Cochin

Cochin, also known as Kochi, is a vibrant city on the southwest coast of India in the state of Kerala. It’s renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes

Geography and Climate

• Location: Situated on the Arabian Sea coast, Cochin is part of the Ernakulam district of Kerala.
• Climate: The city experiences a tropical climate with high humidity. The monsoon season runs from June to September, bringing heavy rainfall. The weather is generally warm throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).

History and Culture

• Colonial Heritage: Cochin has a deep historical significance due to its status as a major trading port. It was a key hub for the spice trade, drawing traders from around the world. The city has a rich colonial history, having been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers.
• Historical Sites: Some notable landmarks include the Fort Kochi area, which features colonial architecture, the St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church), and the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the Commonwealth.
• Cultural Diversity: The city is a melting pot of cultures, with a blend of Indian, European, and Middle Eastern influences. This is reflected in its festivals, cuisine, and architecture.

Munnar

Location and Overview: Munnar is a picturesque hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, at an elevation of about 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) above sea level. It’s renowned for its lush tea plantations, cool climate, and scenic beauty.

Natural Attractions:

• Tea Gardens: Munnar’s landscape is dominated by expansive tea plantations. The rolling hills covered in green tea bushes create stunning vistas and offer opportunities to learn about tea cultivation and production.
• Eravikulam National Park: This park is famous for its biodiversity, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. It features scenic trails and the Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India.
• Mattupetty Dam: A reservoir surrounded by hills and lush forests, Mattupetty is ideal for boating and picnicking, offering serene views and cool breezes.
• Attukal Waterfalls: Nestled in a dense forest, these cascading waterfalls are a popular spot for nature lovers and offer a refreshing escape into nature.

Climate: Munnar enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). It experiences moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which enhances the lushness of its landscapes.

Thekkady

Location and Overview: Thekkady is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Munnar. It is known for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and its rich biodiversity. Thekkady lies at an altitude of around 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) and is surrounded by dense forests and spice plantations.

Natural Attractions:

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species. A boat ride on Periyar Lake, which is located within the sanctuary, offers the chance to spot wildlife coming to the water's edge.
• Spice Plantations: Thekkady is famous for its spice plantations. Visitors can tour these plantations to see how spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon are cultivated.
• Bamboo Rafting: A unique experience offered in the Periyar Sanctuary, where visitors can navigate the lake on bamboo rafts while enjoying the natural surroundings.

Climate: Thekkady has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It’s relatively cooler than the surrounding lowlands and experiences moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Location and Overview: Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a charming town located on the Arabian Sea coast in Kerala. It’s famous for its intricate network of backwaters, houseboats, and tranquil landscapes.

Natural Attractions:

• Backwaters: Alleppey is renowned for its picturesque backwaters, a network of lagoons, lakes, and canals. Houseboat cruises offer a serene way to experience this unique ecosystem and observe rural life along the waterways.
• Alleppey Beach: A popular destination for relaxation, the beach features a long sandy stretch, a historic lighthouse, and a calm, scenic environment.
• Kuttanadu: Known as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala," this region is characterized by its lush paddy fields and traditional agricultural practices, offering a glimpse into rural life.

Climate: Alleppey has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F). It experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, contributing to its lush green landscapes.

Kovalam

Location and Overview: Kovalam is a renowned beach destination located on the Arabian Sea coast, approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) from the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. It's known for its crescent-shaped beaches and vibrant tourism scene.

Natural Attractions:

• Lighthouse Beach: The most famous of Kovalam’s beaches, Lighthouse Beach is known for its scenic beauty, with the iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse offering panoramic views of the coastline.
• Hawa Beach: Also known as Eve’s Beach, Hawa Beach is popular for its serene atmosphere and is ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
• Samudra Beach: This less crowded beach offers a more tranquil environment and is perfect for relaxation and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Climate: Kovalam has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). It experiences high humidity and a significant amount of rainfall during the monsoon season.

Madurai

Overview

• Location: Located in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India with a rich history and cultural significance.

Key Attractions

• Meenakshi Amman Temple: This grand temple is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi (a form of Parvati) and is renowned for its stunning Dravidian architecture, intricate sculptures, and vibrant gopurams (gateway towers). It’s a major pilgrimage site and a highlight of Madurai.
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: Built by the Nayak king Thirumalai Nayak in the 17th century, this palace features a mix of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles with grand courtyards and impressive arches.
• Gandhi Museum: Located in the former palace of the Rani of Vijayanagar, this museum showcases artifacts related to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and the Indian freedom struggle.
• Koodal Azhagar Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance.

Activities

• Explore Local Markets: The city’s bustling markets, like the Madurai Meenakshi Temple Market, offer a variety of local handicrafts, textiles, and spices.
• Cultural Experiences: Attend cultural performances and explore the vibrant traditions of Madurai.

Rameswaram

Overview

• Location: Situated on Pamban Island, Rameswaram is an important religious town in Tamil Nadu, known for its connection to the Ramayana epic and its significance in Hindu pilgrimage.

Key Attractions

• Ramanathaswamy Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for its long corridors, ornate sculptures, and sacred tank (theertham) where pilgrims take ritual baths. It’s one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines.
• Adam’s Bridge (Rama’s Bridge): A chain of limestone shoals between India and Sri Lanka, believed to be a bridge built by Lord Rama’s army according to Hindu mythology. Views of the bridge from Dhanushkodi are spectacular.
• Dhanushkodi: A ghost town at the southeastern tip of Rameswaram, known for its ruins and dramatic coastal scenery.
• Pamban Bridge: An iconic railway bridge connecting Rameswaram to mainland India, offering breathtaking views of the sea.

