# Day 01 Arrive Cochin
On your arrival in Kochi you will be transferred to your hotel.
Check-in at hotel 3 pm. NO tour. Day free.
Kochi earlier known as Cochin is referred as the Queen of Arabian Sea. Kochi has remained the popular centre in across the world for the trade of spices for number of centuries. The name of the city comes from Malayalam term “Kochazhi” that actually means small lagoon. Kochi was put on the world map by Vasco-de-Gama. The Arabs, Portuguese, British, Dutch, all have left their impression on the history of Kochi. After Mumbai, Kochi is probably the second most important city on the west coast of India.
# Day 02 Cochin → Munnar
Morning You will be transferred by road to Munnar.
Afternoon free. NO tour. Relax at hotel.
Munnar which means three rivers derives its name from the Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers; situated on the Kannan Devan Hills is a beautiful hill station, and was the summer resort of the British. Munnar is a popular honeymoon destination in Kerala and viewing the vast tea plantations in this area is a pleasure for the eyes. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India is here. Munnar is surrounded by different wild life sanctuaries which shelter the grizzled giant squirrel, elephant, gaur, Nilgiri langur, Sambar, etc. The Neelakurinji is a blue flower which blooms once in 12 years is found in this region.
# Day 03 Munnar
Half Day tour Visit the Tea Museum to discover the "Tea Storey", a history of tea production in India, introduced by the British in the 18th century, which still works today on old machines from the time.
Stroll through the city center of Munnar, and stop at the local CHAI for a tea tasting accompanied by the local delicacy, Banana Pakora.
Stop for a viewpoint on Mount Anamudi, culminating at more than 2,600 m above sea level. Walk in the city center and discover the market.
Visit the Mattupetty dam. A few kilometers from the city, and completed in 1953, it is built on the Kundaly River. It is intended for the production of hydroelectric power. The reservoir created by the dam attracts many animals and birds.
Continue to Echo Point, an unusual place that takes its name from the echo phenomenon that occurs when you speak at a particular place; the sound is repeated on the surrounding hills. The place is bordered by a picturesque lake and pretty hills with lush greenery.
# Day 04 Munnar → Periyar by road
Today you will leave for Periyar Animal Sanctuary. Periyar national park is famous as an Elephant, wild boar, sambar, wild dog, langur, monkeys, etc. It has an abundance of birds and plants. A boat ride in the Periyar Lake gives you the possibility of watching the different animals. The Park is surrounded by various plantation regions for coffee, tea, etc. and a visit to these plantations is a worth.
Afternoon Spice plantation tour with guide.
This evening you will enjoy a Common boat ride with other local tourists on the Lake Periyar. On sharing basis with other tourists.
Presently the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation tourist centre at Thekkady offers a common boat for a two hour boating trip on the lake. A herd of elephants or a family of deer are common sights near the lake as the animals come to the lake frequently for drinking water. You may be able to spot herds of Gaur, Sambar and wild boars in the grasslands adjacent to the shores. A variety of avian fauna such as darters, egrets and kingfishers can be seen resting on dead tree trunks that stick out over the lake. During your boat ride you may probably have observe the antics of the Indian Otter.
# Day 05 Periyar → Alleppey by road (Day cruise on Houseboat with lunch from Alleppey to Alleppey)
Today you will leave for Alleppey. Alappuzha gets its name from two words, Ala (broad) and Puzha (river). Alappuzha gets this name as it is between the broad Arabian Sea and a network of rivers flowing into it. When Lord Curzon the then Viceroy of the India saw Alappuzha, he exclaimed “Here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties” and called this place “Alleppey, the Venice of the East”. History traded ancient Greece and Romans even before Christ and also during the middle Ages. Different religions mingled and built their churches, mosques and temples.
You will embark a houseboat for Day cruise only which is quite an experience for Day cruise on Houseboat for 4 hours with lunch (without guide).
After the Day cruise transfer to hotel in Alleppey.
Overnight at hotel in Alleppey
# Day 06 Alleppey → Cochin
Morning You will be transferred by road from Alleppey to Kochi.
Kochi earlier known as Cochin is referred as the Queen of Arabian Sea. Kochi has remained the popular centre in across the world for the trade of spices for number of centuries. The name of the city comes from Malayalam term “Kochazhi” that actually means small lagoon. Kochi was put on the world map by Vasco-de-Gama. The Arabs, Portuguese, British, Dutch, all have left their impression on the history of Kochi. After Mumbai, Kochi is probably the second most important city on the west coast of India.
During the morning city tour of Kochi with guide, you will be taken to some of the renowned spots of Kochi that will include the Portuguese churches, mosques and temples along with the Jewish synagogue. You will be taken to watch the Chinese style fishing nets which are mostly seen in Kerala. It holds around 10m of height and consists of cantilever along with an outstretched net that is suspended in the sea and one huge stone suspended on other end with ropes for the counterweights. Every installation of this fishing-net gets operated by group of six fishermen.
Today you have the afternoon at leisure.
Evening Kathakali Dances show at auditorium.
# Day 07 Depart Cochin airport
Check-out hotel at 1200 hrs. ( noon)
Later transfer to airport.
