6D5N Kerala/Cochin Highlights - Private Tour

ITINERARY

Day 1: No Meals

Welcome to Kerala! Upon arrival at Cochin Airport, you are greeted by our representative. Transferred to airport hotel where our representative will brief you on what to expect in the coming days and to assist with check in. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Cochin hotel.

Day 2: Breakfast/Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive to Munnar, a beautiful hill station situated 1600 meters above sea level enroute visit Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats Mountain range in India’s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it's surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. Eravikulam National Park, a habitat for the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr, is home to the Lakkam Waterfalls, hiking trails and 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak. Upon arrival you'll be transferred to hotel. The rest of the day at leisure. You can stroll around and enjoy the peace and freshness of mountain air along with its breathtaking beauty. Dinner and overnight in Munnar hotel.

Day 3: Breakfast/Dinner

Buffet Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast visit to Rajamalai (18 kms from Munnar) and home to the largest population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (wild goats). This 97 sq. Km park, a former hunting preserve of the British planters today exemplifies wildlife conservation at its best. The incredibly agile Nilgiri Tahr is today the pride of Munnar and its mascot. * Eravikulam National Park is closed from mid February till 1st week of April for calving season. If Eravikulam National Park is closed then you will visit Kundala Lake. Later visit to enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills covered in lush teaplantations. Tea Museum: Explore the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea plantations in the region and witness the tea-making process. Mattupetty Dam: A beautiful spot where you can enjoy boating and take in serene views of the surrounding hills. Echo Point: Known for its natural echo phenomenon, this is a must-visit forfamilies and couples. Kundala Lake: Surrounded by rolling hills, tea gardens, and dense forests, Kundala Lake offers breathtaking views that make it a perfect escape from city life. Boating Adventures: Enjoy pedal boating, row boating, or a ride in the traditional Kashmiri-style Shikara boats, adding a romantic touch to your visit. (Optional Tour: Direct Payment Basis) Rose Garden: s a delightful haven for nature lovers and flower enthusiasts. Spread over 2 acres, this beautifully landscaped garden is a vibrant showcase of nature's colors and fragrances. Return back to your hotel by evening and overnight in Munnar hotel. Dinner provided at hotel. 

Day 4: Breakfast/Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast drive to Periyar Tiger Reserve, India’s earliest sanctuary and one of the best places to see Asian Elephant. After checking in to your hotel, stroll through one of the spice plantations this area famous for; learn about the many different uses of spices, both in medicine and food. Take a late afternoon cruise on the picturesque Periyar Lake at the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kindly note that every season has an effect on the water level of Periyar Lake. Hence, boat ride would be subject to proper/feasible water level at the Lake during visit), as the coolness comes in the evening many wildlife drink at the water edge. Later visit to the spice plantation. As you take a walk along the streets of Kumily or the winding pathways among the plantations, the thing that strikes you first is the lingering aroma in the air. The scent may be of cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon or cardamom and sometimes a fragrance that combines the scents of two or more spices. The geographical and climatic peculiarities of Kumily such as the cool climate and its elevation from the sea level make it ideal for spice cultivation. Optional activity: This night you can choose to take an optional martial art performance, the ancient Kalaripayattu that is said to be 3000 years old. Dinner and overnight in Periyar hotel. 

Day 5: Breakfast/Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom, approximately 125 kms, 3.5 hrs to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is famous for its special geographical features as the place is famous for its backwater stretches and paddy fields. Kumarakom is set in the backdrop of Vembanad Lake which is the largest freshwater Lake in Kerala. On your Kerala backwater tour you can also visit the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is another tourist destination in Kumarakom. Kumarakom is also the home for various sprawling ethnic waterfront resorts that offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Afternoon one hour Shikara boat ride. Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Dinner and overnight in Kumarakom hotel. 

Day 6: Breakfast/Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel After a leisurely breakfast, drive from Kumarakom to Cochin (60 kms. 1.5 hrs). On arrival proceed for city tour of Cochin. Start your exploration of Fort Cochin. Follow the footprint left centuries ago by Dutch, Portuguese, British, Arab and Chinese and soak up the cultural atmosphere as you stroll along the quaint narrow lanes of Fort Cochin to visit the Dutch Palace (close on Fridays and national holidays), St Francis Church and India's oldest Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town (close on Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays). Later head to the harbor where local fishermen use the old Chinese fishing nets introduced and erected centuries ago. Later free time for some last-minute shopping. Dinner at a local restaurant in Cochin and evening transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey.

Price Includes:
Accommodations as per mentioned above on twin/double sharing Basis for 05 nights. 
Airport/Hotel/Airport transfers
Daily breakfast and dinner at hotels. Dinner on last day in Cochin at a local restaurant 
Private AC vehicle for entire sightseeing and transfers as per the Itinerary. 
2 Pax – AC Sedan car 
4 Pax – AC Innova Crysta 
6-8 Pax – AC Tempo Traveller 
Local English-speaking guides for sightseeing 
Entrance fees for all the monuments as per sightseeing including boat ride on Periyar Lake 
01 bottle of mineral water (500ml) per person per day 
Airport/Hotel/Airport transfers
All applicable taxes

Price Excludes:
International/domestic airfare
Train fare other than mentioned in the itinerary. 
Any meals other than specified in the itinerary. No meals on arrival day.

Driver/Guide tipping USD5 per pax/per day
Any still video camera fees 
All personal expenses such as drinks, telephone, and laundry bills etc. 

Any Kathakali entrance fees 
Any boating charges (motorboat / pedal boat) in Munnar 
Any additional expenses incurred due to any flight delay or cancellation, weather conditions,
• political closures, technical faults etc.
• Any other service/s not specified above