Exotic Kerala Tour

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Places to see: Cochin – Munnar – Madurai – Rameshwaram – Madurai – Periyar – Alleppey - Kanyakumari – Kovalam
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

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Day 01 : Oct31: Arrival – Cochin ( Morning 07:30 am) : Thiruvananthapuram
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Cochin and transfer to your hotel & relax. As you have mention you are arriving early Morning, so we will try to get you room around 1030 am before that we will arrange breakfast at hotel.

Cochin:
Ernakulam (Cochin) is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kumarakom and Allapuzha districts on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. With one of the finest natural barbours in the world, this was once a manor centre of commerce and trace with the british, arabs, chinese, portuguese, dutch etc.

Afternoon start for the half day tour if you are comfortable either you can relax in the hotel and do some spa or Auyrvedic message. As you are staying a very good hotel .

Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry: The Synagogue at Mattancherry built in 1568, The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the Copper Plates on which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest, is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662, but was rebuilt by Dutch. In the mid 18th century the clock tower was added. Its floors are paved with exquisite had painted blue-willow tiles imported from China. Of these no two tiles are alike. The great scrolls of the old testament the copper plates in which the grands of privilege made by the Cochin Rules were recorded and the exquisite Chinese and Painted Tiles are of great interest.

The Synagogue is open from 10 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 5 pm on all days except Saturdays and Jewish holidays. The boasts of Rabbi gives visitors a full account of the synagogue and the history of the Jews in Kerala. Although this ancient community of Cochin has new dwindled to Hebrew language remain in Jew Town.

St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin: Reputed to the the oldest church in India built by the Europeans (The Protestant church was built originally by the Portuguese in AD 1510 and is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India). It is situated in Fort Cochin 10 km. away from style and renamed St. Francis of Assisi Church. Vasco Da Gama the Governor of Portuguese territories in India was buried in here before his mortal remains were taken to Portugal, fourteen years after his death. But the original tablet still remains here. Old records of the Church can been seen here. The most important one is the "Doop Book" of the Dutch Baptismal register maintained till 1804. Some old cadjan leaf manuscripts preserved in the church give information about the life of the Portuguese and Dutch settlers here. Grave stones from the graves of Vasco Da Gama and Portuguese and Dutch are embedded on the walls of Church. Brass tablets in memory of many Europeans especially the English are also embedded on the walls.

Overnight stay in Cochin

Day 2: Nov01: Cochin – Munnar (150 Km – 3.5 hrs)
After breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing in Cochin. The commercial town of Kerala, Kochi- a vibrant, lively city of palm green filled with interesting artifacts in every corner. The combination of main land Ernakulam is the business and tourist heart of Kerala.

Santa Cruz Basilica Church: This Roman Catholic church is situated near the St. Francis church and is worth a visit. It is a specimen of Portuguese architecture built in 1503. ‘Frescoes’ and mural paintings decorate the ceiling and interior parts of the church. The gothic architecture and the lofty spires gives it a unique grandeur.

Early evening proceed to Munnar.

Munnar:
Tucked away in sunny, tropical Kerala is a cool green paradise. Away from heat and dust. State’s finest Tea plantations. The best Hill station of Kerala... Watch the spectacular beauty of Tea gardens. Enjoy the nature, where the cloud turns into mist, which may touch you with a romantic feeling... It is located 1600 meter from sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular and most wanted tourist place of Kerala. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the NEELAKURINJI.

Munnar is an idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna. Breathing of fresh, cool mountain air is a rare experience. The cab will stop in many of the places on the way to enjoy the beautiful nature, sceneries and of course you can avoid a hasty trip.

Upon arrival check into hotel and relax. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 3: Nov02: Munnar
An ardent nature-lover’s paradise, Munnar is snuggled in the verdant and peaceful surroundings of the Kannan Devan hills. This panoramic hill station commands spectacular views of low-flying clouds and misty valleys thus making it an attractive little heaven with a salubrious climate. Overnight Stay in – Munnar.

Day 4: Nov03: Munnar – Madurai (160 Km – 4 hrs)
After breakfast proceed to Madurai.

Madurai: Madurai is Tamil Nadu‘s culturally vast active city. It is also a very popular travel destination for visitors 10 India; Situated on the tanks of River Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings. It is narrated in legend that Madurai Was originally a forest known as Kadambavanam.

Upon arrival visit:

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is situated at a distance of about 5 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The area of the tank, and the island pavilion with a garden in the center, is approximately equal to the area of Meenakshi Temple. It is one of the largest temple tanks in South India and gets water supply from the Vaigai River.

In the evening visit the Meenakshi Temple to attend the "Aarti" ceremony.

Meenakshi Temple
The enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva, known here as Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or Meenakshi. The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Nov04: Madurai – Rameswaram (175Km / 4.5hrs)
After breakfast proceed to Rameshwaram.

Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is an island situated in the gulf of manner at the very tip of the Indian peninsula. A very important pilgrim centre of the Indians. Rameshwaram is the place from where Lord Rama, built a bridge across the sea to rescue his consort Sita, from her abductor, Ravana. This is also the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana. Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage which is known as the Varanasi the south.

upon arrival visit:

Ramanathaswamy Temple
Ramnathswamy temple was built in the 17th century. Situated close to the sea on the eastern side of the island, this temple is famous for its 1200 gigantic granite columns. The 54 metre tall gopuram (gate-tower), 1220 metres of magnificent corridors and the flamboyant columns embellish and render fame to the temple. The water in each of the 22 sacred wells in the temple tastes different.

Agnitheertham
100 metres away from the temple is Agnitheertham, where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, to absolve himself from the killing Ravana.

Gandamadana Parvatham
The imprint of Lord Rama's feet placed on a Chakra (wheel) is found in this shrine which is at the highest point on the island at 2 km from Rameswaram.

Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi named after Rama's bow, is at the eastern end of the island at a distance of 8 kms from Rameshwaram. The boulders around the sea between Srilanka and this place known as Adam's bridge, are believed to be used by Hanuman to reach across Srilanka. Dhhanushkodi was completely destroyed by the cyclones of 1964. Kothandaramaswamy temple is the only salvage of the cyclone. Idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana (brother of Ravana), surrendered to Rama, here.

In the evening check into hotel and relax.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 6: Nov05: Rameshwaram – Madurai (175 Km- 4.5 hrs)
In the afternoon drive to Madurai and upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Nov06: Madurai - Periyar
In the morning drive to Periyar and upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Periyar
Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala in SW India. The centre piece of Periyar National park is the 5,500-hectare Periyar lake formed by the construction of a dam on the Periyar river in 1895.The dam submerged low-lying forest whose dead tree trunks still jut out of the waters. Along the fringes of the lake are marshy areas with tall grasslands. This is one of the richest habitats of large mammals, as it provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses. Here it is possible to see large herds of Indian Elephant with relative ease as well as Nilgiri Langur near Aranya Niwas and the Liontail Macaque in higher areas.

Afternoon, sightseeing by boat over Lake Periyar to view the wild life.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8:Nov07: Periyar – Kumarakom (overnight Houseboat)

After breakfast proceed for Kumarakom.

Kumarakom:
Beneath the back waters Kumarakom- KOTTAYAM is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. This Lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist village offers House Boat Cruises and nature entertainments. The serene Lake comes alive during Onam -The most celebrity festival in KERALA- with a spectacular regatta-the Snake Boat Races.

Pathiramanal: (Sands of Midnight) This 10 acre Island on the backwater’s in home to many rare varities of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived in to the vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, the Island can be accessed only by boat.

Upon arrival check into a houseboat on arrival and stay on board the houseboat overnight. You will be dropped at Alleppey on next day.

Overnight at houseboat. ( in the House boat you will get all the local food like Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast.

Day 9:Nov08: Alleppey – Kovalam (170 Km – 4.5 hrs)
After breakfast disembark the Houseboat and proceed for Kovalam.

Kovalam:
Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum.

Upon arrival check into hotel. Rest of the day leisure on the beach.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10: Nov09: Kovalam – Kanyakumari (100 km – 2.5 hrs)

Breakfast at hotel. drive to Kanyakumari, Enroute visit Padmanabhapuram Palace and Suchindram Temple. At Kanykumari visit Vivekanada rock, Wax Museum and Udaygiri Fort.
In the evening enjoy the sunset on the beach.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 11:Nov10: Kanyakumari – Kovalam (100 km – 2.5 hrs)
After breakfast proceed for Kovalam. Upon arrival check into hotel. Rest of the day leisure on the beach.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 12: Nov11: Kovalam – Trivandrum – Departure
After breakfast proceed for Trivandrum upon arrival departure transfer to International airport to catch the onward flights.

TOUR ENDS

The Package Includes:

• Twin sharing Accommodation at mentioned hotel.
• Sightseeing Tours As Mentioned In the Itinerary,
• Air-Conditioned Car with English speaking Chauffeur,
• English Speaking Guide for All Mentioned Tours,
• 2 Hrs. Boat ride at Periyar
• Meet and Assist Services on Arrival / Departure,
• Daily Buffet Breakfasts
• Dinner at hotel.
• All soft beverages like mineral water / juice during the dinner time.
• All Applicable Taxes And Service Charges,
• All Parking, Road Taxes and Driver Allowances.

HOTELS SET: - 5 star Hotel
City	Hotels	Nights
Cochin	Taj Malabar	01
Munnar	Club Mahindra lake View	02
Madurai	Taj Garden Retreat	01
Rameshwaram	Grt Regency ( Budget Hotel )	01
Periyar	Spice Village	01
Kumarakom	Deluxe Houseboat	01
Kovalam	Taj Green Cove	02
Kanyakumari	Hotel Shingar Residency ( Budget Hotel )	01

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