DAY 1: ARRIVE COCHIN

Arrive at the Cochin Airport, Where you will be met by Oceantics Holidays representative, and escorted to your hotel.

Cochin: - Widely known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, has one of the world’s most attractive natural ports. It is well known for its centuries-old trading of spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood. It has traditionally rich heritage, but at the same time it is one of the most fast-paced and contemporary cities in India. It is very easy to be spellbound by the magic of Cochin and it is the beauty and comparatively good infrastructure that makes it the ideal gateway to the state. The city offers visitors a peek into palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters; palm-fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a modern metro city.

Overnight stay in Cochin.

DAY 2: DAY IN COCHIN

After breakfast, you will be picked up for sightseeing tour of Cochin. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:

The Jewish Synagogue- The Jewish Synagogue is located near the Dutch Palace. This synagogue was constructed in 1568 and was brilliantly decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. The Synagogue has a giant scroll of the Old Testament.

Cochin Harbor: The very popular tourist attraction in Cochin Harbor is the Chinese Fishing nets. These fishing nets are one of its kind and are found only in India. The fishing nets were popularized in Cochin Harbor by the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan.

St Francis Church - St. Francis church was constructed by the Europeans in 1503. St. Francis Church is the oldest European church in India. The Portuguese trader, Vasco da Gama died in Kochi, during his third visit to Kerala. Initially, his body was buried in this church, but after a few years his remains were moved to Portugal. In spite of all this the place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.

Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): The Portuguese constructed The Mattancherry Palace in 1557, and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61) as sign of goodwill. After 1663, the Dutch carried out some constructions and renovations in the palace, and from that day it was widely called as the ‘Dutch Palace’. The most significant thing about this palace is the amazing paintings in the bedrooms and other rooms. The paintings portray scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. These paintings are certainly the most extensive and attractive paintings to be seen anywhere in India.

Fort Kochi Beach: Fort Kochi beach is an ideal location to saunter in a peaceful and relaxing way. This beach happens to be one of the favorite tourist spots in Kerala. The view of the sunset with the Chinese fishing net and the sailing ships in the background is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen alongside the shoreline. Later in the evening you will be picked up by the guide and will be taken to a Kathakali Dance Performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a classical dance form, portraying Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The costumes of the dancers are very colorful and elaborate. Dancers with painted faces depict the various characters of the ancient epics. The Kathakali dancers portray a lot of facial expressions and articulate body movements.

Overnight stay in Cochin.

DAY 3: DRIVE COCHIN – MUNNAR (135 KMS / 4 ½  HRS)

After breakfast checkout at the hotel and drive to Munnar, the splendid hill station of Kerala.

Munnar: Named among the most beautiful places in Kerala and India, the hill town of Munnar is worth visiting. Nestled in the lush lap of the Western Ghats, the hill town is surrounded by rolling hills covered by tea estates. The town was settled in the era of the British Raj and there are many remnants of the period in the mansions, churches and the charming city.

On arrival, transfer to hotel. Spend the remaining day at leisure and enjoy picturesque landscapes.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

DAY 4: DAY IN MUNNAR

After breakfast, full-day sightseeing in and around Munnar. Enjoy panoramic views of Anamudi, the highest peak of South India at 2695 m.

The popular places to visit in Munnar include the Eravikulam National Park (home to the elusive Nilgiri Tahr and neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years), KFDC Flower Garden, Photo Point, Tea Plantations, Tea factory (to learn all about tea processing), Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Top Station, etc.

A popular way to spend your day includes an exhilarating drive in a 4WD jeep up steep, rough tracks to Kolukkumalai, the highest tea estate in the world.

You have the option to go by jeep all the way up to the top of Kolukkumalai or alternatively hop out and enjoy a moderate trek (1.5 – 2 hrs) on one of the trails leading up to the tea factory. From the summit, you’ll be given a tour of the fascinating working tea factory. Also explore the surrounding countryside before driving back down to Munnar, arriving mid-afternoon.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

DAY 5: DRIVE MUNNAR – THEKKADY / PERIYAR (100 KMS / 4 HRS)

After breakfast checkout at the hotel and leave for Periyar National Park. En route stop for a visit to a spice plantation.

