Escape to Kerala

Kerala is where the country traverses to glide under a forest glade so serene and tranquilizing and to bathe in the surreal beauty of backwaters. Stretched between Arabian Sea and Western Ghats, the gorgeous land of Kerala is very fertile soil and is also rich with cultural and historic heritage. The emerald jewels of the region crowning the state are its seemingly infinite number of rice paddies, traditional houseboats, coconut palm groves shading its seashores, tranquilizing backwaters, sandy beaches and sun-worshipping crowds. Its tea and spice plantations further makes the verdant hills aromatic and the meandering water-bodies adds cooling effect to the tropical beauty of Kerala. Escape to Kerala assembles all these highlights of Kerala travel into one week�s tour itinerary to create a fascinating rendezvous with Mother Nature.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Trivandrum � Kovalam
Arrive at Trivandrum Airport/ Railway Station. Proceed to Kovalam. Rest of the day spent at leisure on the beach.

Day 2: Kovalam � Kumarakom
Morning drive down through tea and rubber plantations to reach tranquil Kumarakom. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3: Kumarakom
Set on birding tour inside Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Day 4: Kumarakom � Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady. The day is reserved for leisure activities, along with jungle safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Day 5: Thekkady � Cochin
Drive to Cochin. Check-in at a hotel. Sightseeing tour includes visit to Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace.

Day 6: Cochin-Departure
Morning drive to Airport for your flight back home.

Tour Highlights:

Historic cities, tranquilizing hill stations and exciting game safaris
Assistance of our representatives during all transfers
Embark a traditional houseboat (kettuvalom) and travel on your own pace on tranquilizing backwaters
Set on birding tour in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Embark a traditional houseboat (kettuvalom) and travel on your own pace on tranquilizing backwaters
Explore the seaside splendour at Kovalam
Optional Ayurvedic therapies
Feel the real thrill of jungle safari by riding an elephant inside Periyar National Park

Day 1: Arrive Trivandrum � Kovalam

Welcome to God�s Own Country, upon arrival at airport in Trivandrum our ever smiling representative will greet you there at the airport lounge, later proceed towards your hotel in Kovalam. This internationally renowned beach town is a favourite haunt of tourists looking to spend laid-back vacations amidst beauteous environs. A former favourite jaunt of hippies, this tropical beach town is known for its picture perfect looks, traditional fishing villages providing a refreshing India tour experience. Day at Kovalam will be free for trying some recreational activities on the beach or at the hotel.

Day 2: Kovalam � Kumarakom

On this day you will proceed to Kumarakom, the charming emerald peninsula sticking out into the ever-sparkling Vembanad Lake which will take you into the heart of the scenic land where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. Morning drive down through tea and rubber plantations to reach tranquil Kumarakom. Afternoon at Kumarakom will be free to enjoy the facilities at the hotel. You can enjoy swimming, fising, go boating or opt for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage (at an extra cost) here.

Day 3: Kumarakom

On this day you will proceed to the charming emerald peninsula sticking out into the ever-sparkling Vembanad Lake which will take you into the heart of the scenic land where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise for it is a favourite haunt of beauteous migratory birds such as Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Avid bird watchers should make plans for a visit to the park early in the morning for that is the time birds leave their nests and fly over the lake in groups creating beauteous patterns in the sky. Return to the hotel for lunch thereafter and enjoy rest of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise.

Day 4: Kumarakom � Thekkady

Post breakfast check out and drive to Thekkady. Set on a jeep safari inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake. The sanctuary is one of the biggest natural reserves in India which covers about 777 km squares. Home to myriad wild creatures this protected area lies in the middle of mountainous region of Cardamom Hills and is cradled with picturesque Periyar Lake. Animals such as elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars and beauteous bird populations such as darters, cormorants, kingfishers and racket tailed Drongos have made the park their home. Spot these animals coming to the banks of Periyar Lake to quench their thirst while you sail on a boat in the pristine lake. Also, visit a spice plantation in the vicinity later and return to the hotel for night stay.

Day 5: Thekkady � Cochin

Proceed to Cochin. Full day sightseeing tour of Cochin will commence today post lunch. On today's sightseeing you explore St. Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue and more. Believed to be the oldest church in India, it was built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan monks. Jewish Synagogue houses The Great Scrolls of Old Testament. The Mattancherry Palace features Kerala murals displaying Hindu temple art, portraits of former Kings of Kochi. Also watch the Chinese fishing nets in action along the sea front. Evening will come to end with an option of watching a Kathakali dance performance which is the precursor of major classical forms of dances of South India.

Day 6: Cochin-Departure

Morning after breakfast our representative will escort you to Cochin Airport/Railway station for onward journey biding goodbye to the stunning land of Kerala.