Gems of Kerala

Upon your arrival at the Cochin International Airport or the railway station, you will be warmly welcomed by our friendly agent who will then escort you to Munnar via a scenic route which gradually transforms into lush greenery, rolling hills, and tea plantations that characterize the region.

On your way to Munnar, you will take a brief stop at the enchanting Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls, which are nestled amidst the dense forests. Here, you can spend some quality time in the refreshingly cool waters while enjoying the magical mist. Apart from that, you can also take some amazing photographs to capture this beautiful natural spectacle.

You will then continue your journey towards Munnar through winding roads that are adorned with small villages and vibrant plantations. Upon reaching Munnar, you will check-in to your cozy hotel and take some time to relax and refresh yourself after the journey.

Soon you will embark on your first exploration of Munnar with a visit to the serene Mattupetty Dam, which is a reservoir that is surrounded by lush green hills and forests, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful boat ride on the tranquil waters.

After this, you will visit the Echo Point, which is known for its unique echo phenomenon. Here, you can shout out and hear your voice reverberate through the hills, making it a delightful experience that adds a touch of fun to your day. The scenic views of the surrounding hills and lake make it an ideal spot for photography.

You will then conclude your day’s sightseeing with a visit to the Kundala Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful pedal boat ride. The serene ambiance and the stunning backdrop of lush hills create a perfect setting for relaxation.

Later, return to your hotel in the evening to savour a delicious traditional dinner and to grab a restful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up, relish a hearty breakfast at your hotel, and prepare to explore some of the other attractions in Munnar.

Your first stop is the Eravikulam National Park, a sanctuary that protects the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. This park is renowned for its stunning rolling hills and lush grasslands. Here, you will enjoy a guided tour through the park, where you will have the chance to spot the Nilgiri Tahr in its natural habitat and take in the panoramic views of the Western Ghats. The park is especially beautiful during the blooming season of the Neelakurinji flowers, which paint the hillsides in a vibrant blue hue every twelve years, last being in 2018.

Next, you will visit the Nayamakad Waterfall, a magnificent waterfall that tumbles down from a height of about 1600 meters. The waterfall is surrounded by verdant greenery and offers a tranquil setting to enjoy nature’s beauty. Here, you can spend some time soaking in the serenity, and perhaps capture some stunning photographs of this natural wonder.

After this, you will visit the Tea Museum to delve into the history and process of tea production in Munnar. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the evolution of tea plantations in the region, and you can even partake in a tea-tasting session to sample some of the finest local brews.

After immersing yourself in the world of tea, you will head to the Carmelagiri Elephant Park. Here, you can experience the thrill of an elephant ride through the beautiful spice plantations and hilly terrain, but at your own expense. The park also offers various opportunities to feed and interact with the elephants, making it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

This will be followed by a visit to the Carmelagiri Botanical Gardens, which is a beautifully landscaped garden that is home to a wide variety of flora, including vibrant flower beds, ornamental plants, and rare species of trees and shrubs. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll through the garden to enjoy the colourful blooms and breathe in the fresh, aromatic air.

As the day winds down, you will return to your hotel to enjoy a delectable traditional dinner, and to settle in for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up to the crisp mountain air of Munnar, enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, and then you will prepare for your journey to Alleppey, which is famously known as the ‘Venice of the East’, that is renowned for its enchanting backwaters and houseboat cruises.

Upon arrival in Alleppey, you will be check-in to your luxurious houseboat, that is equipped with all modern amenities for a comfortable and memorable stay. Once you settle into your cozy cabin, get ready for an unforgettable cruise, where the houseboat gently glides through the tranquil backwaters along lush paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, and quaint villages lining the banks.

On the houseboat, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the chef onboard the houseboat, featuring authentic Kerala cuisine.

As you cruise through the narrow canals and expansive lakes, you will have a glimpse into the rustic lifestyle of the communities that thrive along these backwaters.

As the sun begins to set, enjoy the enchanting sunset on the shimmering golden waters, while relaxing on the deck and sipping on a cup of tea or coffee. Later, you will enjoy a sumptuous dinner on the houseboat, which will be followed by a peaceful night’s sleep on a floating houseboat under the star-lit sky.

Today, wake up to the gentle sounds of the backwaters and enjoy a delectable breakfast on your houseboat. Post breakfast, you will bid farewell to the tranquil waters of Alleppey and embark on a scenic drive to Kovalam, a coastal town which is renowned for its crescent-shaped beaches and vibrant atmosphere.

Upon your arrival in Kovalam, you will be check-in to your cozy beachside hotel to grab a little rest and freshen up. After this, you will begin your exploration of Kovalam with a visit to the iconic Kovalam Beach, which is a cluster of three adjacent crescent-shaped beaches – the Lighthouse Beach, the Hawa Beach, and the Samudra Beach. You will begin exploring the Kovalam Beach by first visiting the Lighthouse Beach, which is the most popular of the three, and is named after the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse that stands tall on a rocky promontory. Here, you will climb to the top of the lighthouse to soak in the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding coastline.

This will be followed with a stroll along the Hawa Beach, which is also known as the Eve’s Beach, and is famous for its lively atmosphere and picturesque sunset views. Here, you can spend some quality time on the soft golden sands, take a dip in the clear blue waters, or simply relax under the shade of a palm tree. Here, you can also try some local snacks from some of the popular beachside vendors (at your own expense).

