KERALA TRAVEL MUNNAR - THEKKADY - MADURAI - RAMESHWARAM - KANYAKUMARI - KOVALAM - TRIVANDRUM - ALLEP

Arrive Kochi and meet and assist, then proceed by road to Munnar covering approximately 140 kms which takes around 4 to 4 1/2 hours. The drive offers scenic beauty with waterfalls, high mountains and low flying clouds. On arrival check into the hotel in Munnar. In the evening there is free time to visit the cultural center to witness Kathakali, the traditional dance drama of Kerala, and Kalari Pyte, the famous and oldest martial art. Overnight stay at the hotel in Munnar.

After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing of Munnar, a hill station near Anamudi Peak. Visit Mattupetty Lake and dam which is a popular picnic spot where boating is available and offers views of surrounding mountains and landscapes. Continue to Eco Point and Kundala Dam and visit Eravikulam National Park located about 15 kms from Munnar which is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Thar. Also visit the Tea Museum and Tea Factory (closed on Mondays) and explore the local markets. Night stay in Munnar.

Morning drive from Munnar to Periyar wildlife reserve at Thekkady covering approximately 110 kms with an estimated drive time of around 3 hours through scenic routes dotted with plantations of rubber, cardamom, cocoa, green pepper and areca nut. Arrive Periyar and check into the hotel. After freshening up proceed for sightseeing around Periyar town known for spice and coffee plantations. Optional boat ride on Lake Periyar is available to spot wildlife including elephants, monkeys, deer, wild boar and various birds. Overnight stay at hotel in Thekkady.

After breakfast proceed by road to Madurai covering approximately 170 kms with an estimated drive time of 4 1/2 hours. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon undertake a city tour of the ancient city of Madurai visiting the Meenakshi Temple, King Tirumala's Palace, the Great Tank and Gandhi Museum. Overnight stay in Madurai.

Early morning after breakfast proceed to Rameshwaram covering approximately 155 kms with an estimated drive time of 3 hours one way. Rameshwaram is a sacred temple town associated with the epic Ramayana and is the site of the Ramanathaswamy Temple which stands close to the eastern sea. The temple is noted for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars and is associated with legends of Lord Rama and the sand lingam created by Sita. Overnight stay at Rameshwaram.

After breakfast proceed by road to Kanyakumari covering approximately 350 kms with an estimated drive time of around 6 hours. Kanyakumari is the southern tip of India where the Arabian Sea the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. It is an important pilgrim centre famous for the Amman Temples dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Kumari and near it lies the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. In the evening enjoy the famous sunset. Overnight stay at Kanyakumari.

Morning drive from Kanyakumari to Kovalam approximately 100 kms with an estimated drive time of 2.5 hours. Enroute visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace and Suchindram Temple before arriving at Kovalam, an international beach resort known for its crescent beaches and coconut trees. Kovalam offers a bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing and leisure options such as sunbathing swimming herbal massages cultural programs and catamaran cruising. Evening enjoy the beach and night stay in Kovalam.

Morning drive to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), a gateway city to Kerala. Afternoon sightseeing in Trivandrum includes the ancient Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum built in 1880 showcasing blended architectural styles, Sri Chitra Art Gallery with collections from Tanjore Mughal and Rajput schools of art and the city zoo with shady walks. After sightseeing return back to Kovalam for the night.

After breakfast check out from the hotel in Kovalam and proceed to Alleppey covering approximately 185 kms with an estimated drive time of 3 1/2 hours. Check into the houseboat around 1300 hours where lunch will be provided at the time of check in. Explore village life along the banks and enjoy the beauty of the backwaters. Rest of the day at leisure on the houseboat and enjoy the evening sunset. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Morning after breakfast check out from the houseboat and proceed to Kochi covering approximately 90 kms to the airport. Go for half day sightseeing of Cochin visiting the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jews Street, St Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets and the Indo Portuguese Museum. Later proceed to Kochi airport to connect flights for onward journey.