Spice Trails of Kerala
$1125
(0 Reviews)
Route : Kochi - Munnar - Madurai - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Kovalam - Thiruvananthapuram
On the south-western fringe of the Indian subcontinent lies one of India’s finest jewels, tucked between the Arabian Sea and the state of Tamil Nadu – the mesmerizing and beautiful land of Kerala. The greater part of Kerala falls within the western Ghats – the entire region a part of the more extensive “biodiversity hotspot” that stretches into Sri Lanka and has some of the most fascinating plant and animal life on the planet. Kerala has been blessed with purity and elegance of the nature and has been adorned with enchanting tropical rainforests, calm & serene backwaters, golden beaches, lush paddy fields, coffee & tea plantations, cerulean seas, palm-fringed lagoons, finely blended with vibrant culture and colourful tradition which create a surreal environment, everything together make Kerala truly a paradise on the earth.
Highlights :
• 02 days’ moderate trek in Western Ghats.
• 01-night camping.
• Visit to the splendid Meenakshi Temple.
• Wildlife.
• Beaches and backwaters.
See Full Itinerary
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Destination
-
Arrival
Kochi -
Arrival Time
Midnight or Late night -
Final Departure
Kovalam -
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable, light, sports wear
Tour Itinerary : - Spice Trails of Kerala
1
Day 01: Arrive Kochi
Arrive at Kochi International airport. After completing the immigration and custom, proceed towards the arrival hall. Meeting and assistance on arrival with traditional welcome of garlanding and transfer to the hotel (room being held from 1400 hrs).
Kochi, earlier called Cochin, also was named the Queen of the Arabian Sea and is believed to be the finest natural harbor in the world. Cochin became the first place where European settled first and the city has been highly influenced by all the settlements. A great city to explore on foot, the quaint alleys and by-lanes.
Overnight in Kochi
2
Day 02: In Kochi
After breakfast, we proceed for a wonderful programme of sightseeing tour with the local guide - includes the ancient St. Francis Church that in its time has served the Portugese, Dutch and British communities here, the splendid San Sebastian Cathedral built by the Portugese, traditional Chinese fishing nets and charming colonial residences shaded by many ancient trees.
Then there is Mattancherry (Closed on Friday), with its Royal Palace built for the Cochin Raja by the Dutch and housing some of the best early mural painting in Kerala and the old trading area of Jew town (Closed from Friday afternoon till Saturday), with its fragrant spice warehouses, a remarkable synagogue with Chinese tiles, and antique shops.
In the evening, there will be a performance of Kathakali in local theatre, the dramatic dance-drama that tells the much-loved epic stories of the gods and goddesses.
Overnight in Kochi
3
Day 03: Kochi to Munnar(140 kms/about 5 hrs)
This morning after leisurely breakfast we drive up into the Western Ghats, to the hill-station of Munnar and wind up through the fast changing foliage of thick wood, tea gardens and cardamom plantations. When looked from the hill station, these views are incredible.
Late afternoon visit Tea making factory & museum (Closed on Monday).
Overnight in Kochi
4
Day 04: Munnar Trek (Trek about 6 hours)
This morning, we start after early breakfast – first we drive for an hour to silent valley from where we set off for our 2 days trek through the tea gardens where you will see people plucking tea. After about and half an hour walk we come to a wide path where we turn right and follow the tea gardens on one side and the forest on the other.
We pass through the small forest rest house for refreshment break which can also be used as toilet stop.
We continue to trek on the defined path through the mixed forest. Today’s trek is a gradual ascend until we reach a small ridge from where we take about half an hour gradual descend to the waterfall and stop for lunch.
Later after lunch we trek on a narrow path for about half an hour to the camp, which offers fine views of the surroundings hills. The campsite is surrounded by bushes and trees.
Overnight in Tents
5
Day 05: Munnar day Trek - about 6 hours
This day after very early breakfast we embark on a longish day’s trek – We will start trekking for around half an hour through a well-defined path. Later, we will take a turn left through the rolling grasslands, heading to a 100m straight climb to reach the meadow dotted with a wide variety of flowers and grass. This place offers wonderful chances to see the Nilgiri Tahr and Elephants.
We continue descending through the grass land and then ascend to the 2nd highest peak in South India- Messapuli (2675mts), the views are splendid on one side of Kerala and the distance hills and on the other side of Tamil Nadu.
Later after lunch, just below the peak we begin our trek on a well-marked path used by villagers and forest department. We make a long descend through the grass land, mixed forest and the through the tea gardens. Then return back to hotel.
Overnight in Tents
6
Day 06: Munnar – Madurai(160 kms/about 5 hrs)
This morning after leisurely breakfast drive to Madurai – one of Southern India’s great temple towns, Madurai dates back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era which is known as the golden era of Tamil literature in which this city was known to be the seat of Tamil academy of learning. This fascinating drive passes through green agricultural plain, rice fields, orchards and several incredible rock outcrops, small towns, etc.
The drive is thru the mountainous roads and might be tiring – the rest of the day is at leisure.
Late evening, witness the “puja” (religious ceremony) when the idol of Lord Shiva is reverently carried to the bed chamber of the Goddess Meenakshi.
Overnight in Madurai
7
Day 07: In Madurai
This morning, after leisurely breakfast, we set out to explore the temple town of Tamilnadu.
We set out to visit the alive and bustling temple of Meenakshi (fish eyed goddess), located in the heart of city. The temple built in the Dravidian style, dedicated to Lord Shiva and his spouse Meenakshi. Outside the temple are the Musical Pillars which produce different 'swaras' or notes when tapped. The Thirumalai Nayaka Palace, a 10-minute walk from the temple, was built in 1636 in the Indo-Mughal style.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy time to wander and explore Madurai’s extensive and vibrant bazaar, a bustling produce, spice and textile market with a fascinating array of emporiums, Gandhi Museum, vegetable and fruit market.
Overnight in Madurai
8
Day 08: Madurai – Kumarakom(300 kms/about 8 hrs)
This morning, we set out very early for a long drive to Kumarakom - a small village set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake.
The rest of the day is at leisure as we have a very long drive.
There is also a good option of exploring the villages on foot.
Overnight in Kumarakom
9
Day 09: Kumarakom – Alleppey – Kovalam (180 kms/about 5 hrs)
This morning after leisurely breakfast drive to Alleppey, or Alappuzha as it is called locally, washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, a vast network of canals sends out their tendrils into the famed backwaters, a massive system of waterways that connect the region.
We check into a traditional houseboat at Alappuzha. Houseboats are other means of transportation. Your houseboat is equipped with all the modern amenities that you may need in the course of your journey. Lunch will be served in the houseboat, made with fresh ingredients procured during your cruise.
Late in the afternoon, disembark from the houseboat. We will take a drive to Kovalam, a small town located south of Thiruvananthapuram; the beach here is natural bay which is sheltered from the high surges and wave. The beach is covered by the slivery sand, curving to make arc which is bordered on the one side of azure blue water. The other side, it is bordered by a never-ending green palm groves.
Overnight in Kovalam
10
Day 10: In Kovalam
The day is at leisure. Overnight in Kovalam
11
Day 11: Kovalam – Thiruvananthapuram airport (20 kms/about 1 hr) – Fly back to home
This morning or during the day depending on your flight schedule, we drive you to Trivandrum airport to board your flight for onward destination with memories of the serene natural beauty of the countryside from the trip Spice Trails of Kerala.
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Price, Inclusions and Exclusions
Prices per person |
|
01 paying person in a Single Room |
USD 2105/- |
02 paying persons in a Double Room |
USD 1125/- |