![Kerala - The Land of Tea, Spices & Kovalam Beach Kerala - The Land of Tea, Spices & Kovalam Beach](https://travelpack.com/public/imagedb/sysimgdocs/rszimages/Kerala-The-Land-of-Tea-Spices-Kovalam-Beach_pk27875_1.gif)
Highlights: Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Alleppey - Kovalam
Day 1: London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi by flight EY-20:1405-0105 Hrs
Day 2: Abu Dhabi by flight EY-246:0250-0815 Hrs
0815 Hrs: Arrive at Cochin - the Gateway to Kerala was once an important spice-trading route on Arabian Sea where Vasco D Gama landed in 1498 and boasted that he has come for soul and spices. Cochin is virtually the spice capital of world from where Portuguese were exporting 10,000 kilo of spices to east-indies and other countries and has derived it name from Calico-the famous fabric manufactured in this town. Cochin also forms the part of emerald isle of India. Harbour Cruise of Cochin is very much popular. With one of the finest natural harbours in the world, Cochin was once a major center for commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch etc. Upon arrival welcome, meet & assist at the airport by our representative and transfer to Hotel Afternoon proceed to visit the Dutch Palace (Closed on Friday) – The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata & Ramayana, Drive Pass Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday & Saturday) – the oldest synagogue in the world is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. St. Francis Church: is the oldest church built by Europeans in India & Huge, elegant Chinese fishing nets that line the tip of Fort Kochi. Evening you will Witness the Kathakali Dance Show. Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala dates from the 17 th century. Kathakali recitals are drama and are danced with elaborate mask s and costumes. They are emotive and narrative, while other dance forms have either one of them. The dancers use their stunning costumes and make- up, with the accompaniment of drums and vocalists, to create various moods and emotions.
Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 3: Cochin to Munnar by surface (Approx. 160 kms / 4 Hrs)
Today after breakfast checkout from hotel and drive to Munnar - one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts. above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Upon arrival at Munnar, check in at Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 4: Munnar
Today after breakfast enjoy sightseeing trip of Munnar – covering – Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point, Kundale Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai – offering a spectacular view, home of Nilgiry Thar(very rare mountain goat), considering the ecological faunal, floral, geomorphological and zoological significant & Tea Plantation.
Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 5: Munnar to Periyar by surface (Approx. 135 kms / 3 -4 Hrs)
After breakfast, drive from Munnar to Periyar - The scenic drive takes you through green hills with forests, plantation of tea, species and rubber, streams and waterfalls Upon arrival at Periyar, check in at Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 6: Periyar
Early morning take a boat ride on the lake in the Periyar National Park, a ‘Project Tiger’ reserve. A boat ride is the only way to observe closely the giant of Periyar – Elephants and Gaurs (The giant Indian Bison) without disturbing them on their way (Subject to availability) In the afternoon visit plantations of tea, cardamom, and pepper
Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 7: Periyar to Alleppey by surface (Approx. 145 Kms, 4 Hrs)
After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive from Periyar to Alleppey boat jetty to embark Houseboat – The Kettuvallam - the typical House Boats. Houseboats are traditional country boats, which used to carry tons of cargo in the backwater region in ancient times, have now been converted with one or two bed rooms with attached bath, kitchenette and a sitting area. (Lunch and Dinner)
Overnight on board
Day 8: Alleppey to Kovalam by surface (Approx. 180 Kms, 4 Hrs)
Day 8 - Day 12: Kovalam
Days at leisure
Today after breakfast, disembark houseboat at Alleppey boat jetty and drive to Kovalam Upon arrival at Kovalam, check in at Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel. Early morning transfer from Hotel to Trivandrum airport in time to board flight for London Heathrow via Abu Dhabi on Midnight of Day 11
Day 12: Kovalam to Trivandrum by surface
Trivandrum to Abu Dhabi by flight EY-273:0445-0735 Hrs
Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow by flight EY-25:1045-1450 Hrs
Offer Includes
- Flights from London Heathrow with Etihad Airways
- Airport Taxes
- 9 Nights Accommodation on Bed and Breakfast
- 1 Night Accommodation on Full Board in Houseboat
- All transfer, sightseeing and excursion by air-conditioned car
- Entrance fees to the monuments
- Services of local English speaking guide as per the itinerary during city tour
- Kathakali Dance Show at Cochin
- Common boat ride at Lake Periyar
Meal Plans
- As per Itinerary