Kerala Tour with Guruvayoor (9 Days)

ITINERARY : Cochin – Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom – Cochin - Guruvayoor

Day 1: Kochin Arrival

On arrival at Cochin International Airport, you are greeted and transferred to Airport hotel Flora for overnight stay.

Day 2: Cochin – Munnar (approx 130 Kms / 3.5 to 4 Hrs Drive)

Morning after breakfast proceed to Munnar. Munnar a popular hill station high in the Western Ghats of India. The journey through winding shaded roads from sea level to 6,000 ft takes you through a fantastic range of Kerala’s lush landscapes. As you ascend enjoy brilliant views of the cultivation of coconuts, pineapples, rubber, coffee, pepper, cardamom and vanilla to eventually emerge into an endless vista of verdant tea gardens. Rest of the day can be spent at leisure in the resort. Overnight stay at Munnar.

Day 3: Munnar

Following break fast, you can start the full day sight seeing in Munnar. Visit - Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point, Kundale Lake, tea gardens and tea factory. Visit Rajamalai, Eravikulam Wildlife sanctuary a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neelgiril Thar (mountain goats) Visit plantation , gardens etc. Over night stay at Munnar.

Day 4: Munnar - Kumarakom (approx 165 Kms / 4.5 Hrs Drive)

Morning after breakfast proceed to Kumarakom. Check in to the beautiful backwater resort. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the biggest lake in South India Vembanad kayal. You will be given traditional tea and snacks at Thattukada. Evening you can enjoy Kerala Cultural activities and sunset cruise(sharp 5:30 PM daily) arranged by the resort.

Day 5: Kumarakom

Take a Yoga session. If interested go for traditional village tour. Rest of the day at leisure enjoying the inhouse activities of the backwater resort. Overnight stay.

Day 6: Kumarakom - Houseboat day cruise with Lunch

Check-in on the traditionally styled luxury houseboat, where you are cared for by an immaculate crew and a personal chef. Settle down to enjoy the serene charm of the famous Vembanad Lake with a breezy cruise on a Houseboat (Kettuvallam), a popular and unique attribute of Kerala. The backwaters are the finest jewels in Kerala’s crown. An intricate system of lakes, rivers and small canals that supports an incredible variety of wildlife, particularly birds, and where you will see traditional village life as it has been lived for centuries. A holiday in Kerala is incomplete without a houseboat cruise! Checkout and stay overnight at Kumarakom Lake Resort.

Day 7: Kumarakom - Cochin (approx 65 Kms / 1.5 Hrs Drive)

Morning after breakfast checkout from hotel and transfer to Cochin, take a guided tour (optional) to the Mattancherry Palace or Dutch Palace that had been built by the Portuguese in 1555 but renovated by the Dutch in 1653, the coronation hall and the mural painted walls are popular features here. Stroll down the old spice market at Mattancherry, shop at the famed antique stores on Jew Street, and visit the ancient Jew Synagogue, one of the few remnants of a community that had once thrived greatly in this small town. In the evening choose to relax and experience the rare laidback charm of Cochin on a lazy harbor cruise* or enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance (optional). Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 8: Cochin - Guruvayoor (approx 75 Kms / 2.5 Hrs Drive)

Morning proceed to guruvayoor temple. Return to Cochin after Darshan. Go for shopping, visit Lulu Mall or famous temples. Kerala is famous for its souveniers, jewelleries, textiles and other handicraft it.

Day 9: Cochin Departure

Check-out from hotel early morning and proceed to airport. Drop at airport. Bid farewell to Kerala with everlasting memories.