The Kerala Sojourn
Namaste and Welcome!
A visit to God’s own country is your best bet, when it comes to a memorable vacation. Kerala is not just a destination; it is an emotion. There is so much to see here, from people, culture, heritage, food, and scenic beauty. A trip to this place will leave you wanting for more.
Day 01: Arrival – Kochi
Arrive at Cochin International airport. After collecting your baggage and exiting, you will find our representative waiting for you. Later, you will be transferred to your hotel in your private car. On arrival, check-in at your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Kochi
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city.
Visit the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), which has some of India’s most beautiful murals, the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and all Jewish Holidays) in the heart of Jew Town, and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets.
See St. Francis Church (closed on Sundays) where Vasco da Gama was originally buried and the Santa Cruz Church with its pastel-colored interior and carved wooden panels.
Evening, enjoy a performance of Kathakali, Kerala’s unique dance drama. This is a major form of classical Indian dance. It is a “story play” genre of art, but one distinguished by the elaborately colorful make-up, costumes, and face masks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Kochi – Munnar (130 Kms / 04 hours approx.)
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and you will be transferred to Munnar in your private car. Enjoy the scenic beauty as you drive to the hill station.
On arrival, c heck-in at your hotel.
After rest and relaxation, visit the Tea Museum in Munnar, which is a miniature working tea factory as well as a museum. It showcases the old machinery that was used to manufacture tea during the British Raj in India.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04: Munnar
After breakfast, we head out for a sightseeing tour of Munnar.
Visit Mattupetty Dam. Flanked by steep hills and lush green tea plantations, Mattupetty Dam is known for its beautiful lake. View of the valley from the dam is breathtaking, which makes it quite famous amongst locals to enjoy a picnic.
Visit Echo point located 15 kilometers away from Munnar. The point is known for its natural echo phenomenon which is what attracts tourists from all over. People can hear their name reverberating around the surroundings again and again as they shout out their name. Situated at an altitude of 600 ft. above sea level, it also offers a spectacular view of the enchanting valley.
After lunch, visit Eravikulam National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is spread over an extensive area of 97sq km. It is home to the largest population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain goat). Inhabited by various animal species and more than 120 beautiful species of birds, this region is a paradise for ornithologists. (The Park remains open from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm and is closed for visitors from February 1 to March 31 due to the calving season of the Nilgiri Tahr.)
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Munnar – Thekkady (96 kms / 3.5 hours approx.)
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and you will be transferred to Thekkady in your private car.
On arrival, check-in at your hotel.
Later, proceed for a spice plantation visit. Learn and witness the process involved in the cultivation of these flavorful spices that associate with the name of South Indian food. From a variety of spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, etc. to varied kinds of herbs and coffee, the garden is sure to leave you amazed. Take a whiff, feel, and even taste these flavors to understand their nature. Feel refreshed to your soul as you step into the nourishing world of spices.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Thekkady
A dawn to afternoon range hiking and rafting program through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve., a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the par ty gets into rafts made of bamboos. By rafting you will get a panoramic view of forest-clad hills. Animals like Elephant, Gaur and Sambar deer are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake. This program works at two slots of 7.30am to 12.30pm & 9.30am to 2. 30pm.The program has 3-4 hours trekking and 1 hour rafting.
After the tour, return to your hotel
Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Thekkady- Alappuzha (140 Kms / 04 hours approx.)
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and drive to Alappuzha for a houseboat experience.
Dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey is renowned for its houseboat cruises which float along the tranquil backwater canals of Kerala. While cruising the palm-shaded canals, enjoy Alappuzha’s little riverside villages dotting the lush countryside.
Board your houseboat for the day and re-wind as the backwaters sing a peaceful lullaby.
Overnight on the Houseboat.
Day 08: Alappuzha- Cochin – Departure (85 Kms / 2.5 hours approx.)
After breakfast, de-board the houseboat and you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight back home.
*We provide tour on a vehicle-only basis too. Do contact us if you need a car rental.