Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our representative who will present you with a welcome pack including all necessary documentation and arrange for your transfer to your hotel at Kovalom (16 kms/˝ hrs.) for check-in.

Kovalam- one of India's internationally renowned beaches, in God's own country in South India, Kerala. Kovalam, with its sheltered natural bay, azure blue waters and a sumptuous spread of green palm groves , is a tropical paradise. Sun bathing, Swimming, Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, Yoga and meditation, Herbal body toning massages, Special Cultural Programmes, Catamaran cruising; the possibilities are many and you could be as lazy or as active as you choose to be. Kovalam consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. The beach is bordered with low cost lodging houses and restaurants.

No activity is scheduled today, since most of the International flights arrive into India close to midnight only. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 02: - Kovalam
This morning you are collected from your hotel for a full day excursion to Trivandrum & Kanyakumari.

This city tour of Trivandrum includes a visit to Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple - dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidan styles of architecture and is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings.

Kuthirarnalika Palace Museum - built by the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite woodcarvings and displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.
Napier Museum - built in the 19th century, the Indo - Saracenic structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.

Kanyakumari - Located at the Southern most part of India, Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin as it was formerly called,is a place at the confluence of

the Indian ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea. The multicoloured sand is a unique feature of the beach here. Your sightseeing South India Kerala tour includes a visit to Gandhi Memorial - This striking memorial has been built on the spot

where the urn containing Mahatma’s ashes was kept for public viewing before immersions.

Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial - this grand memorial to the great Indian Philosopher Swami Vivekananda is

on the twin rocks jutting out from the sea about 400 meters offshore. The Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda came here in 1892 and sat on the rock, meditating, before setting out as one of India's most important religious crusaders.

The sunset at Kanyakumari is a spectacle worth seeing. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: - Kovalam
Day at leisure to relax and enjoy the sandy beaches of Kovalam. Overnight at hotel

Day 04: - Kovalam – Periyar
This morning you drive to Periyar (276 kms/06 hrs.)

Periyar - Situated in the Idukki district of God’s Own Country, Kerala, Periyar or Thekkady as it is commonly known, is famous as one of the best places to see the Asian Elephant. Today, it is one of the very few strongholds of this magnificent pachyderm in Southern India. The uniqueness of this sanctuary is the Periyar Lake, an artificial lake, which was created by damming the Periyar River a century ago.
Thekkady consists mainly of Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest. Some areas of the kkady also house pristine Evergreen forests. The varieties in habitats ensure that the diversity of flora and fauna is absolutely amazing with a magnificent variety of animals - the elephant, the bison, Gaur, Sambar deer, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs and most importantly the tiger that is main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: - Periyar
This morning you are collected from your hotel for Boat ride on Periyar Lake.

All tourist activity is concentrated around the splendid artificial Periyar lake, an incredible way to experience the sanctuary. There are an estimated 700 elephants roaming these forests. Most of the population is generally concentrated on the banks of the Periyar Lake and come to the lake to frolic in the water.

Late in the afternoon visit a nearby Spice Plantation. The area is famous for Cardomom, Cofee and Tea plantations . Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: - Periyar - Kumarakom
This morning you drive to Kumarakom (200 kms/04 hrs.)

Kumarakom: The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerela South India. Kumarkom strengthens Kerala’s reputation for being God’s own country with its unbelievably beautiful mangrove forests, coconut groves and emerald green paddy fields interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies. It is part of the Kuttanad region, and the bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any ornithologist's paradise. This enchanting backwater destination offers visitors many leisure options. From wandering into the depths of its wildlife sanctuary to cruising down the back waters and fishing, Kumarkom is perfect for a lazy and laid back holiday. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads. Kumarkom is an example of nature at her bountiful best in the fragrant flowers, the riot of multi coloured birds, the surrounding greenery and the clear waters.

Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the Nature’s beauty on your own. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: - Kumarakom
Day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: - Kumarakom – House boat

House Boat - A highlight of any trip to Kerala in South India is a night spent onboard a houseboat, or a rice barge. These converted rice barges or "Kettuvallams" sail along shallow, palm-fringed lakes and narrow canals where coconut and cashew is loaded onto dugouts. You pass villages built on narrow spits of land, stopping to visit local markets, or to marvel at craftsmen engaged in centuries-old boat-making tradition. The boats offer one or two cabins with a small sitting room and a crew of 2 staff and a chef. The food is authentic Kerala cuisine, purchased fresh along the way. For most of the journey, the boat is poled, sailing only between dawn and dusk. Although the accommodation on board is basic, this is an unforgettable experience.

Overnight on board Houseboat.

Day 09: - House boat – Allepey – Munnar
After breakfast, disembark the houseboat in Alleppey and depart for Munnar by road (150 kms / 03 hrs).

Munnar – Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wildlife sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. Breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district. Munnar was the favoured summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Munnar is essentially a tea town. The tea plantations have now been taken over by the Tata Tea Company. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave.

Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: - Munnar
Today, you could take a tour to one of Munnar’s many tea gardens or Spice plantations. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: - Munnar – Cochin
This morning you drive to Cochin (135 km/03 hrs.)
Cochin: - Cochin means harbour and even before the building of Ancient Rome, spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood were traded here. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is also one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port. It is its charm and a relatively good infrastructure that make it the ideal gateway to the state. This has been the case since 1341, the year nature carved out Cochin's harbor with a massive flood. As a result, Cochin became the first port of call for Arabs and came to be known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This city offers visitors Forts, palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters, palm fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a contemporary metro.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel.
Your evening tour includes a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted to depict various characters of the se epics. This dance has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet articulate body movements.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: - Cochin

This tour includes a visit to Fort Cochin – a home to a unique community of Eurasians, commonly known as "Anglo-Indians". The architecture of the quiet streets in this enclave is very definitely, European with fine houses built by wealthy British traders, and Dutch cottages with split farmhouse doors.

Mattancherry Palace -locally known as the Dutch Palace, the two storey building was actually erected by the Portuguese, as a gift to the Cochin Raja.

St. Francis Church - this Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. It is considered to be India's oldest European church. Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Vasco Da Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal 14 years later.

Jewish synagogue - dates from 1568 and is adorned with fine glass lamps and floor tiles.

Bolghatty Island - This is a beautiful island lying close to Ernakulam. Built by the Dutch in 1774, Bolghatty Palace, the home of the former British Resident of Kochi is situated here. At the end of your tour visit the harbor near Vasco da Gama Square, where you can watch fishermen hoisting their catch from the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that line the shore.

Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: - Depart Cochin

Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to the Cochin airport in time for your flight home.

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