Overview

Kerala, Gods Own Country, lies between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. Apart from sun-kissed beaches, tranquil backwaters and breathtaking landscapes, Kerala has rich and diverse wildlife sanctuaries and national park featuring the exuberant number of animals that you might have seen only in the books. This tour will take you to some of the most popular wildlife destination of Kerala to witness the rich flora and fauna.

Begin this sojourn with one of the most vibrant city of Kerala – Cochin. Located on the Arabian Sea, it has many things to offer like history, culture, cuisines and bazaars! Next, visit the bird watcher’s heaven – Kumarakom. This beautiful paradise has an abundance of flora and fauna, bringing the vast variety of avifauna species including kingfishers, water ibis, Indian Darter, herons, pin-tailed duck, osprey, wood beetles, larks, flycatchers, Siberian cranes, teal, water duck, owl, cuckoo, steppe eagle and a lot more. Kumarakom has spectacular lagoon and the area is dotted with numerous traditional rice boats, canoes and coconut trees.

The tour then continues to explore Kerala’s amazing beauty - backwaters. Board the enchanting houseboat and begin cruise along the serene backwaters. As you cruise along, you will witness life in the backwater villages of Alleppey. You will travel down the small canals dotted with houses, paddy fields, coconut trees, marketplaces, and temples. Watch local people engaging in a variety of daily activities from fishing to boat-making.

After backwaters experience, head to Periyar, famous for its spice plantations and wildlife parks. Apart from sighting of tiger, you may also be lucky to see wild elephants, nilgiri, langur, monkeys, sambhar deer, wild bison and colorful birds in the park. Another major attraction is to take boat ride on Periyar Lake offering breathtaking views of the landscape.

Before ascending to the Western Ghats – Munnar, explore the bird sanctuary in Thattekad, where you can find some of the rarest species of birds. In Munnar, visit Evarikulam National Park, which is the home to a rare species of mountain goat called the Nilgiri Tahr. Its colorful landscapes, mesmerizing views, numerous waterfalls and lush green tea-gardens make Munnar a must-visit destination.

Highlights

  • Witness the classical Kathakali dance performance in Cochin
  • Catch a glimpse of migratory birds in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
  • Experience mesmerizing backwater cruise in Alleppey
  • Explore the Gavi National park in Periyar.
  • Visit the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
  • Catch a glimpse of mountain goat called Nilgiri Tahr in Munnar.

Tour Details

01

Day 1 - Arrive Cochin

Our representative will receive you on arrival at the airport in Cochin and will take you to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy traditional Kathakali dance performance or a kaleidoscope of martial arts and traditional dance forms of Kerala. Overnight will be in Cochin.

02

Day 2 - In Cochin

After breakfast, begin the sightseeing tour of Cochin which includes The Santa Cruz Cathedral, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry or ‘Dutch Palace’ and also the famous St. Francis Church- the first European Church that was built in India. Later, head to the harbor where local fishermen use the old Chinese Fishing Nets introduced centuries ago. Overnight will be in Cochin.

03

Day 3 - Cochin to Kumarakom By road 50kms / 1hrs

After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a perfect recreation destination on the bank of Vembanad Lake to enjoy the serenity and greenery of backwater villages. Upon arrival, check in to the resort. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is home to many varieties of birds and other small species. In the evening, either proceed to explore the nearest backwater village or relax at your hotel. Overnight will be in Kumarakom.

04

Day 4 – Kumarakom - Houseboat

After breakfast, check in to a traditional Kerala style houseboat and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake. The houseboat, with all modern comforts, lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. Sit back and relax as you cruise through ancient Chinese fishing nets, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples, coconut groves, canals and estuaries. All meals will be served on the boat freshly prepared by the crew. In the evening the boat will anchor by the lush paddy fields. Dinner is served on board. Enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and spend night on the houseboat.

05

Day 5 - Kumarakom to Periyar By road 50kms / 1hrs

After breakfast drive to Periyar and check into your hotel. In the evening you will enjoy the boat ride on the lake. This is the most enjoyable part - seeing the wildlife around the lake from the safety of a boat, you may get to witness herds of wild elephants coming down to the water’s edge. Overnight will be at Periyar.

06

Day 6 - In Periyar

Early morning, proceed for a jungle walk in Periyar National Park. You will see the rare species of plants and animals. The ‘experience’ will be customized as per your preference depending on how many hours you want to spend in the park. Return to resort for the breakfast. Spend the afternoon with the elephants, bathing, feeding and a photo session. Afterwards visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea estates. On your way back to the hotel, you can stop at the local Kumily market to buy the fragrant spices. Overnight will be in Periyar.

07

Day 7 - In Periyar

After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Gavi. Spread across the beautiful Periyar Tiger Reserve, Gavi is a quiet, beautiful and pristine forest abundant with magnificent wildlife including the tigers, elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, sambar, barking & mouse deer, lion tailed macaque, variety of monkeys & Nilgiri Martens. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide. Return back to Periyar and the rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight will be in Periyar.

08

Day 8 – Periyar to Munnar via Thattekkad By road 232 kms / 6hrs

After breakfast, drive to Munnar. On the way, visit the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, the evergreen low-land forest known for its variety of birds such as cuckoo, orange-headed thrush, large-billed leaf-warbler and Jerdon’s nightjar. Later, continue drive to Munnar. On arrival, check-in to your hotel& overnight.

09

Day 9 - In Munnar

After breakfast at your hotel, you will start exploring Munnar by visiting the Eravikulam National Park, which is a famous habitat of the rare mountain goats orNilgiriTahr. You will also visit Mattupetty Dam, Eco-Point -where you can see the lustrous green carpet of the tea gardens,Kundala Dam, Nyayamkad & Attukal Waterfalls. Later in the day, visit the Tea Factory, old Munnar and shop in the local market. Rest of the evening will be spent at leisure – strolling and finding small buildings of historical importance around the hill station. Overnight will be in Munnar.

010

Day 10 – Munnar to Cochin By road 140kms / 3hrs

After breakfast, drive to Cochin. Later as per the flight timings, you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight back home with sweet memories of the tour. TOUR ENDS!