Next, you will continue your exploration of Kovalam with a visit to the less crowded Samudra Beach that is known for its rocky outcrops and the calm waves that make it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or some quiet reflection by the sea.

After soaking in the beach vibes, you will head to the Halcyon Castle, which is also known as Kovalam Palace. This beautiful structure was built in the 1932 by M.R.Ry Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, the husband of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, as a retreat for their family. The palace was later sold to the Kerala Government in 1964, and is now converted into a luxurious heritage hotel. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens and provides stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

After this, you have the option to visit the bustling Kovalam Fish Market to witness the vibrant atmosphere that lets you experience the everyday life of the coastal community and perhaps pick up some fresh seafood if you wish.

In the late afternoon, you will take a short drive to the Poovar Island, which is a beautiful yet peaceful place where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea. Here, you can partake a captivating boat ride through the serene backwaters, surrounded by lush mangroves and golden sands.

Later, you will return to Kovalam in the evening and check-in back to your hotel to enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring a variety of local and international dishes. After dinner, you may choose to take a leisurely walk along the beach or conclude your day with a restful night’s sleep.

Wake up to a fresh new day in the coastal town of Kovalam, have a delightful breakfast, and then you will head towards Thiruvananthapuram, the vibrant capital of Kerala.

Upon your arrival in Thiruvananthapuram, you will check-in to your hotel to relax and refresh. Once you’re ready, you will begin your exploration of this fascinating city with a visit to the renowned Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is an architectural marvel and is one of the richest temples in the world. Here, you will not only get the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu but will also be amazed by the intricate stone carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and the serene ambiance that makes it a must-visit for spiritual and architectural enthusiasts. Please note that entry to the temple is restricted to Hindus, and a strict dress code is also enforced.

Next, you will have the option to stop and visit the Kerala Government Secretariat, which is a majestic colonial-era building that houses various government offices. Or, else, you will head directly towards the Napier Museum, which is an architectural gem that showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, including bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot, and ivory carvings. This museum has been named after Lord Napier, a former Governor-General of Madras (now Chennai), and is situated amidst a lush botanical garden.

This will be followed by a visit to the Kanakakunnu Palace, which is a beautiful heritage site that is surrounded by sprawling gardens. The palace was built during the reign of Travancore king Sree Moolam Thirunal and now hosts various cultural events and festivals like the All-India Dance Festival, which is held between October and March. If you choose to travel between, these months, witnessing the dance performances is surely a delight, but it comes at an additional expense.

After this, you will proceed towards the Kerala State Science and Technology Museum, which is an interactive museum offering a range of exhibits on science, technology, and astronomy, making perfect for science enthusiasts of all ages. Apart from the museum, there is also a planetarium that provides a fascinating journey into the world of stars and galaxies.

Next, you will embark on a short trip to the nearby Veli Tourist Village, which is a picturesque spot where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea. This tourist village offers boating facilities, a floating bridge, and well-maintained gardens. Here, you can enjoy a boat ride on the lake (at your own expense) or take a leisurely stroll through the park for a pleasant experience.

As the evening approaches, you will continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Shangumugham Beach, which is a popular beach that is famous for its stunning sunsets and the massive sculpture of a mermaid known as “Jalakanyaka” by the renowned artist Kanayi Kunhiraman. Here, you may relax on the sandy shores, watch the waves, witness a captivating sunset, and perhaps try some local snacks from the nearby stalls.

After spending some quality time at the Shangumugham Beach, you will return to your hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner and to have a restful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up to a fresh new day, have a hearty breakfast, and then you will set off to explore some of the other attractions in Thiruvananthapuram as well as any attractions that you may have missed the previous day.

You will start the sightseeing tour for the day by visiting the captivating Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, which is also known as the Puthenmalika Palace. This exquisite palace was built in the 1840s by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, and is a fine example of the traditional Kerala architecture. The palace gets its name due to the intricately carved wooden horses that adorn the exterior, and it has now been converted into a museum that houses a fascinating collection of royal family artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and musical instruments.

This will be followed by a visit to the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, which is often referred to as the ‘Sabarimala of Women’. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, and is famous for the annual Attukal Pongala festival, which draws millions of women devotees, who cook food for the divine Goddess. This annual 10-day Pongala festival has also entered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest congregation of women in the world and is usually held in February – March.

If time permits, you will head towards the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, which is counted as one of the oldest zoos in India. The zoo was established during 1830–1846 by the then Maharaja Sri Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, and is home to more than 82 varieties of animals, birds, and reptiles that include lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, royal Bengal tiger, white tiger, leopard, Asian elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras, Cape buffalos, cobras, anacondas, turtles, ostriches, parakeets, macaws, storks, vultures, etc.

With this, your ‘Gems of Kerala’ tour comes to an end, and our representative will assist you with your transfer to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, the railway station, or the bus terminal, as per your travel preferences.

As you bid farewell to Kerala, you will head back home with wonderful experiences and memories that you have gathered during your journey through Kerala, from the misty hills of Munnar and the serene backwaters of Alleppey to the vibrant culture and history of Thiruvananthapuram.