Kerala – The God’s Own Country
Indo Asia Tours
10 Nights / 11 Days Trip: Cochin - Munnar - Madurai – Periyar – Backwater - Kovalam - Trivandrum
Kerala is probably the greenest and most picturesque part of the subcontinent. It is famous for its backwaters, beaches, lakes and natural beauty. However, it is not only the natural beauty that makes Kerala special - the rich cultural heritage, historical prominence which makes it one of most sought after destinations of India.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Cochin
Arrive Cochin, on arrival you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel. (Rooms will be available from 14:00 Hrs)
In the evening enjoy Kathakali Dance Drama at a local theatre.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel.
Day 02: Cochin
After breakfast explore Cochin’s (Kochi) rich history on a sightseeing tour through Fort Cochin area. You will visit Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, a Dutch Cemetery, St. Francis Church and Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheenavala).
IMP: Dutch Palace remains closed on Friday. Jewish Synagogue remains closed on Friday (afternoon), Saturday and on Jewish Holidays.
Afternoon is reserved for an excursion to Kerala's first model fisheries and tourism village with a lunch. During the visit you will experience local livelihoods like coconut farming and crab catching. Learn about coconut's various uses, from water to shell, weaving of its leaves etc. and witness clam meat processing followed by a visit to a crab farm. Conclude with tea and refreshments before returning to the hotel in Cochin.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel
Day 03: Cochin / Munnar (Approx. 127 Kms / 04 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Munnar.
Afternoon is reserved for a visit to a tea plantation followed by Tea Museum - the first of its kind in India. Take a peep into the past and know about the evolution and growth of tea plantation in this part of Kerala.
IMP: Tea museum remains closed on Mondays and government holidays.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel
Day 04: Munnar / Madurai (Approx. 160 Kms / 05 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Madurai.
After an early dinner visit the Meenakshi Temple and attend the evening ceremony known as the 'Bedtime of Gods’. It is an interesting ceremony in which Lord Shiva is symbolically carried in a palanquin accompanied by musicians, temple singers and priests to the temple of his consort Parvati. Enroute Shiva visits other deities before entering his wife's temple to spend the night with her.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel
Day 05: Madurai
Early morning around enjoy a heritage walk through the alleys of Madurai and visit Meenakshi Temple. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon enjoy sightseeing of Madurai visiting Tirumalai Nayak Mahal Palace and Vaniyur Mariamman Teppakulam.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel
Day 06: Madurai / Periyar (Approx. 145 Kms / 04 Hrs)
Drive to Periyar.
Evening is reserved for Kalarippayattu - an ancient martial art, performance at a local theatre.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel
Day 07: Periyar
After an early breakfast enjoy a Nature Walk. The walk will be on a trail passing through evergreen and deciduous forests interspersed by marshy grasslands. The walking experience will last for about 03 hours.
In the afternoon visit a Spice plantation and enjoy boatride in the National Park.
In the evening enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn the usage of spices in the Indian meals, followed by a dinner.
Overnight in the hotel
Day 08: Periyar / Backwater (Approx. 138 Kms / 04 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to the jetty and board rice boat to sail on the backwaters of Kerala.
Lunch, Dinner & Overnight on the Riceboat
Day 09: Backwater / Kovalam (Approx. 160 Kms / 05 Hrs)
After breakfast board down at the jetty and drive to Kovalam. Depending on the interest of the group on the way you can visit Snake Temple at Mannarsala.
Rest of the day is free at leisure
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel
Day 10: Kovalam
Day free at leisure
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel
Day 11: Kovalam / Trivandrum (Approx. 15 Kms / 30 minutes) / Onward Flight
In time transfer to the Trivandrum airport and connect flight for onward journey. (Rooms will be available till 12:00 Hrs.)
Lufthansa City Center