Kerala Backwater Tour

This morning we proceed on a sightseeing tour of Cochin that would include visits to St. Francis Church built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. Further visit Chinese fishing nets. Nearby is the Mattancherry Palace or "Dutch Palace". The central hall on the 1st floor was the coronation hall of the Rajas of Kochi. In the evening enthrall yourself with a special presentation of the colorfully costumed Kathakali Dance Drama. This mask dance form is originally from Kerala and 1500 years old. This classical dance has 24 mudras expressing the nine emotions of serenity, wonder, kindness, love, valour, fear, contempt, loathing and anger. Usually performed by males.

Following the tour of Cochin we drive for an amazing journey to Munnar en-route enjoy scenic views of Cardamom hills and green carpets of tea plantations. Munnar city is situated in Kerala and is an astounding hill station of Southern India. Located 1600 meters above sea level, Munnar Kerala is 70 km from Idukki. The aroma of tea and spice plantation will follow you throughout the way in Munnar Kerala. Take a tour to tea estates in Munnar Kerala. The city reflects colonial charm along with flourishing 30 tea gardens.

Upon arrival check into hotel. Rest of the day is free.

This morning we proceed on a city tour of Munnar. We will visit Eravikulam National Park. It is One of the main attractions in Munnar. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists.

We will also visit Anamudi Peak. Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m.

Later we visit old Munnar Town, and the Mattupetty Dam. It is located about 13 km from Munnar Town. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.

Following breakfast we will drive to Alleppey and board the Houseboat that will take you through the sleepy backwaters of Kerala. Enjoy nature at its bountiful best as your houseboat passes by charming villages, lush green paddy fields and other scenic delights. Stay overnight in your houseboat besides enjoying the best of traditional food.

Return to your hotel in Kovalam for overnight stay.

Today our Houseboat traverses through the narrow canals and reaches Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is a serenely beautiful and scenic backwater destination, a charming peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake that is dotted with plenty of traditional rice boats and canoes, leaving a scene that is immensely pleasing to the eye.

When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly one of the most invigorating and fascinating places to unwind in Kerala. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters and mangroves with nestling birds of a hundred varieties will all serve to calm and inspire your mind.

Upon arrival check into hotel Rest of the day is free to relish a psychedelic sunset on a montage clouds, or the flying flurry of evening birds, or just relax and enjoy the cool afternoon breeze.

Overnight stay in hotel.

Day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful backwaters. Stroll under the canopy of coconut trees, sipping tender coconut water; enjoy an afternoon nap on the tree lined lawns, or snap up the ever-changing scenes on the backwater that surround you at this enchanting slice of heaven.

Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Following breakfast, our representative will assist you in a smooth transfer to the Cochin airport for your onward journey