- Kathkali dance performance in Cochin.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR
- Kalaripayattu the ancient martial art performance in Cochin or Thekady.
- Cooking demonstration with a local family in Cochin.
- Experience the houseboat stay in the backwater.
- Enjoy the stay close to nature in the hilly region of Kerala.
- Enjoy a spice plantation walk in Thekkady.
- Enjoy boat ride in Thekkady.
- A day excursion to Kanyakumari from Kovalam.
- At Kovalam enjoy ayurveda services on a direct payment basis as per your body requirements.
About the Tour
It is a 10 nights/ 11 days tour covering the best of Kerala’s cuisine, culture, art, nature, ayurveda etc. Under our small tour segment we always keep the duration 10-12 days considering the fact that people generally looking for 2 weeks holidays globally for distant destinations like India from different continents of the globe. As always we never compromise on quality in terms of service and our priority Is to choose the best hotels to stay. We keep this tour relax as at each destination we have included 2 nights so no pack unpack hassle and guests can experience and explore the destination in a relaxing manner. During the houseboat stay where we have included 01 night. Kerala is also known as God’s own country and among the top destination when visiting Southern India is on your travel list.
So come enjoy this beautiful tour with East Voyages LLP.
Esssence of Kerala- 10 Nights / 11 Days
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01
Arrive Cochin by international flight.
On arrival at Cochin airport after clearing immigration formalities, you will meet our representative in the arrival hall holding paging of your name. He will further assist you with your vehicle and then hotel check-in formalities. (Standard check-in time is 1200 hours)
He will further assist you with hotel check-in. (Standard check-in time is 1200 hours)
Cochin: This magnificent Malabar coastal city has been attracting towards its shores many traders, explorers, and travelers for over 600 years. The Old Fort Cochin area quench the thirst of the travelers who has historical interest with its famous Portuguese settlement Mattenchery Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace, Old colonial roads with tree line avenues. Huge Chinese fishing nets and St. Francis Church are another attraction. Here one can experience the stay of some of the best Ayurveda Resorts, home stay and traditional Kathkali Dance and traditional Martial art Kalarpayattu.
Evening enjoy Kathakali dance (Classical form of dance drama) describing Indian ancient Hindu mythological stories. They present the story through beautiful dance wearing beautiful traditional outfits. It shows rich tradition and culture of India.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 02
Cochin
Breakfast at hotel
Post breakfast proceed for half day city sightseeing visiting Mattenchery Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace Santa Cruz Basilica church a church built originally by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings.
Evening watch Kalaripayattu martial art in a studio. Later proceed for cooking demonstration of authentic Kerala dish with a local family.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 03
Cochin –Munnar (approx. 150 Kms/5 hours)
Breakfast at hotel.
Post breakfast drive to Munnar. Munnar is carpeted in emerald, green plantations set an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki District.
On arrival check in at the hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 04
Munnar
Breakfast at hotel.
Post breakfast visit Ervakulam National Park. It was declared a National Park in 1978. The Park has a rolling hill plateau with a rolling with a base elevation of 2000 mt. Three major types of plant communities are found in the park – grasslands, shrublands and forests. The Park has various population of endangered.
Nilgiri Tahr includes other little-known fauna Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose, small, clawed otter, dusky striped squirrel etc.
Afternoon visit tea plantation and Tea factory (closed on Monday). Munnar is perhaps the choicest of places to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects of the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 05
Munnar – Thekkady (approx. 110 Kms/ 3.5 hours)
Breakfast at hotel.
Post breakfast drive to Thekkady. It is located at an altitude of 700 m above sea level. Thekkady holds nature’s beauty, wildlife Sanctuary, and famous spice plantation. The place has great opportunities for mountain walking and trekking.
On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon enjoy boat ride at Lake Periyar.
Evening will be at leisure.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 06
Thekkady
Breakfast at hotel.
Post breakfast visit spice plantation with a naturalist. This tour gives you an insight of famous spice plantation like cardamom, Pepper, turmeric etc.
The rest of the day will be at leisure to relax in this beautiful location.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 07
Thekkady – Alleppey (approx. 95 Kms/ 2 hours)
Breakfast at hotel.
Post breakfast drive to Alleppey. It is also known as Venice of East. It is home of a vast waterways network.
On arrival in Alleppey embarks on the houseboat, locally called Kettuvalam. Kettuvalam is a traditional houseboat with knot, during assembling work of this traditional houseboat not a single nail is used, only coir ropes tied in knot to hold the whole structure.
On arrival at Alleppey Jetty embarks on the houseboat. The cruise will take you through small water canals and while cruising you can see small villages and witness village people and their daily routine.
Dinner & overnight onboard.
Day 08
Alleppey – Kovalam (approx. 180 Kms/ 4 .5 hours)
Breakfast at hotel.
Post breakfast disembark the houseboat. Later drive to Kovalam. It is located approx. 16 Kms/ ½ an hour drive from Trivandrum which is capital city of Kerala. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, Ayurveda resorts, lighthouse and surrounded by small fisherman villages.
On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening will be at leisure to relax.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 09
Kovalam
Breakfast at hotel.
Post breakfast proceed for an excursion to Kanyakumari enroute visit Padamnabhpuram Palace and Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
Padamnabhpuram Palace: It is the topmost attraction of Kanyakumari and actually a teakwood Palace. The beauty of this Palace is unparalleled with its stunning interiors, elaborately carved columns and Belgian mirrors. It leaves the unforgettable experience in visitor’s heart and mind,
Vivekanand Rock Memorial, it is the famous place where India’s most loved Saint Swami Vivekananad attained the enlightment. Evening enjoys the beautiful sunset view of Kanyakumari.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 10
Kovalam
Breakfast at hotel.
This day will be at leisure to pursue independent activities or to relax and enjoy this beautiful destination.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 11
Kovalam-Trivandrum airport (16 Kms/ ½ hour)
Depart Trivandrum by international flight.
Breakfast at hotel.
Post breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight for your onward destination.