Kerala – Tropical paradise of India, This trip to Kerala is perfect to start your discovery of kerala. This small state surrounded by the sea and the subtropical mountains, is often the favorite of travelers. Its magnificent mountain scenery, spice and tea plantations, Periyar wildlife reserve, beautiful tropical beaches and quiet boat rides on the backwaters can be explained.
Today arrive at Cochin meet and greet at airport and transfer to hotel.
Kochi, is the only place in the country where today you can see Portuguese Churches, a Jewish Synagogue, Hindu Temples, Dutch Architecture & Mosque nearly side by side.
A memorable experience in any journey in Kerala is a Boat Trip along the Palm Fringed Lakes & Backwaters of the Area; we enjoy this extraordinary excursion today. As we sail along the shady canals we see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. From our launch, we enjoy use of narrow produced – Laden dugouts & the everyday life of families living on narrow spits of land between the waters. Later we attend the performance of the Kathakali, one of India’s most famous Classical dances. Lavish Costumes & Exotic makeup & Masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight stay
After breakfast departure to Trichur, considered as the cultural capital of Kerala with its art schools, cultural institutions and many festivals, Visit of the city, the temples of Vadakkunathan Kshetram, Thiruampady and Paramekkavu, the cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes and the churches Puttanpalli and Chaldean. The town is home to a community of Nestorian Christians whose origin dates back to the 3rd century. Visit the beautiful archaeological museum with its magnificent models of temples and stone bas-reliefs.
Continue to Athirapally, located in the tropical forest and surrounded by impressive waterfalls, this site is surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
After breakfast drive to Munnar upon arrival check in hotel. Munnar – is situated at the confluence of three mountains streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni & Kundala. Later visit to Mattupetty – 13 kms away from Munnar, situated at a height of 1700m. It is famous for its highly specialized Dairy Farm – the indo Swiss livestock project. Over a hundred verities of high yielding cattles are reared here. Visitor is allowed to 3 of the 11 cattle shades at the farm. TheMattupetty Lake& dam just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. Overnight stay.
Discover the sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lakeare the other attraction in the vicinity the most beautiful tea plantations of the country surrounded by rocky peaks whose highest point is 2695 meters. This exceptional setting is unique in South India.Stroll in the national park of Eravikulam and towards "Top station" which offers sublime views on the plains of Tamil Nadu.
After breakfast departure by road for Kodaikanal, located at 2100 meters, on the peaks of the Palani Mountains. It is surrounded by blue eucalyptus plantations. Visit the Museum of Fauna and Flora in Sacred Heart College, in Shembagur. Visit the cascade of silver. There are many walks to do and many waterfalls to discover. This is a must for mountain lovers.
After breakfast drive to Madurai - is a colorful city to see its moods walk around the streets. The main city area revolves around Meenakshi temple, with its baroque example of Dravidian architecture & the four tall Gopuram (Pillars) with multi colored Gods, Goddess, Demons & deities. Meenakshi built between 14th to 18thCentury AD. Madurai is surrounded by Coconut Grooves & Rice Paddies. Depending on the schedules it is possible to buy bracelets, spices or saris in the bazaar.
In the morning, departure for the visit of the basin of Mariamman Teppakkulam located at 5 km of Madurai. In January and February takes place the festival of Teppam: the pilgrims flock by thousands from the whole India. Visit the temple of Alagarkovil located in the countryside at the foot of the hills, 20 km from Madurai. Return to Madurai and continue with the discovery of the city,visit of the palace and bazaar where shops, markets, temples.
In the afternoon we visit to Nectar City of Madurai – Meenakshi temple where Dravidian Temple architecture may be seen in its exuberant baroque phase. Its hall of thousand pillars is fabulous & is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day, another terrific photographic opportunity. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak’s Palace, which is in a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 - foot high stone pillar, still stands. Overnight stay
After breakfast drive to a tranquil hill retreat, the Spicy Village. Along the way we pass through Tea,Cinnamon, and Clove &Cardamom plantations –beautiful to see & smell! Our hotel is set in a Spicy Garden & has been molded after the Tribal dwellings of the area; each Cottage has thatched roof & a deep, Airy Verandah.
This evening we visit the nearby Periyar Game Sanctuary; Game viewing here is like no other Safari experience. We simply relax in a Motor Launch& sail along as heard of Elephant & Bison come into view. During the dry season Tigers & Panthers come down to the Lake shore for a drink – be sure to have plenty of film on hand. Overnight stay
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom in the heart of backwater. Discover the temple D'ettumanoor renowned for its superb carved wood and wall paintings.Enjoy a sunset cruise every evening on a vallam (country boat) out on the open backwaters. The sights, breezes, sounds and smells of the late evenings are indeed very soothing. If you are lucky you might also catch the moonrise. Sighting, visit St. Mary’s parish church at Vechoor. This is an old Syrian Catholic church with a history dating back to over 500 years. It is a great place to exchange travelers’ tales
After breakfast board the backwaters cruise Kettuvalam - An Authentic Kerala air condition Houseboat - the moving master piece, have been plying the inland waterways of southwest India for untold centuries and originally used as cargo rice boats. The fully furnished and palm covered boats (single & double) bedrooms with attached bath, sit out, kitchen and living room made of traditional wood. In each houseboat, there are 3 men staff (crew), comprising a cook and two well trained punters throughout the cruise. A canoe expedition via an intricate network of canals, through backwater villages where daily continues unaltered, as it has for centuries. You will see lush palm groves and stretches of rice fields. Overnight stay
After breakfast on board drive to Marari en route visit to Rani John's house to discover the project for the preservation of the historical heritage of Alleppey. Presentation of the city and its architecture in a traditional house,walk in the spice market, then along the open channel of a mosque, a Jain temple and an Anglican church, testimony to the great openness and tolerance of Kerala with regard to religions. Visit to a co-operative in a former British factory where traditional methods of weaving coir fiber are still being applied. Return to the traditional residence for an on-site lunch. Transfer to Mararikulam, and set up at your beachfront resort and close to fishing villages.
Today is free day to enjoy the pleasures of the beach and the ocean. Swimming pool, bicycle rental and Ayurvedic care center are at your disposal.
Say good bye to this fascinating land in time transfer to airport to board the flight for onward destination
Laundry, Insurance, Tips, hard drink/beer, Telephone Calls, Still & Video Camera fees in Monuments and Expenses like personal nature