Day 01: Arrive Cochin – Munnar (175 km / 4 hr)
Arrive Cochin, after a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) Cochin always had a very popular & historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe & Dutch. It has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings & structures representing different regions of the world.
Later we drive to Munnar, most popular hill stations in South India, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni & Kundala. It was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British officers in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book town, winding lanes, trekking & holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.
Overnight Hotel – Munnar (B)
Day 02: Munnar
Today we take a tour of Munnar, visiting the world's highest tea estates spread like a green carpet over a large area. Later we visit Eravikulam National Park ( Closed - January & February ), the best place to see the rare Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat). This sanctuary was set up for the preservation of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Overnight Hotel – Munnar (B)
Day 03: Munnar – Periyar ( 160 km - 04 hr)
Today we explore one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in India, the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Set on an attractive lakeside, it is South India's most popular Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar is a place to cruise on the lake & gives an opportunity to see wildlife. It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, antelopes, sambhar, wild boar, monkey, a wide variety of birds.
Next we explore the sanctuary to experience the beauty & ecological pattern.
Evening Spice Plantation & Boat Ride
Overnight Hotel – Periyar (B)
Day 04: Periyar – Cochin ( 165 km - 04 hr)
Today we take Elephant ride at Periyar.
Later we drive to Cochin upon arrival transfer to hotel for check-in.
Half-day tour
After breakfast proceed for half-day city sightseeing tour of Cochin visit St. Francis' Church, built in the year 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars & known to be the oldest European church in India. It was restored in the year 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 & later moved to Lisbon, Portugal. We also visit Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese.
Later in 17th century they modified it & presented it to the Raja (King) of Kochi (Cochin). The Palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from Hindu epics, Mahabharata & Ramayana. Later we visit Jew Town, synagogue, built in the year 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles & Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. Also visit the spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices & history that brought the world to its doorstep. Chinese fishing nets, (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
Evening see Kerala's most popular traditional classical dance Kathakali.
Overnight Hotel – Cochin (B)
Day 05: Cochin Departure
Today day would be at your leisure later transfer to International Airport to board your flight to onward destination.
Our tour concludes:
We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future. |
