Overview

The Classic Kerala tour package is way to see, know and enjoy Kerala at its best. The heritage of Kerala, its elegant and wild natural attractions and the serenity of its backwaters – all these are packed together for you in this package. Offer your prayers at a church, watch the processing of tea at a tea factory, behold the sight of a magnificent waterfall, experience forest in the darkness of night and enjoy the flying and hopping birds in a sanctuary. There is much more for you to see and do during this eight nights and nine days trip. Just make sure that you do not miss even the smallest of attraction that you come across for it is these small things too that contribute to make this package exceedingly special.

Highlight of the Package

• Explore the attractions of Cochin City.
• Visit Tea Plantation and factory in Munnar.
• Be a part of the Night Jungle Patrol while in Periyar.
• Meet the tribals while in Periyar.
• A Backwater trip in Kumarakom.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Cochin

As you arrive in Cochin, you will notice our traditionally clad representative making his way to you. He is there to receive and escort you to the hotel. He will immediately have your luggage kept in the car so that you can proceed towards your hotel without any delay. A traditional welcome at the hotel will surprise you. This is your first rendezvous with Indian hospitality and you will surely enjoy it.

Check into your room and relax. The rest of the day is free for you to do whatever you wish. In the evening relish a typical Keralese dinner. Stay overnight in Cochin.

Day 02: In Cochin

This is the day when you begin your actual journey into the beautiful state of Kerala. So, have your breakfast and set out to explore the attractions of Cochin.

Start off by paying a visit to the Dutch Palace. The palace was originally constructed by the Portuguese and gifted to the Raja of Cochin. Later, it passed into the hands of the Dutch and came to be known as the Dutch palace. Go around and have a look at the coronation robes, palanquins and portraits of the erstwhile Cochin Rajas. Also, do not miss out the murals depicting scenes from the great Hindu epic Ramayana.

Next, explore the Jewish Synagogue, the oldest one in the Commonwealth. The synagogue is quiet well known for its Belgian Chandeliers and hand painted blue and white Chinese floor tiles. The best part is that no two tiles in this synagogue are similar. Huge scrolls of the Old Testament are also an attractions.

Today, you will also pay a visit to the Santa Cruz Basilica and St Francis Church. The former, Santa Cruz Basilica, recently completed its five hundred years. This was the only cathedral that was spared from destruction when the Dutch came to power in 1663. St Francis Church, too, was built by the Portuguese and happens to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. The famous Portuguese sailor, Vasco Da Gama, was initially buried here. Later, his remains were transferred to Lisbon. If you are a lover of history, then do not miss out going through the Doop Book or the old baptism and marriage register from 1751 to 1804.

Take a short walk in the Princess street and have a look at the colonial style buildings with flowerpots at their windowsill. In the evening, move to see the famous Chinese fishing net. If you reach there on time you might be lucky enough to see the fishes captured in the net. Later, take a walk on the small but clean beach of Fort Kochi.

Return to your hotel and stay overnight in Cochin.

Day 03: Cochin – Munnar

Morning after breakfast, you will set out to reach the most famous hill station of Kerala, Munnar. The town of Munnar grew around the confluence of three rivers and it is from this that it draws its name – moon aar means three rivers. Enroute to Munnar, Make sure that you catch some magnificent glimpses of the Attukad waterfalls, Cheeyappara waterfalls and the Valara waterfalls. All these waterfalls, without doubt provide a treat for your visual senses.

After covering a distance of more than 135 km (northeast of Kochi), reach Munnar and check into your hotel. Relax for a while.

In the evening, set out to shop for the tea, spices and locally made handicraft items. Tea, of course, will top your list of shopping items since this is what makes Munnar special. Also, look out for strawberries and spices

Walk around the town of Munnar a little if you want. Later, return to the hotel and stay overnight in Munnar.

Day 04: In Munnar

Have your breakfast in the morning and get ready for an exciting day ahead. The first place in your itinerary today is the Eravikulam National Park. Spreading over an area of 97 sq km, the park once served as a hunting preserve of the British planters. Today, the park provides shelter to the Nilgiri Tahrs. Go around and observe the tahrs carrying on with their usual activities despite your presence. Also, do not forget to catch some fantastic views of the flora of the park.

