8

NIGHT –

– 9 DAYS

S

JOUURNEYY MAKKERS

Munnar - Overview Munnar is Kerala’s premium hill station. A hill station transcending excellence – Munnar is surrounded by gently undulating hills swathed in the soothing green of vast tea estates makes it perfect tourist destination in south India. Situated at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, its bracing climate with the laidback atmosphere and its delightfully refreshing colonial air makes it the most sought-after destinations. Kerala itself is called God’s own country, with National Geographic Traveler selecting it as ‘One of 50 must see destinations of a lifetime’ and ‘One of the 10 paradises of the World’. And Munnar is the most popular spot in Kerala. The holiday facilities, peaceful environment and the tranquility that it provides make it the perfect serenity spot to rejuvenate and revive the most jaded of travelers. Munnar lies in Idukki district, at the confluence of three mountain rivers. It is pronounced “Moon-aar”, meaning ‘three rivers’ in Malayalam. The rivers; Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala meet in the center of the town. The place is encircled by wooded hills of the Annamalai Ranges, with the towering bulk of Anamudi, which is peninsular India’s highest peak, at 2695 m. Munnar was once a sleepy little hamlet, until Scottish planters discovered it. Later the British who ruled India, developed it more into one of southern India’s most important centers for the cultivation of tea, coffee and spices. They made it their summer hideout because of the cooler climate and the mesmerizing mountain scenery. Munnar is sometimes called the ‘Switzerland of India’. The mountain streams, valleys, tea plants and plenty to discover in the surrounding region, this hill station offers a great variety of choices for tourists. It is an excellent base for trekking through the surrounding hills, which are covered by lush green rainforests; for going picnicking beside a crystal-clear mountain stream; for wildlife watching; or for simply getting the kinks out of a tired system! Munnar - Key Attraction CSI Church is a stone structure with beautiful stained glass that is a century old. Devikulam is a lake town that is located 7 km from Munnar. Mattupetty Dam is 14 km away and offers speed boating and a garden. Tata Tea Museum is located 2 km from Munnar and contains a variety of objects from the colonial area, particularly objects related to the tea trade. Rajamalai is a national park that is located 13 km from Munnar and is a good spot for trekking.

Thekkady - Overview Thekkady in Kerala State , India 's largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India . The 120 years old 'Surki' dam built across Peryiar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq.Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms. The Country's sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations. Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places for viewing wild animals. The best time to visit animals is during the months of March, April and May. Thekkady offers facilities for Trekking, elephant riding and boating. Boating through the Placid Lake provides a rare opportunity to watch wild animals at close quarters.

Thekkady - Key Attraction The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the worlds most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geo-morphological diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake's edge. Kumarakom – Overview

Kumarakom is home to a wid

e variety of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot), shrimp (chemmeen in the local language) and prawns. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000

m ), and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. It is a major tourist attraction.

Backwater Cruise The backwaters of Kerala - an endless stretch of meandering waterways flanked

on either side by tall and swaying palm trees, is one of the most fascinating Tourist Attractions in

Kumarakom. Embark on an enchanting and peaceful cruise on these backwaters, and you will definitely enjoy an experience of a lifetime. A stay at any of the wonderful houseboats is also a must while holidaying at Kumarakom.

The Vembanad Lake The pristine Vembanad Lake is a much-admired picnic spot and a backwater tourism destination, providing various exhilarating options like boating, fishing and sightseeing.

Cochin Overview Cochin, the striking port city, is located in the southwestern coast of the Indian Subcontinent. This vivacious little town in Ernakulam district is also referred to as the "Gateway to Kerala". Cochin is bordered with the wooded and fascinating Western Ghats in the east and flabbergasting Arabian Sea in the west. Cochin becomes a true paradise when the plentiful mangroves and dense coconut trees mirror in the crystal - clear backwaters. The city is also ornamented with flawless ancient churches, cathedrals, sanctuaries, and forts. To add on, Kochi has been a prominent trading zone since ancient times. The tradition and esteem of this enthralling bizarre land is well maintained till date. There are numerous tourist attractions in Cochin, particularly the stunning backwaters that shower an ultimate charm and offer a unique experience to tourists oncoming the city. Below is a list of famous sightseeing places which are a must-see in Cochin.

