Kerala God's Own Country

Pick up from Trivandrum Railway Station, Kochuveli Railway Station, or Trivandrum Bus Station and proceed for a sightseeing tour of Trivandrum, the ancient capital city of Kerala with a history dating back to 1000 BC. This beautiful seaside metropolis is built on seven hills and spreads over 2,192 sq. km along India’s west coast.

During the tour, visit the famous Padmanabhaswami Temple, renowned for its Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance. Explore the Sree Chitra Art Gallery, which houses a rich collection of traditional and modern Indian art. Continue to the Napier Museum, featuring historical artifacts, and the Trivandrum Zoo, one of India’s oldest zoological gardens. After sightseeing, proceed to Kovalam. Overnight stay is arranged at the hotel in Kovalam.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Alleppey, a serene destination famous for its backwaters and canals. Alleppey is also renowned as one of the world’s chief suppliers of coir. On arrival, check in at the backwater resort and relax for the day.

The resort offers activities such as pedal boating and fishing, allowing guests to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The heritage-style cottages are air-conditioned and well-facilitated, providing independent accommodations with hot and cold water, telephone, personalized room service, and a family restaurant serving homely Indian food and traditional Kerala dishes. Spend the day unwinding by the backwaters and soaking in the peaceful ambiance. Overnight stay is arranged at the resort in Alleppey.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Alleppey and proceed to Thekkady. As you ascend the hills, the wooded terrain gradually opens to reveal rolling tea and cardamom plantations, with fresh mountain air carrying the rich fragrance of cinnamon and cloves. Thekkady, situated at 2,800 feet above sea level, enjoys a pleasantly cool climate throughout the year.

On arrival, check in at the resort and freshen up. In the afternoon, take an optional guided spice plantation tour (at extra cost) to explore Kerala’s aromatic spices. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake within Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary. From the safety of the boat, you may spot elephants, deer, and other wildlife drinking at the water’s edge. Return to the resort for dinner and overnight stay at Thekkady.

After breakfast, check out from your resort in Thekkady and proceed to Munnar, a scenic hill station located at approximately 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) above sea level. Once the summer retreat of the British Government in South India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha River, Nallathanni River, and Kundala River.

On arrival, check in at the hotel and freshen up. Later, explore local sightseeing around Munnar, taking in the lush tea plantations, misty hills, and scenic viewpoints. Return to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay at the Munnar Resort.

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar. Begin with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat species. Capture photographs of these friendly goats while enjoying the park’s scenic landscapes.

Next, visit Mattupetty Dam, a picturesque reservoir surrounded by hills, and continue to Devikulam, a serene hill station known for its natural beauty and the Sita Devi Lake. The tour also includes a visit to the famous Tea Gardens of Munnar, offering vast stretches of lush plantations and breathtaking views.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Cochin. If time permits, enjoy sightseeing in this historic city, visiting landmarks such as the Jewish Synagogue, Jain Temple, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Chinese Fishing Nets, Dutch Cemetery, Dutch Palace, Hill Palace, and Fort Kochi Beach.

You can also shop for traditional silks and handicrafts before being dropped at Cochin Railway Station or Cochin Airport for your onward journey. Depart feeling contented about a wonderful holiday spent in “God’s Own Country,” Kerala.