Kerala Escapade with Kovalam: A Coastal and Hill Retreat

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival in Cochin⌄

   Upon arrival in Cochin, you will be greeted by your guide and visit Fort Kochi, a historic quarter showcasing Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Here, witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, a 14th-century legacy of Chinese traders, still in use today. **Hotel Check-in: After 2:00 PM **Flexibility: The program can be customized to match your preferences.

   After visiting St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, you will discover its rich history and connection to Vasco da Gama, who was first buried here before his remains were moved to Portugal. This modest monument stands as a symbol of Cochin’s colonial heritage.

   Stroll through the vibrant streets of Mattancherry, known for its spice markets, antique shops, and cultural charm. Visit the Dutch Palace, originally gifted by the Portuguese, renowned for its exquisite murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

   Visit the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth, adorned with Belgian chandeliers, Chinese tiles, and ancient Torah scrolls, reflecting Cochin’s rich Jewish heritage.

   In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, one of Kerala’s most famous classical art forms. With its vibrant costumes, detailed expressions, and powerful storytelling, Kathakali brings ancient epics and legends to life. After this cultural experience, return to your hotel in Cochin for an overnight stay. *Inclusions: Accommodation, Transport, Tour Guide, Assistant *Highlights: Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Kathakali Performance

   Overnight: 3* - Hotel Abad / Similar 4* - Casino Hotel / Similar 5* - Eight Bastion / Similar

2. 2Cochin Sightseeing⌄

   Begin your day at the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, one of India’s oldest and most significant churches, admired for its Gothic architecture and stunning interior artwork, reflecting Cochin’s colonial and spiritual legacy.

   Discover Jew Town, a historic district known for its spice markets, antique shops, and handicrafts. Stroll through its lively streets to find textiles, jewelry, and wooden carvings, each reflecting Cochin’s cultural and artistic heritage.

   Take a leisurely walk along Marine Drive, a scenic promenade overlooking Cochin’s backwaters, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the tranquil views.

   In the afternoon, relax at your hotel or choose an optional harbor cruise to experience the scenic charm of Cochin’s waterfront, with views of fishing boats and ships in the busy harbor. End the day with an overnight stay at your hotel, ready for the journeys ahead. *Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide *Highlights: Santa Cruz Cathedral, Jew Town, Marine Drive, Harbor Cruise (optional)

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Hotel Abad / Similar 4* - Casino Hotel / Similar 5* - Eight Bastion / Similar

3. 3Cochin to Munnar – Approx. 130 km / 4-hour drive⌄

   After a hearty breakfast, travel to Munnar, a scenic hill station famous for its lush tea gardens and misty mountains. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Tea Museum, where you’ll learn about the history and process of tea cultivation in the region.

   Explore the scenic beauty of Mattupetty Dam, an ideal location for photography and relaxation, before journeying onward to the serene Echo Point.

   Continue to Echo Point, known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty. In the evening, return to your hotel in Munnar for an overnight stay, resting and recharging for the adventures ahead. *Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide *Highlights: Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Deshadan Mountain Resort / Similar 4* - The Leaf / Similar 5* - Panoramic Getaway / Similar

4. 4Munnar to Thekkady – Approx. 90 km / 3-hour drive⌄

   After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, the gateway to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and get ready for an afternoon adventure. Begin with a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you can spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and various birds in their natural surroundings.

   After the boat ride, explore the region’s Spice Plantations and learn about the history and cultivation of the spices that make this area famous. End the day with an overnight stay in Thekkady. *Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide *Highlights: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Spice Plantations

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Elephant Route / Similar 4* - Greenwoods / Similar 5* - Elephant Court / Similar

5. 5Thekkady to Alleppey – Approx. 140 km / 4-hour drive⌄

   After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, famous for its serene backwaters and houseboat cruises. Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat and enjoy a scenic cruise through Kerala’s lush landscapes, passing paddy fields, charming villages, and coconut groves. Spend the night on the houseboat, surrounded by the tranquil waters of the backwaters. *Inclusions: Breakfast, Transport, Houseboat Cruise *Highlights: Alleppey Backwaters

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Houseboat / Similar 4* - Premium Houseboat / Similar 5* - Luxury Houseboat / Similar

6. 6Alleppey to Kovalam – Approx. 160 km / 4.5-hour drive⌄

   After breakfast, disembark from your houseboat and travel to Kovalam, one of Kerala’s most famous beach destinations. Upon arrival, check in to your beachside resort and spend the day relaxing on the golden sands and enjoying the clear waters of Kovalam Beach. Overnight stay at the resort, soaking in the serene coastal atmosphere. *Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport *Highlights: Kovalam Beach

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Abad Harmonia / Similar 4* - Gokulam Grand Turtle / Similar 5* - Uday Samudra Leisure Beach / Similar

7. 7Kovalam Beach Day⌄

   Spend a leisurely day at Kovalam Beach, relaxing on the golden sands and enjoying the calm waters. You may also visit nearby Lighthouse Beach and Hawa Beach for their scenic charm. For a rejuvenating experience, optional Ayurvedic spa treatments are available. Overnight stay at your resort in Kovalam. *Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Assistant *Highlights: Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Ayurvedic Spa

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Abad Harmonia / Similar 4* - Gokulam Grand Turtle / Similar 5* - Uday Samudra Leisure Beach / Similar

8. 8Departure from Kovalam to Trivandrum Airport (Approx. 15 km / 30 min)⌄

   After breakfast, check out from your resort and transfer to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) for your onward journey. Thank you for choosing us, and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey ahead. *Inclusions: Breakfast, Transport

   Meals: Breakfast