Places to Visit:Cochi - Munnar - Aleppy - Kovalam - (Trivadapuram) Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Day
1 : Arrival at Kochi
Departure transfer to Domestic Airport at Delhi to Fly Kochi ( Cochin) Company
representatives will receive you on arrival at the domestic airport in kochi,
and transfer you to hotel .
Kochi (Cochin), the Queen of the Arabian Sea and the Queen of the Adriatic,
It is also referred to as the Gateway of South India. It is situated on the
west coast of India in the beautiful state of Kerala. It is the second most
important city (after Mumbai) on the western coast of India .Kochi can be regarded
as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Kerala is one of the most
prosperous state of India, flanked by the Arabian Sea on the western side and
the Western Ghats on the eastern side. Roughly speaking Kochi is 10º North
and 76º East. After Lunch halfday sight seeing . Overnight stay at Kochi.
Suggested Hotel : Deluxe : Gokulam Park Inn: www.sarovarparkplaza.com
Day 2 : Kochi
Breakfast at Hotel. Another half day explore / sight seeing Kochi ( one of the
interesting part is to visit those huge Chinese Fishing nets ) . In the evening
proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION. Overnight at Cochin.
Kathakali, literally meaning `story-play', is a dance-drama originated in the
17th century in Kerala, one of the smallest states in India lying on the west
coast of the Indian peninsula. However, its roots could be tracked back even
to the earlier times. Koodiyattom, the only surviving form of Sanskrit theater
in India has been preserved in Kerala for centuries, now, by a small community
called Chakyar as a part of their hereditary temple service. Krishnanattom,
another form of dance-drama considered fore runner to Kathakali in its origin,
is performed even today at the famous Sree Krishna temple in Guruvayoor as an
offering to the Lord. Besides these two forms, elements from martial, ritualistic,
socio-religious arts have also influenced in the making of Kathakali. Though
Kathakali is only 300 years old, a great deal of enrichment and refinement has
taken place in every aspect of its technique during this short period. Scholars
are of opinion that Kathakali is the result of a fusion between all Indian theater
tradition represented by Koodiyattom and the indigenous tradition of folk dance
forms.
Day 3 : Kochi --- Munnar
Breakfast at Hotel and later drive to Munnar . On arrival Check inn at Hotel.
Late afternoon sight seeing of Munnar. Munnar : It is one of the most popular hill stations in India, It is
situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni
and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts above sea level, this was once the summer resort
of the erstwhile British Government in South India.Sprawling tea plantations,
picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar
a unique experience. Munnar is essentially a tea town. The tea plantations have
now been taken over by the Tata Tea Company. The visitor is greeted with miles
and miles of unending tea plantations on entry into Munnar. Among the exotic
flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower
which bathes the hills in blue colour once every twelve years. The Neelakurinji,
will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India
- Anamudi - which towers over 2695 Mts and is an ideal spot for campers who
like to do some trekking. ( please note that by end of November or early December
you get the last glimps of this great flower.) Overnight stay at Munnar.
Suggested Hotel : ( best option ) Fort Munnar: www.fortmunnar.com
Day
4 : Munnar -- ( Kumarakom ) Alleppy (4 hours drive + O/N house boat)
After breakfast drive to the small town of Kumarakom. Here we board our houseboat,
converted from a Kettavallum or traditional rice barge, and sail the beautiful
backwaters of Kerala. This large aquatic area is a vast network of lagoons,
lakes, rivers and canals, and the people who live in this region have created
their own distinct lifestyles. From our comfortable houseboats we witness the
peaceful way of life on these amazing waterways and our overnight stay on board
will be a real highlight of our holiday. Next morning we dock at Alleppy. (
all meals will be provided at House boat )
Houseboat : No trip to Kerala is complete without a backwater cruise
on a houseboat. In Earlier times Kettuvalloms were the crafts used in the houseboats
and Modern houseboats are a tribute to traditional design, ingenuity, aesthetic
values and commitment to the environment. Many of them are equipped with solar
lighting, chemical toilets and outboard engines for when you want to skim the
waters. The best way to cruise the backwaters of Kerala however, is in a leisurely
laid-back manner with your weather beaten poleman gently gliding the boat across
the waters, leaving you time to take in the sights. And the sights are there
for the taking.
Day 5 : Alleppy Trivadapuram ( kovalam) 3 hours drive.
Breakfast at House boat, Our Car will pick you up from House boat , little sight
seeing of Alleppy Later on drive to Kovalam (Trivandpuram )
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. The wooded highlands on the Western
Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of
the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned
beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage
make it a much sought after tourist destination. Padmanabha Swamy Temple: The
temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple
is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for
its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples
in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the
Serpent Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum: The palace was built by
Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a
great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship
in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood
carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections
of the royal family and is located near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Since
there is no good accommodation out here , so almost all the tourist stay at
Kovalam ( just
25 minutes drive from the city ) Kovalam Beach : This internationally renowned
beach resort has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam
consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the
Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers accommodation options
to suit all budgets.
Suggested Hotel : Uday Samudra :http://www.udaysamudra.com/
Day 6 : Kovalam
After breakfast city sightseeing to the imposing Padmanbha Swami Temple (non
Hindus are not allowed, so the visit will be outside the temple) and the adjascent
Kuthira Malika Museum. Afternoon Relax . Overnight stay at Kovalam
Day 7 : Kovalam - Trivandrum Departure
After breakfast transfer to Trivandrum airport ( 45 minutes drive) to board
flight to Delhi.