Soul of Kerala

You will be warmly greeted upon your arrival at the Kochi International Airport or the railway station by our friendly agent, who will then escort you to your cozy hotel in Munnar via a scenic route that gradually transforms from the coastal town into lush greenery featuring rolling hills and sprawling tea plantations.

On your way to Munnar, you will take a brief stop at the enchanting Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. Nestled amidst the dense forests, these cascading falls offer a refreshing break where you can spend some quality enjoying the cool mist and taking some amazing photographs to capture this natural spectacle.

After this, you will continue your journey through winding roads adorned with small villages and vibrant plantations. Soon, you will reach Munnar in some time, where you will check into your cozy hotel to refresh and grab a little rest.

In some time, you will embark on a captivating sightseeing tour of Munnar, which will begin with a visit to the Mattupetty Dam. This reservoir is surrounded by lush green hills and forests, offering you a wonderful opportunity to indulge in a peaceful boat ride.

This will be followed by a visit to the Echo Point, which is known for its unique echo phenomenon, where you will hear your voice reverberate through the hills after you shout, making it a delightful experience. Moreover, the scenic views of the surrounding hills and the lake make it an excellent spot for photography and relaxation.

You will finally conclude your day’s sightseeing with a visit to the Kundala Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful pedal boat ride while witnessing a mesmerizing sunset on its tranquil waters.

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

Today, wake up to the refreshing mountain air of Munnar and relish a hearty breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, prepare to explore some of the most captivating attractions in Munnar like the Eravikulam National Park, Nayamakad Waterfalls, Tea Museum, Carmelagiri Elephant Park & Botanical Gardens.

The first attraction you will be visiting today is the Eravikulam National Park, which is a sanctuary dedicated to protecting the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and is especially worth a visit during the blooming season of the Neelakurinji flowers, which blanket the hillsides in vibrant blue hues every twelve years, with the last recorded bloom in 2018. This park is also known for its rolling hills and lush grasslands and the panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Here, you can enjoy a guided tour through the park, where you will spot the Nilgiri Tahr in its natural habitat.

Next, you will visit the Nayamakad Waterfall, which is a beautiful waterfall that is surrounded by verdant greenery. This waterfall cascades down from a height of about 1600 meters and offers a tranquil setting to soak in the nature’s beauty.

After this, you will continue your exploration of Munnar with a visit to the Tea Museum. Here, you will delve into the history and the process of tea production in Munnar. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of tea plantations in the region. Apart from that, you can participate in a tea-tasting session to sample some of the finest local brews. You can also buy some tea from here to take home as a sample or a souvenir.

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

You will then visit 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 amidst the colourful flowers and the fresh, aromatic air.

Later, you will return to your hotel to savour a delectable traditional dinner and to grab a peaceful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up to another refreshing day in Munnar and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, which will be followed by a journey to Alleppey, that is known for its enchanting backwaters, houseboats, and is also referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’.

Upon your arrival in Alleppey, you will check-in to your luxurious houseboat, which is equipped with all modern amenities required for a comfortable and memorable stay. Once you settle into your cozy cabin on the houseboat, prepare for an unforgettable cruise on the tranquil backwaters. As the houseboat glides gently, feel free to admire the lush paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, and quaint villages lining the banks.

Soon, you will be served a delicious lunch prepared by an experienced chef using farm-fresh ingredients and local flavours to provide a delightful culinary experience.

As you continue to cruise through the narrow canals and expansive lakes, you will gain a glimpse into the rustic lifestyle of the communities that thrive along these backwaters to gain a unique insight into their way of life.

As the dawn approaches, sit-back on the deck and enjoy the enchanting sunset over the shimmering golden waters. Sip on a cup of tea or coffee while soaking in the serene ambiance.

Later, indulge in a sumptuous dinner on the houseboat, and conclude your day with a peaceful night’s sleep on the floating houseboat under the star-lit sky. The gentle rocking of the boat and the tranquil sounds of the water will surely create a perfect setting for a restful slumber.

Wake up to the gentle sounds of the backwaters and enjoy a delicious breakfast on your houseboat. After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the serene waters of Alleppey and head towards the heritage town of Kochi.

Depending on your departure schedule, you have the option to explore some key attractions in Kochi before heading to the airport or the railway station.

The first attraction you will visit today is the historic Fort Kochi area, where you will witness the rich tapestry of the colonial era, that is evident in the architecture and the streets. Here, you can stroll along the charming lanes, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets that were believed to have been introduced in Kochi by the Chinese explorer Zheng He around 1350 AD. Apart from that, you will also visit the St. Francis Church, which is considered as the oldest European church in India.

Next, you will head to the Mattancherry Palace, which is also known as the Dutch Palace. This 16th-century palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Kerala’s regal history with its beautiful murals depicting various scenes from the two great Hindu Epics — the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

After this, you will head towards the Jew Town, which is a narrow street between the Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. The narrow streets of the Jew Town are lined with antique shops and spice markets, making it ideal for some last-minute shopping or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

As per your departure schedule, our representative will assist you with your transfer to the Kochi International Airport, the railway station, or the bus terminal, to help you with a smooth and timely departure.

This marks the end of your ‘Soul of Kerala’ tour and as you leave Kochi, you will take with you, cherished memories of the serene landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of Kerala, the ‘God’s Own Country’.