Affectionate Kerala Retreat – 7N/8D

Day 1: Arrival in Cochin & Sightseeing

Arrival : Upon arrival at Cochin Airport or Railway Station, meet and greet by our representative.

Sightseeing :

• Jewish Synagogue: Located in the heart of Jew Town, this synagogue is renowned for its exquisite interiors and historical significance.
• Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): Famous for its murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• St. Francis Church: The oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried.
• Santa Cruz Basilica: A historic church with impressive architecture and paintings.
• Chinese Fishing Nets: Iconic cantilevered fishing nets introduced by Chinese traders.
• Marine Drive: A picturesque promenade offering views of the backwaters and the harbor.
• Lulu Mall: One of the largest shopping malls in India, ideal for shopping and dining.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Cochin.

Day 2 Cochin to Munnar (Approx. 4 Hours Drive)

Departure : After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Munnar. En Route Attractions:
En Route Attractions :

• Cheeyappara Waterfalls: A cascading waterfall amidst lush greenery.
• Valara Waterfalls: Known for its scenic beauty and surrounding forests.

Arrival in Munnar : Check-in at the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay : Hotel in Munnar.

Day 3 : Munnar Local Sightseeing

After Breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour:

• Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and known for its rolling grasslands.
• Mattupetty Dam: A storage concrete gravity dam offering boating facilities.
• Echo Point: A scenic spot where the natural echo phenomenon occurs.
• Kundala Lake: A serene lake surrounded by lush forests, ideal for pedal boating.
• Tea Museum: Showcases the history and processing of tea in Munnar.
• Rose Garden: Features a variety of flowers, spices, and herbal plants.
• Pothamedu View Point: Offers panoramic views of the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations.
• Hydel Park: A well-maintained park with a variety of flora.
• Photo Point: A picturesque spot amidst tea gardens, ideal for photography.
• Tea Powder Shopping: Purchase fresh tea directly from the plantations.

Optional Activities :

• Boating at Mattupetty Lake: Enjoy pedal or speed boating.
• Elephant Ride at Carmelagiri Elephant Park: Experience a short elephant safari through the forest trails.

Overnight Stay : Hotel in Munnar.

Day 4 Munnar to Thekkady (Approx. 4 Hours Drive)

Departure: After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Thekkady.
Arrival in Thekkady: Check-in at the hotel and relax.
Sightseeing:

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: A renowned sanctuary famous for its elephants and diverse flora and fauna.
• Periyar Lake: Enjoy a boat ride to spot wildlife along the banks.
• Spice Plantations: Take a guided tour to learn about various spices grown in the region.

Optional Activities :

• Kathakali Show: Witness the traditional dance-drama of Kerala.
• Kalaripayattu Show: Experience the ancient martial art form of Kerala.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Thekkady

Day 5 Thekkady to Alleppey (Approx. 5 Hours Drive)

Departure: After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Alleppey
Arrival in Alleppey: Check-in at the hotel and relax.
Sightseeing:

• Vembanad Lake: The longest lake in India, offering picturesque views.
• Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple: An ancient serpent shrine nestled in a forest glade.
• Coir Weaving Industry: Witness the traditional coir-making process.
• Alleppey Beach: A serene beach with a historic pier extending into the sea.

Optional Activities :

• Houseboat Cruise: Experience a tranquil cruise through the backwaters (charges extra).
• Ayurvedic Massage and Spa: Rejuvenate with traditional therapies (charges extra).

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Alleppey.

Day 6 Alleppey to Kovalam via Trivandrum (Approx. 4 Hours Drive)

Departure : After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Kovalam.
En Route Sightseeing in Trivandrum:

Padmanabhaswamy Temple : A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

• Kuthira Malika Palace: A palace museum known for its traditional Kerala architecture.
• Napier Museum: Houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts.
• Sree Chitra Art Gallery: Displays works from Raja Ravi Varma and other artists.
• Zoological Gardens: One of the oldest zoos in India.

Arrival in Kovalam : Check-in at the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay : Hotel in Kovalam.

Day 7 Kovalam Local Sightseeing

Sightseeing :

• Lighthouse Beach: Famous for its iconic lighthouse and scenic views.
• Hawah Beach: Also known as Eve’s Beach, popular among tourists.
• Samudra Beach: A tranquil beach ideal for relaxation.
• Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium: Exhibits a variety of marine life.
• Vellayani Lake: A large freshwater lake ideal for picnics.
• Velli Tourist Village: Offers boating facilities and children’s park.
• Thiruvallam Parasuraman Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Parasurama.

Overnight Stay : Hotel in Kovalam.

Day 8 Departure from Kovalam to Cochin Airport/Railway Station (Approx. 8 Hours Drive)

Departure :
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Cochin for your onward journey.

Note : Please ensure your flight/train timings are in the evening to accommodate the travel time.