Cochin - Munnar - Kodaikanal - Periyar - Alappuzha - Mararikulam - Cochin
Kerala is a state endowed with the finest of everything: breathtaking scenery, serene backwaters, breathtaking hill stations, and expansive tea gardens. The Kerala backwaters are a system of interconnected lakes, lagoons, canals, etc. that cover an area of more than 900 km2. Kerala is known as God's Own Country, but despite its abundance of tourist attractions, its backwaters continue to draw visitors from all over the world. The start of your 13-day tour will be in Kochi, a significant port city. We will take you to see the low mountain scenery of Munnar, Kodaikanal, a misty hill station, the backwaters of Alappuzha, the Periyar animal sanctuary and stunning Mararikulam Beach.
You will be driven to your hotel as soon as you arrive in Cochin. Kochi offers a blend of English village life, medieval Holland, and Portuguese culture. Long known for its various varieties of spices, the city's name comes from the Malayalam word Kochazhi, which translates to "small lagoon." Known for its Kathakali dance, Kochi is India's second-biggest city on the western coast. Stay the night here.
You will visit several of Kochi's well-known locations in the morning, such as the Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, temples and historic mosques. Kerala is renowned for its enormous fishing nets in the Chinese style. It is 10 meters high and is made up of a cantilever, an outstretched net suspended in the sea and a massive stone suspended on one side with ropes acting as counterweights. The installation of the fishing net is always carried out by a group of six fishermen. You can take a stroll around locations such as Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi Fort, Hill Palace, Marine Drive, Cherai Beach, Kochi International Marina, and many more during the afternoon. Night spent at Cochin.
You will travel by road from Kochi to Munnar, the location known for producing the tea. Take an afternoon to explore Munnar's surroundings. Atukkad Waterfalls is an incredible cascade that will astound you. It is nestled amid hills and jungles. You'll next be transported to Chithirapuram, which is well-known for its tea plantations. You may find a variety of flowers and herbal plants at the Floriculture Center. You will be taken to the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the processing of tea. In addition, there are several animal sanctuaries to discover, and there are waterfalls spread around the region. Spent a night in Munnar.
Driven to the foggy highland station of Kodaikanal today from Munnar to Kodaikanal, known as the "Princess of Hill stations," translates to "The Gift of the Forest." Situated in the Palani Hills, a protected area 120 km northwest of Madurai, Kodai meanders up and down hillsides dotted with shola (virgin forest). Additionally, you will be driven to the artificial lake known as Kodaikanal Lake, where you can rent boats, bicycles and horses. In addition to being well known for its waterfall, streams, meadows, grasslands and gardens, Kodaikanal also has a strong religious component thanks to places like La Salette, Lutheran Mission, St. Peter's Church, Durgai Amman Kovil, Church of South India, Kurinji Andavar Kovil, Ellis Villa, Munjikal, Mariamman Kovil, Union Church and others. Stay the night at the hotel.
After breakfast, explore the lovely hill station. Bryant Park is incredibly beautiful, with a diverse range of shrubs, trees, myrtles, rhododendrons and rose kinds. You will visit the Shembaganur Museum of Natural History to witness a fine assortment of over 500 kinds of birds, animals, insects and exotic orchid species. Green Valley View provides an amazing panorama of the plains, while Dolphin's Nose is a flat rock that overlooks a 2000-meter gap. In addition, you will see the three enormous granite pillars known as Pillar Rocks, Bear Shola Falls, and Silver Cascade. Overnight in Kodaikanal.
Driven to Thekkady, popularly known as Periyar Animal Sanctuary. Periyar is well known as an Elephant and Tiger Reserve. It is home to a wide variety of species, including Indian elephants, Bengal tigers, wild boar, monkeys, wild dogs, sambar, leopards, langurs, and many more. Additionally, you can frame many plant and bird species that you see here with your camera. You will go on a boat ride on Periyar Lake to get the opportunity to see various creatures. Spend the night in the hotel.
Today you will see animals in Periyar. You can also take a lakeboat ride, go on a leisurely hike, or visit the neighborhood bazaars. Periyar National Park, which spans 700 km and is renowned for its savanna grasslands and deep woods, is home to a variety of animals and birds. Take a boat cruise to witness something truly remarkable. Along with many other animals, you will witness herds of elephants. You should also visit Murikkady, Chellar Kovil and numerous more interesting locations. In Periyar, spend the night.
You're going to be driven from Periyar to Alappuzha today. Once known as Alleppey, it's a fantastic location. Known as the "Venice of the East," this gorgeous area features beaches, backwaters, and lagoons interspersed with a network of canals. Take a backwater cruise to leave with a memorable experience.
Every year on the second Saturday of August, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race takes place on Punnamada Lake. It features endless paddy fields and lush green coconut palms. Night stay at the hotel.
You will discover the beauties of Alappuzha today. Well-known for its boat races, beaches, backwater vacations, marine goods and coir business. The Kerala backwaters are a system of expansive lakes created by rivers and canals. Low barrier islands are generated by waves and shore currents. Take a houseboat, also known as Kettuvallam and spend the night on it. The boats, which are used to transport grain, resemble floating houses featuring a dining room, sleeping quarters, restrooms and a deck area for sitting. Staff members prepare the meals on board. Stay the night here.
You will drive from Alappuzha to Mararikulam after breakfast. In the evening, unwind both physically and mentally at the beach. Popular for its beach, Mararikulam is a seaside village. It is the most gorgeous beach destination, having been ranked as one of the top five hammock beaches in the world by a National Geographic poll. Head to Mararikulam, a slumbering tiny village 11 miles from Alappuzha, to live a dreamy lifestyle. Stayed for the night in Mararikulam.
See the temples of Muttathu Tirumala Devaswom and Karthyayani Devi. Many devotees visit throughout the year in great numbers. There are temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Ayyappa and Kshethrapalakan within the Karthyayani Devi complex. Numerous roosters can also be found in and around the shrine. Famous for its deities, the Muttathu Thirumala Devaswom temple is home to Sree Venkatachalapathy Moorthy, Bhoo Devi, and Saligrama. Temple of Sree Rajarajeshwari. Stay the night here.
You can go to the beach one more day. Wander about the surrounding areas. For a taste of religion, go to Saint Augustine Church. It is one of the oldest Latin Catholic churches and is situated close to Aroor. You will next be driven to Thycattusserry's Christian church and Devi Temple. The Kandamangalam Rajarajeshwari Temple, the Kandakarnan Temple and the Vathara Trimurti Temple are located at Kadakkarappally and Andhakaranazhi. They are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Overnight stay at the hotel in Mararikulam.
This is the final day you will be in South India before your return. You are driven from Mararikulam to Cochin (Kochi) Airport on this day. Bid Adieu to South India.