Later, in the day, you will visit the tea factory and tea plantations. Watch the workers plucking tea leaves in the plantation and know how these leaves are processed to produce the aromatic tea. The greenery of the plantation area will surely delight you.

Return to your hotel and stay overnight in Munnar.

Day 05: Munnar – Periyar

Leave Munnar early today to reach your next destination, Periyar which is around 106 km away. Arrive in Periyar and check into your hotel.

Pay a visit to the Connemara Tea factory which is situated 15 km outside the sanctuary. Since you are visiting the factory in the first half itself, you will get to see the processing of tea leaves. So, if you really liked the processing procedure in Munnar tea factory, here’s another opportunity for you to witness the entire action unfold before you once again.

Also, in Periyar, forget the advancements of the modern world and be part of the two-hour tribal heritage programme to visit the tribals residing in the Periyar area. As a part of this programme, you will also explore a tribal heritage museum where exhibits include hunting traps, medicinal plants, vessels and furnitures.

Later, in the evening, join the jungle patrol group to contribute in the conservation efforts. This is going to be a three-hour long night trek and there is perhaps no need to state how adventurous it is going to be.

Return to your hotel and stay overnight in Periyar.

Day 06: In Periyar

Today, in the morning, you will set out to enjoy an extremely thrilling as well as beautiful trip in Periyar. Boating in the Periyar Lake, that flows through the sanctuary, is the best way to spot both big and small animals. It is quiet possible that you will get to see a group of elephants and gaurs from aboard the boat.

Spend a bit of a time admiring the beauty of the lake with hills around or go for swimming in the lake water. Fishing and angling also make up a good option for you.

Later in the day, pick up one of the eco-tourism programme of the Periyar forest reserve, nature walk. This walk will last for around three hours and give you an opportunity to sight birds, animals and butterflies from close quarters. With a trained tribal guide to help you through the walk routes, you will hardly have any problems in recognising the animals and birds.

Return to your hotel and stay overnight in Periyar.

Day 07: Periyar – Kumarakom

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy the fresh air. After breakfast bid farewell to Periyar and move towards your next destination. Kumarakom is at a distance of around 140 km from Periyar and is known as one of the best destinations to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala. The village of Kumarakom is actually a group of islands on the Vembanad lake.

After reaching Kumarakom, you will check in one of the resorts and relax for some time. Later, set out to explore the backwaters of Kumarakom. Watch the mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves as you make your way on the backwaters. Stop by to meet the villagers enroute and learn about their coir and fish processing work. You will realise that a conversation with these villagers is extremely rewarding as you are exposed to the life of rural Keralites at its most real. You can also walk around the village to know how life sails on in these villages.

Watch the sun set from your boat and enjoy the beauty that covers the entire backwater.

Return to your resort and stay overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 08: In Kumarakom

This is yet another day to enjoy the serenity and beauty of Kumarakom. Watch the sun rise far in the horizon and spread its magical beauty over entire Vembanad Lake.

Cruise along the backwaters of Kumarakom to reach the Kumarakom bird sanctuary. This is an ideal place to relax and watch the colourful birds fly around. The sanctuary covers an area of 14 acres and houses birds like Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Owls, Egrets, Herons Water Ducks, Parrots, Teal, Larks, Flycatchers and Wood Beetle. If you are visiting the sanctuary during the migratory season (November to March), do not miss out the Siberian Cranes. Walk in the park listening to the melodious voices of the birds or simply sit below the shade of a tree and connect with your inner self.

The rest of the day is also free for you to relax and enjoy the tranquility of Kumarakom. Enjoy a Keralese dinner in the night and go off to sleep with the soothing sounds of lapping water and chirping birds still playing in on your mind.

Day 09: Kumarakom – Cochin

It’s time to say goodbye to Kumarakom, so have your breakfast and proceed towards Cochin. From there, catch a connecting flight back home with memories that will forever bring a smile to your face.