Periyar: Nestled in the lush expanse of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular Elephant and Tiger Reserve. Abounding in wilderness and wildlife, it is one of the most popular places for wildlife safari in India. It is also the wildlife sanctuary where boat rides take you for a game safari.

Transfer to hotel on arrival. You may opt for a pleasant boat ride along the Periyar Lake in the evening. Enjoy watching varied birds and animals like tigers, elephants, wild boar, deer, etc. at the Periyar National Park. You can also visit a few tribal villages around Periyar and witness fascinating activities of tribals collecting honey from dangerous hill bees. Overnight in Periyar.

 Overnight stay in Periyar.

DAY 6: DRIVE PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM (130 KMS / 3 ½  HRS)

Early morning boat ride on Periyar Lake. The early hours of the day are good to spot wildlife easily as this is the time when animals come to quench their thirst. After breakfast check out at the hotel and leave for Kumarakom (3½ hours).

Kumarakom: Kumarakom is a small village on the Vembanad Lake in Kerela. This beautiful paradise stocked with mangrove forests, beryl green paddy fields and coconut groves comprises with water ways and canals adorned with while lilies. Kumarakom charms the tourist from all over the world. It offers a wide variety of flora, beautiful sightseeing, boating and fishing experiences. It is a part of Kuttanad region and the bird sanctuary spread over 14 acres is a safe home for many migratory birds. It is a fascinating sight for the visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat ride round the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads.

On your arrival in Kumarakom, check in to the hotel. 

The day is free for you. You can relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel.

 Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

DAY 7: DAY IN KUMARAKOM

Choose to spend the day relaxing or enjoying the Kerala backwaters. The best way to spend your days here is to pamper yourself with the famous Ayurvedic massage. The ancient practice of therapeutic health and wellness is said to have originated in Kerala. Even centuries later, the salubrious weather, the availability of herbs, oils and ancient techniques have a therapeutic cure for the body, mind and soul.

In Kumarakom, you could also visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is known for its colorful avian population. The eco-system of the backwaters supports a range of wildlife. In the winter months, the bird sanctuary gets visitors from far ends of the world. A visit to the villages is also suggested for interaction with the amiable folks of God’s Own Country.

Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

DAY 8: HOUSEBOAT

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed further with the Kerala tour. Board your private Houseboat (kettuvallam) to journey across the Kerala backwaters.

The traditional houseboats retain their original structure and design and have been furbished with all modern amenities. Spend the day in your floating villa. Enjoy the backwaters of Kerala by getting a glimpse of the village life at close quarters; a unique and unforgettable experience. Enjoy the sunset and watch the stars lying from the rooftop of the houseboat.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight stay in the houseboat.

DAY 9: ALLEPPEY - KOVALAM (177 KMS / 03 ½ HRS)

Disembark from the houseboat at Alleppey and transfer to Kovalam.

Kovalam: The favourite beach getaway in Kerala, Kovalam has for many years been the major tourist charm of Kerala. The town is popular for three seashores- Hawa beach, Lighthouse beach and the Kovalam beach. Ayurveda massages and watersports activities are the most popular pursuits of the town along with enjoying the beach bliss.

Check in to hotel upon arrival.

The day is free to spend at leisure on the beach. Enjoy playing with the golden sands or take a swim in the shallow water. A soothing sunbath is a perfect option to unwind. The more adventurous ones can enjoy thrilling beach sports. An Ayurvedic massage can also be availed (optional).

Overnight stay in Kovalam.

DAY 10: DAY IN KOVALAM

The day is at your own leisure. Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy strolls on the soft sands while watching the waves. You could also choose to try out water sports.

Overnight stay in Kovalam.

DAY 11: KOVALAM - TRIVANDRUM DEPARTURE

After breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight for onward destination.