful architecture and its historical significance.
Day 8: Kochi Departure
- Your tour of the beautiful landscapes of Kerala concludes today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kochi Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.
Inclusions
- Accommodation: 1 night in Trivandrum, 2 nights in Kovalam, 1 night in Alleppey (houseboat), 1 night in Thekkady, 1 night in Munnar, and 1 night in Kochi.
- Meals: Daily breakfast is included in your stay.
- Transportation: All transfers and sightseeing tours are included as per the itinerary in a private vehicle (e.g., sedan, SUV, etc.).
- Sightseeing: All the mentioned locations in the itinerary are included in the tour plan.
Exclusions
- Lunch and Dinner: Meals other than breakfast are not included.
- Entry Fees: Entry tickets, camera fees, or any other charges for monuments, museums, and parks are not included.
- Adventure Activities: Charges for activities like boat rides on Periyar Lake, elephant rides, or the "5-Minute Captain" experience are not included.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses of a personal nature such as shopping, laundry, tips, and phone calls are not included.
- Travel Insurance: This package does not include travel insurance.
- Airfare/Train Tickets: This package does not include airfare or train tickets to and from Trivandrum/Kochi.