Elegant Kerala (6 Nights, 7 Days)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kochi

The journey begins with your arrival at Kochi, a major port city with a rich history. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of the city's key attractions.

1. Cherai Beach: Visit Cherai Beach, a beautiful beach known for its serene atmosphere and the opportunity to spot dolphins.
2. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Explore the Mattancherry Palace, a Portuguese palace that was gifted to the Raja of Kochi. The palace is known for its beautiful murals and a collection of artifacts that showcase the history of the region.

Day 2: Kochi to Munnar

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Kochi and embark on a scenic drive to Munnar. This beautiful journey takes you through lush green landscapes and winding roads, with some beautiful stops along the way.

1. Neriamangalam Bridge: Admire the old Neriamangalam Bridge, a historical bridge built over the Periyar River.
2. Valara Waterfalls: Visit the Valara Waterfalls, a beautiful cascading waterfall surrounded by dense forests.
3. Pottas Fun Farm: Make a fun stop at Pottas Fun Farm, a farm known for its various spice plantations and a variety of plants. It's a great place to learn about the local flora.

Upon arrival in Munnar, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Munnar and drive to Thekkady. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, taking you through the beautiful green hills of Kerala. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and explore the local attractions.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 4: Thekkady to Alleppey

After a memorable stay in the hills, you will be transferred 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.

1. 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.
2. Alleppey Lighthouse: Admire the historical Alleppey Lighthouse, a towering structure that has guided ships for centuries.
3. Houseboat Experience: You will check into your houseboat and begin a leisurely cruise through the serene backwaters of Alleppey. 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 Kovalam

After a peaceful night on the houseboat, you will disembark and be transferred to Kovalam. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and proceed to explore the famous beaches of Kovalam.

1. Kovalam Beach: Visit the crescent-shaped Kovalam Beach, known for its beautiful sunsets and shallow waters.
2. Hawa Beach (Eve's Beach): Explore Hawa Beach, a quieter part of Kovalam, popular for its scenic beauty and serene atmosphere.

Day 6: Kovalam - Trivandrum - Kovalam

Today is dedicated to a day trip to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the capital city of Kerala. The round-trip journey from Kovalam takes approximately 1-2 hours.

1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its intricate stone carvings, murals, and a beautiful collection of gold and jewels.
2. Jatayu Earth's Center: Visit Jatayu Earth's Center, a unique park known for its massive sculpture of Jatayu, a mythical bird from the epic Ramayana. You can take a cable car ride to the top and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Day 7: Kovalam to Kochi Departure

1. Your tour of the beautiful landscapes of Kerala concludes today. After breakfast, you will be transferred from Kovalam to Kochi Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey. The drive is approximately 5-6 hours, so a timely departure is essential.

Inclusions

1. Accommodation: 1 night in Kochi, 1 night in Munnar, 1 night in Thekkady, 1 night in Alleppey (houseboat), and 2 nights in Kovalam.
2. Meals: Daily breakfast is included in your stay.
3. Transportation: All transfers and sightseeing tours are included as per the itinerary in a private vehicle (e.g., sedan, SUV, etc.).
4. Sightseeing: All the mentioned locations in the itinerary are included in the tour plan.

Exclusions

1. Lunch and Dinner: Meals other than breakfast are not included.
2. Entry Fees: Entry tickets, camera fees, or any other charges for monuments, museums, and parks are not included.
3. Adventure Activities: Charges for activities like boat rides on Periyar Lake, elephant rides, or the "5-Minute Captain" experience are not included.
4. Personal Expenses: Expenses of a personal nature such as shopping, laundry, tips, and phone calls are not included.
5. Travel Insurance: This package does not include travel insurance.
6. Airfare/Train Tickets: This package does not include airfare or train tickets to and from Kochi/Kovalam.