10 Nights Keralan Odyssey

Welcome to Kochi, the most fascinating city of Kerala. On arrival at Kochi International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Kochi is the magnificent entry to Kerala and has been featured in National Geographic Travellers “50 greatest places of a lifetime.” Spread over several islands and historically rich in culture with booming industries, the city is a fantastic beginning to exploring the vivacious diversity of Kerala. 

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Unlock Kochi’s history by embarking on a morning sightseeing tour that will take you into the heart of this magnificent and beautiful city. The Dutch, British, French and Portuguese have all left their outstanding imprint with beautiful architecture. You will visit Fort Cochin, which has been a cherished sea port for centuries, Vasco Da Gama Square and Santa Cruz Basilica. Continue to St. Francis’ Church, considered to be India’s oldest European church, built by Portuguese Franciscan Friars.  Vasco da Gama was buried here before being taken to Lisbon. Proceed to the VOC Gate, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and marvel at Mattancherry Palace’s murals depicting the Ramayana and Puranic legends. 

Intriguingly, the only traces of China’s influence are the gigantic nets, ‘cheenavalas’ from 1350. According to Diplomat Ma Haun, “The fishermen are tourist-friendly and will happily let you join them.” And his observation still rings true today. You will learn about their very unusual fishing method, operated from the shore. In the afternoon, experience your very own pièce de résistance with a cooking class from a renowned local TV personality. At lunch, enjoy the flavours of Keralite cooking. 

OVERNIGHT IN KOCHI

Check out after a hearty breakfast and drive to Munnar over rugged hills, rolling oceans of tubby green tea bushes, through luscious grasslands, before passing the Pallivasal tea estates. This will be your first glimpse of Munnar. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

At a height of 1,500 metres, set amidst mountains once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar is a bustling hub of tea plantations.  Prepare to be captivated by its dense carpet of tea, sprinkled with Acacias and Red Gum trees, and delighted by its freshly brewed cuppas.

Enrote to Munnar take a break for Spice Plantation tour - Munnar is the heaven of spices and this spice tour will leave your senses tingling with joy. Wander in the captivating farms and witness the plantation of spices like black pepper, cardamom, ginger, curcuma, cinnamon, etc.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

Continue with a full day sightseeing of Munnar, watching the mountain goats in the Rajamalai wildlife Sanctuary. Then head to the the Kannan Devan Hills, the perfect getaway with panoramic views of the Munnar Tea Estates and the lake. After lunch you will proceed to Mattupetty, with the rare chance of seeing a herd of wild elephants on the way to Mattupetty Dam. 

Next up is the Tea Museum’s photographs and machinery during the revolution of the industry, which includes the original tea roller, the ‘Rotovane,’ and the ‘Pelton Wheel’. Today you will also experience the Kathakali & Martial Arts show.

OVERNIGHT IN MUNNAR

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the spice capital and check into your next hotel. Along the way you will also explore Thekkady. The afternoon is at your leisure. Feel free to walk through the spice market in the Kumily Village. Make sure you leave room in your suitcase for the finest cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace!

First up is the Kathakali, a mixture of art, music, dance and drama, with majestic costumes, elaborate makeup, and mythological stories. Kalaripayattu is the oldest form of martial arts, with elaborate movements and the sounds of slashing swords. Return to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY

Post breakfast at the hotel, step out for a blissful day in the natural heaven for wildlife. 

Tourists rush from all over the country to experience the exotic wildlife at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is amidst dense forests and make way for thrilling mountain walks. Experience boating in the lake where you can spot many more interesting species of animals as you admire the beauty called Thekkady.

After spending quality time with nature, head to the Tribal Heritage Museum which features different types of artifacts displaying the culture, dressing, rituals, etc. of the Mannan settlement. You can also check out the spice market in the Kumily Village and pick fresh aromatic cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and mace from the market.

OVERNIGHT IN THEKKADY

Post breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart to Alleppey via Kuttikanam which is a hill station in Idukki district and is best known for trekking and adventure sports.

You can explore the cardamom and tea plantations which surround the entire place. Later head to Alleppey and experience the memorable cruise through the iconic backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey is the most popular backwater cruising destination in Kerala and is termed as “Venice of the East”. Kerala claims its title as ‘God’s Own  Country’ due to its captivating charm and wonder.

Your comfortable and luxurious house boat will take you through paddy fields and lined up coconut trees. Indulge in some traditional Kerala cuisines served on board made with various tasty spices and flavours.

Marvel the Chinese fishing nets, ancient temples, rustic buildings, paddy fields and swaying coconut trees along the coastline. Having experienced an overnight stay in a houseboat, you have lived a perfect vacation in Kerala.

OVERNIGHT ON THE HOUSEBOAT

After a mesmerising stay in the houseboat, it’s time to check out and proceed to the hotel in Poovar (Enroute to Poovar visit Hawa Beach in Kovalam).

Ever imagined ending your holiday on an island paradise of your own? Here in Poovar that is exactly what you will find. This nirvana is tipped as one of the ‘50 must visit’ places in India by ‘National Geographic Traveler’, with its coconut trees and endless golden sands. Shrouded in pristine Kerala backwaters, flanked by the Arabian Sea on the East and the enchanting towering Ghats to the West, along with a heavenly beach, Poovar Island is your very own Indian Idyll. How about reclining on the gorgeous nearby beach, swimming in translucent waters or simply unwinding with a relaxing body massage? Your perfect end to India!.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

Spend a full day at leisure sunbathing on the golden sands of Poovar Beach. The estuary shimmers in spades of wow factor where the river, sea and lake meet the land.

Breakfast is at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. End your holiday on this wonderful paradise by treating yourself to an Ayurvedic Massage, where the body is revived and the soul replenished. Included is a full body session at the hotel or a nearby spa. Please book your slot.

OVERNIGHT IN POOVAR

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. A beautiful souvenir is the perfect way to end such a magical holiday. Take home a silk sari or handmade version, its motif conveying Kerala’s everlasting memories.

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