DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1 :
Arrival in Cochin
- Morning: Arrive at Cochin International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore Cochin’s cultural and historical highlights:
- Fort Kochi – Known for its colonial architecture and charming streets.
- Jewish Synagogue – A 16th-century synagogue in the Jew Town area.
- Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) – A museum showcasing Kerala’s history.
- St. Francis Church – The oldest European church in India.
- Evening: Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets for a sunset view. Dinner at a seafood restaurant near Fort Kochi.
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Munnar, a scenic hill station.
- On the way, enjoy views of waterfalls like Athirappilly waterfall and Valara Waterfalls.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Munnar. Relax and explore the surroundings.
- Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and processing of tea.
- Pothamedu Viewpoint for panoramic views of tea estates and valleys.
- Evening: Free time to enjoy the cool mountain air and explore the local market.
Day 3 :
Munnar Sightseeing
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to:
- Mattupetty Dam – Enjoy boating on the serene lake.
- Echo Point – Known for its natural echo phenomenon.
- Kundala Lake – A picturesque lake offering pedal and speedboat rides.
- Afternoon: Head to Eravikulam National Park (closed in February and March due to the breeding season of Nilgiri Tahr).
- Top Station – The highest point in Munnar for breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
- Evening: Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening.
- Morning: After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and later visit:
- Periyar Lake for a boat ride and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as elephants, bison, and birds.
- Evening: Enjoy a spice plantation tour to learn about Kerala’s famed spices (pepper, cardamom, vanilla, and more).
- Optional: Watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance or a Kalaripayattu (martial arts) show.
- Morning: After breakfast, head to Alleppey (Alappuzha), known for its backwaters.
- Afternoon: Check-in to a houseboat and enjoy cruising through the serene backwaters of Kerala.
- Drift past paddy fields, coconut groves, and small villages while enjoying traditional Kerala meals on board.
- Evening: Watch the sunset over the backwaters and enjoy a peaceful night on the houseboat.
- Morning: Disembark from the houseboat after breakfast and head back to Cochin.
- If time permits, visit Marari Beach near Alleppey for a relaxing morning by the sea.
- Afternoon: Drop at Cochin International Airport for your onward journey.
