Cochin to Munnar, Thekkady & Alleppey
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA89
Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Kerala, starting from Cochin to the hill station of Munnar. Experience the breathtaking beauty of lush tea plantations and explore the rich heritage of tea production with a tasting session. Continue to Thekkady, where you'll enjoy an exhilarating nature walk, a thrilling river crossing, and a boat safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse wildlife. Discover the aromatic world of spices with an immersive plantation tour. Finally, unwind in Alleppey as you cruise the tranquil backwaters on a traditional houseboat, soaking in the serene surroundings. This tour perfectly blends nature, adventure, and cultural encounters, showcasing the best of Kerala.
Day 1: Cochin - Munnar (140kms)
Your journey begins as you are picked up from your hotel or Cochin airport. You will be driven to the charming hill station of Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats. Upon your arrival in Munnar, check in at your hotel and take some time to unwind. Later, visit a tea estate to discover the art of tea cultivation and savor the flavors of fresh tea during a tea tasting session. Explore the lush greenery of the estate and learn about the various stages of tea production, from picking to processing. Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 2: Munnar
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, head to Pothamedu, a vantage point offering awe-inspiring views of the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations that carpet the landscape. Your journey continues with a visit to the Mattupetty Dam, a concrete gravity dam built for hydroelectric projects, nestled alongside a picturesque reservoir. Enjoy boating on the reservoir, surrounded by hills and dense forests, where you might spot some wildlife. Your adventure then takes you to Rajamala, a hill station within the Eravikulam National Park, which is a haven for the Nilgiri tahr, a rare mountain goat. Explore the natural beauty of the park, with its rolling hills and vibrant flora. In the afternoon, visit the Mattupedi Dairy Farm, renowned for the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, and the Echo Point, known for its echoing phenomenon. Your day concludes with a visit to the Tea Museum, where you'll delve into the century-old tea culture that has flourished in South India. Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.
Day 3: Munnar - Thekkady (110kms)
After a hearty breakfast, drive to Thekkady, a place known for its aromatic spice plantations and rich biodiversity. En route, visit Ramakkalmedu, one of the windiest places in Asia, and admire attractions like Frog Rock, Turtle Rock, and the twin-statue of Kuravan & Kurathi. Take in the panoramic views of the Western Ghats and lush valleys before continuing your scenic drive to Thekkady. Check in at your hotel and take some time to relax before embarking on an afternoon excursion to explore the local spice plantations. You'll encounter an array of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, and tea estates. Join a guided tour of a spice plantation to learn about the cultivation and processing of these aromatic treasures. You may also visit the local market to acquire some of these fragrant spices. Return to your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay.
Day 4: Thekkady
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, preparing for a day filled with adventure in the heart of nature. Begin your day with a guided nature walk through the lush landscapes of Periyar, where you'll explore the diverse flora and fauna while enjoying the sounds of the forest. Experience a thrilling river crossing on a traditional Banoo raft, giving you a unique perspective of the serene waterways. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari to explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to lush tropical forests teeming with an array of wildlife, including elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, and wild boar. The region also hosts various snake species, from cobras to vipers and kraits, in addition to a rich variety of birdlife. Enjoy the serene experience of gliding over the lake while watching for wildlife along the shores, soaking in the natural beauty surrounding you. Following the safari, embark on a spice plantation tour to learn about the cultivation of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper. You can even shop for these aromatic treasures at the local market. Return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay, reflecting on the day's adventures in this stunning landscape.
Day 5: Thekkady - Alleppey (135kms)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Alleppey, known for its stunning backwaters and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat to cruise through the serene backwaters of Kerala. As you meander along palm-fringed canals, you'll witness the picturesque countryside with paddy fields and charming villages lining the waterways. This region is unique as it includes areas below sea level where farming thrives. Often referred to as the "Venice of the East," Alleppey's network of canals, backwaters, and lagoons provide the perfect setting for this tranquil boat journey. Enjoy the delicious meals prepared on board, featuring fresh local ingredients, while soaking in the beautiful views. As you relax on the sun-deck, you can relish the picturesque sunset over the backwaters. The houseboat provides a comfortable and authentic experience with a living-cum-dining area, a separate bedroom with an attached bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen with a chef and driver. You will enjoy lunch and dinner on the houseboat, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 6: Alleppey - Cochin (60kms)
Following a delicious breakfast on the houseboat, you'll disembark and head to Cochin. Before concluding your tour, you might have the opportunity to explore some of Cochin’s famous sites, such as the historic Fort Kochi and its Chinese fishing nets. You'll be dropped off at your hotel or the Cochin airport, marking the end of your captivating journey through Kerala's scenic landscapes and vibrant culture.
- Assistance on arrival at airport.
- 5 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.
- Daily breakfast at hotels.
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water in car.
- Government taxes.
Hotels used or similar for 5 nights accommodation
Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County
Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County
Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)
- Any flight tickets.
- Camera charges at monuments if any.
- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.