St. Francis Church This is the country's oldest European church, constructed by Portuguese Friars in 1503. It was renovated in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, transformed into an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is currently exercised by the church of South India. What's more, the remains of Vasco da Gama were interred here in 1524, but later shifted to Lisbon, Portugal. However, his tombstone still stands in the compound of the church.

Jewish Synagogue This dazzling architecture was constructed in 1568 and is the oldest synagogue in the list of commonwealth countries. It is highly popular for the mid 18th century hand printed, willow pattern floor tiles from Canton in China, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, a dock tower, ancient scripts on copper plates, and much more.

Tour Plan Destination: Arrival Cochin – (Munnar 2) – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat – (Kovalam

2) – Trivendrum Drop. Day 01 Arrival Cochin Arrival at Cochin Airport/ Railway Station. Transfer to Hotel. After relaxation go for a half day sightseeing of Cochin, Visit the famous Dutch Palace - with its wonderful mural painting the entire story of the Ramayana in its walls, Jewish Synagogue, Jews Street, St.Francis church, Chinese fishing net - are huge cantilevered fishing net & the indo-Portuguese Museum. Later transfer you back to Hotel. Overnight stay in Hotel. Day 02 Cochin to Munnar Checkout from Cochin hotel after breakfast, and we take you to Munnar (160 Kms / 04 Hrs). Throughout the journey enjoy beautiful streams small water falls, Rubber, Pepper cardamom and Tea plantations and thick forests, God has blessed his own country with incomparable beauty on arrival at Munnar check in to Hotel. PM: At leisure. Overnight stay in Hotel, Day 03: Munnar After breakfast we take you for a full day sightseeing trip of Munnar – covering some of the major sightseeing - Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point, Kundale Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai, Eravikulam Wildlife sanctuary home of Nilgiry Thar (very rare mountain goat), considering the

ecological faunal, floral, geo- morphological and zoological significant & Tea Plantation & Tea Plantation. Overnight stay in Hotel, Munnar. Day 04 Munnar to Thekkady After breakfast and move to Thekkady (120 Kms / 4 Hrs). Check into Hotel at Thekkady. After refreshing go for a spice plantation Tour to see crops of cardamom cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estate (Optional) & later for boating in the Periyar lake- its centre piece of Periyar Wildlife sanctuary also Periyar Tiger reserve, man made lake of the height of 2000 ft, enjoying view the wildlife at the Periyar tiger reserve (Optional). Later return to hotel for overnight stay in hotel. Day 05 Thekkady to Kumarakom After breakfast drive to Kumarakom (145 Kms / 4 Hrs) the lush green vegetation and the climate attract a number of tourists to this place. On arrival at Kumarakom visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and later check in at hotel in, Evening go for Sunset cruise (optional) or enjoy the beauty of backwater with lovely views all around by just relaxing near Vembanadu Lake and overnight stay in hotel. Day 06: Kumarakom to Alleppey Houseboat After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey .Check in to houseboat (30 Kms) and overnight at houseboat. (Houseboat will move form 1200 Hrs Noon to 1800 Hrs Evening and Morning 0600 Hrs to0900 Hrs) Day 07: Alleppey to Kovalam Check out time form Houseboat is 09:00 A.M. After check out drives to Kovalam (170 Kms and 5 Hrs drives). On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon is at leisure and Evening free for personal activity. Overnight at Hotel Day 08: Kovalam After breakfast, transfer to Kovalam sightseeing of Padhamanabha Swamy temple, Museum, Horse Palace, Art Gallery. Kovalam considered as the Paradise of the South. It consists of three adjacent crescent beaches and also picture perfect tropical beaches. Rest of the day at leisure on the beach Overnight at Hotel. Day 09: Transfer to Trivendrum Airport dropping (15 Kms / ½ hrs) After breakfast transfer from Kovalam to the Trivendrum airport/railway station for onward travel