The
full circle - Cochin, Thekkady & The Backwaters
Day
1 / Arrival Cochin
Arrive Cochin, meet assist at the airport &
transfer to hotel overlooking Cochin harbor, approx. 45 mins., City of Cochin,
the commercial hub of Kerala is the place where ancient civilization gracefully
mingles with modern life. Afternoon proceed for sightseeing of Cochin which is
an attractive city with serene back-waters, lagoons overhung with feathery coconut
palms and picturesque islands. Night stay in Cochin.
Day 2 / Cochin-Munnar
Morning transfer to the cool hill-station of Munnar, Munnar,
the Kashmir of South India is one of the most popular
hill stations in India. Situated in the confluence of three mountain streams-
Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala, sprawling tea plantations,
picturesque towns, meandering lanes and holiday facilities
make this wonderful hill station. Afternoon visit some
of the beautiful sights here - the lakes, forests and
wildlife sanctuaries. Night stay in Munnar.
Day 3 / Munnar
Morning sightseeing in Munnar features Rajamalai &
Eravikulam National Park, 15Kms from Munnar This varied
habitat is the shelter to a number of terrestrialand aquatic
animals., this is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Thar,
a rare mountain goat (Hermitragas Hylocres). Take a trip
to Nyayamakad, just 10 km away, to see breathtaking waterfalls.
The area around the falls is an excellent picnic spot
and trekking point. Nearby is Chithirapuram, well-known
for its picturesque tea plantations and Pothamedu, which
offers excellent views of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations.
Night stay in Munnar.
Day
4 / Munnar-Thekkady
Morning transfer to the spice town of Thekkady.
In the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating
natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Transfer to the resort
and afternoon enjoys a cruise on the lake in the wildlife sanctuary. The splendid
artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river adds to
the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where one can have
the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of
a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds
of wild elephants that come down to the lake's edge. Night stay in Thekkady.
Day
5 / Thekkady
Morning proceed for sightseeing in Thekkady. Thekkady
with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir
of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Some 15 kms to the east
of the town, you will find yourself down in the lowlands of neighbouring Tamil
Nadu. Here the fields are full of produce such as tomatoes, cabbages, sunflower,
beans, papaya and acres of vineyards. A short ride along the narrow country lanes
on an ox-cart adds to the understanding of true, simple rural life. Night stay
in Thekkady.
Day
6 / Thekkady Nature
After breakfast proceed to ABRAHAM'S SPICE
GARDEN to see spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, etc. Set off
down the mountains to the tranquil backwaters, approx 3 ½ hrs.. Transfer
to chosen resort with the rest of the day at leisure to relax and enjoy the scenery.
In the evening visit KUMILY MARKET to have a look at the processed spices. Night
stay in Thekkady.
Day 7 / Cruise on waterways
This morning enjoy a boat trip over this man-made lake of Thekkady. The forest department would also arrange
elephant rides and trekking inside the sanctuary. One
can see deer, monkeys, tigers, herds of elephants and
other exotic flora and fauna here. Return to the resort
for a relaxing afternoon. Night stay in Thekkady.
Day
8 / Thekkady - Cochin - Departure
Free until time to transfer to Cochin
airport, approx. 2 hrs. for onward flight.
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