Kerala wildlife and Backwater Tours

 

 

On arrival at Delhi at international Airport you will be welcomed by our representative then transfer to the hotel where we hold the room on ready occupancy basis. Overnight stay in Delhi. 

 

After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi & a Rickshaw ride past through the silver street in Chandani Chowk, Later New Delhi to include Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; the Laxmi Narayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India’s leading industrial families; Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple , Qutub Minar , built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty; in the evening you can visit to see light an sound show at Red fort. Return to the hotel for overnight at the hotel.

 

After breakfast check out the hotel and transfer to the domestic airport to board the flight for Cochin, assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for relax and visiting to the local market. Optionally you can take boat cruise. In the evening enjoy Kathakali dance. Overnight at Cochin. 

 

After breakfast take a sight seeing tour of Cochin, now called 'Kochi' is the commercial hub of Kerala and a town of great historical importance. It has one of the finest natural harbours and is called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". Rest of the day is free for souvenir shopping; visit The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Evening enjoy the Kathakali dance. Overnight stay in Cochin. 

 

After a early breakfast drive to Munnar, on arrival transfer to the hotel, Munnar is located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in India. The word "Munnar" means three rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala) are joining together here. During the British rule in India, Munnar was the summer resort of the Government officials. The natural beauty, calmness and mild cold climate throughout the year make it the favourite tourist place There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar range exposes it's beauty. The Munnar hills are covered by tea plants which makes the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Later take visit at Rajmalai Wild Life sanctuary – this is the only sanctuary in India where Indian Ibex’s are found, followed by visit at Kannan Devan Hills from here you can have a panoramic view of Munnar Tea and coffee plantation & the Lake of Munnar . Overnight at the hote 

 

After breakfast checkout and drive to Thekkaddy, enroute enjoy the picturesque view of the green fields and mountains. on arrival transfer to the hotel, later visit at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centrepiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq. km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala, discover the park, animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars and birds like ibis and grey heron. The visit is done in a boat to view animals with a bit of extra luck we may be able to see the rare tiger as well. Later in the evening take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight at Periyar. 

 

After breakfast checkout and drive for Alleppey, on arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way while moving towards Kumarakom. The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver). Overnight at the houseboat. 

 

Kumarakom - for the nature-lover. Here in this backwater town, you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings where the only presence is yours and the egrets. Later visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. For an inquisitive bird watcher, it is always advisable to carry their binoculars at all times. Return to hotel, Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy the favourite fresh water food and the local wine. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

 

 

The break fast checkout and drive to Kovalam, through green coastal belt and cashew plantations. On arrival, check into the hotel. Day is free to relax with the Ayurveda message and leisure activities. Overnight at beach resort at Kovalam. 

 

After breakfast take sight-seeing tour of Trivandrum city, (16 kms) the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Swami Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. Later drive to Cape Camorin also known as Kanya Kumari 85 kms, this place is at the tail tip end of India, one can see the 3 seas meet over here (Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean & bay of Bengal) on arrival visit Kumari Amman Devi Temple, Vivekananda Rock & Ashram, enjoy sunset over here & drive back to Kovalam for overnight.