Activities

• Temple Pilgrimage: Participate in the rituals and explore the sacred sites.
• Beach Exploration: Relax at beaches like Ariyaman Beach and enjoy the serene environment.

Kanyakumari

Overview

• Location: Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, Kanyakumari is known for its unique geographical location where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet.

Key Attractions

• Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Situated on a rock island, this memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda and offers panoramic views of the ocean. It’s an important spiritual site and a popular tourist spot.
• Thiruvalluvar Statue: A towering statue dedicated to the ancient Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, located on a separate rock island near the Vivekananda Memorial.
• Kanyakumari Temple: Also known as the Bhagavathy Amman Temple, it’s dedicated to the goddess Kanya Kumari (a form of Parvati). The temple is an important pilgrimage site.
• Sunrise and Sunset Views: Kanyakumari is famous for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, which can be viewed from the beaches or the Kanyakumari temple area.

Activities

• Beach Walks: Enjoy the pristine beaches and the unique experience of standing at the confluence of three major bodies of water.
• Local Markets: Explore local markets for souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Tamil Nadu items.

Day 1: Cochin - Munnar

Pick-up from the Cochin airport/Railway stn. Leave for Munnar by road (120 km) to check-in to the hotel. While travelling you can witness the breathtaking panoramas and the astonishing greenery of eternal tea plantations and some breathtaking cascades. Stop over en-route to savour the charm of the Cheeyappara waterfalls and Valara waterfalls. Visit the Tata Tea Museum, Tea Factory and Pothamedu View Point. Check-in to the hotel where you can refresh and take rest. take rest. Sight-Seeing:- 1. Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls 2. Tata Tea Museum & Tea Factory 3. Pothamedu View Point.

Day 2: Munnar

After the breakfast from the hotel leave for sightseeing at Munnar. Visit the Rajamala National Park where you can savour the breath-taking view of the Anamudi peak which is one of the highest peaks south of the Himalayan range with a flowing silver cascading fall is a delight to the eyes. (Afternoon) Visit the Kundala Arch dam, Echo Point, Mattupetti, Elephant Camp, Photo Point, Blossom Park and Rose Garden. Overnight stays at the hotel in Munnar. Sight-Seeing : 1.Rajamalai National Park (Eravikulam) 2. Kundala Dam 3. Echo Point 4. Mattupetty 5. Rose Garden 6. Elephant Ride 7. Photo Point 8. Blossom Park 9. Local Shopping.

Day 3: Munnar – Thekkady

Check-out from the hotel after breakfast. Leave for Thekkady. (Afternoon) Stop over at the Periyar Tiger Reserve to explore the magnificent scenic place that is blessed with rich bio-diversity. Enjoy the boat ride to explore the flora and fauna that the sanctuary holds. Visit the Kadathanadan Kalari which is one of the well-known centres for Kalari, a unique art form of Kerala. Enjoy an overnight stay at the respective hotel at Thekkady.

Day 4: Thekkady – Madurai

Check-out from the hotel at morning. Leave for Madurai and check-in at the hotel where you could rest and relax for a while. (Afternoon) Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The temple houses one of the biggest complexes in India. It is one of the oldest centres of worship and holds in one of the best art galleries with a collection of 33000 sculptures. The temple wall paintings and the 4 entrances of the temple facing 4 different sides would fascinate you. Return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay at Madurai.

Day 5: Madurai - Rameshwaram

Check-out from the hotel at morning. Leave for Rameshwaram by enjoying a drive. Arrive at Rameshwaram and check-in at the hotel where you could refresh and rest. Proceed for a visit to Sri Ramanatha Swami Temple which is dedicated to God Siva. There you could enjoy some of the main attractions the place holds in like the 12 Jyothi linga where Siva worshipped in the form of Jyothi linga where 2 of them were built by goddess Sita and other brought by lord hanuman from Kailash. The temple also houses 64 Tirtha which is believed to remove the worldly sins. After visiting the Sri Ramanatha Swami Temple proceed to visit Pamba Bridge by afternoon. The Bridge is a combination of railway and Road Bridge which connects the town of Rameshwaram on Pamba Island to mainland India. Enjoy an overnight stay at Rameshwaram.

Day 6: Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari.

Check-out from the hotel to leave for Kanyakumari. A visit to the shrine of Suchindrum which is a Hindu pilgrim centre (Optional). (Afternoon) A visit to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Tower and telescope House, where you could enjoy the sunset. Over Night Stay at Kanyakumari.

Day 7: Kanyakumari - Kovalam

Leave for Kovalam (90 km) after having the complimentary breakfast. Kovalam is one of the renowned beaches in Kerala where you could have a completely laid back experience relaxing on the beach. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Day 8: Kovalam

Sightseeing at Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Visit the main attractions of the land like the Secretariat, Museum, Zoo, Padmanabha temple etc. (Evening) Have a laid-back beach experience at Kovalam. Overnight stays at the hotel.

Day 9: Kovalam - Alleppey

Check-out from Kovalam after the breakfast by 10 am. Leave for Alleppey (180km/4½ hr) to enjoy a houseboat stay along the complex backwater stretches. Check-in at the pre-booked houseboat by afternoon. A day cruise along the backwaters to enjoy the countryside. Night Halt at the House Boat/Hotel enjoying the beauty of the moonlit waters.

Day 10: Alleppey - Cochin

Check-out from the Hotel/houseboat by 9:00 am after having breakfast. After experiencing the memorable cruise of Houseboat..Proceed to Cochin, (subject to time availability) stop at Mattancherry/Fortkochi for half a day sightseeing..After that proceed to Cochin Airport/Railway Station for your onward destinatio.