Misty Mountains

Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is a major port city located in the Laccadive Sea, a part of the Arabian Sea in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Since ancient times, Kochi has been a major spice trading centre. Kochi is known as the financial, commercial, and industrial capital of Kerala. Kochi is the first city in the country to have an electric water metro system. Kochi International Airport is the first airport in the world to operate solely on solar energy. Kochi's rich cultural heritage attracts tourists to the city. The city ranks first in Kerala and sixth in India in terms of tourist arrivals. Several international agencies have included Kochi in their lists of top tourism destinations. The many historical structures, Mattancherry palace, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Paradesi Synagogue, Hill Palace Museum, Fort Kochi, Jew Town, including the Chinese Net introduced by the Chinese, also highlight the charm and importance of Kochi. There is no doubt that Kochi and its sights will transport tourists to a wonderful world. The major sights of Kochi and their features are listed below.

• Things to do in Cochin

  Boating, Water Metro Ride, Chinese Fishing Net, Shopping.

• Arrival at Cochin airport or railway station.
• Meet our representative and transfer to the hotel or resort
• Fort Kochi

  Fort Kochi is rich in culture and heritage. It is also a major tourist destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. It consists of a main land and several islands. It is also known as west Kochi or old Kochi. The name Kochi is believed to have originated from the Malayalam word Kochu Azhi, meaning 'small lake'. Fort Kochi is a remnant of several conquests. The Portuguese built the St. Francis church as a catholic church. This church, which is one of the national monuments, was once the tomb of Vasco Da Gama. Kochi continues to be a major centre for the export of spices. Spices such as pepper and cardamom, as well as traditional kerala handicrafts and coir products can be purchased in Kochi. The streets are a blend of architectural styles from the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial periods. Fort Kochi and its surroundings are a must-see for tourists.

• Mattancherry Palace / Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays)

  Mattancherry Palace is also known as the Dutch Palace. Built by the Portuguese and renovated by the Dutch, this palace is an important historical monument in Kochi. This palace was the residence of the kings of Kochi. One of the specialties here is the traditional Kerala floor construction method. (The floor is made of black stone, burnt charcoal, stone, ash and egg white). Beautiful Kerala murals (based on the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Kumarasambhava) are displayed here. In addition, portraits of the kings of Kochi, crowns and swords can also be seen here.

• Paradesi Jewish Synagogue Mattancherry

  The mattancherry synagogue, also known as the Paradesi synagogue, is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. It is a fine example of historical craftsmanship, excellent material knowledge, and a diverse cultural heritage. It was built in 1568. It is located in the valley of old Kochi, known as the Jewish city. The mattancherry palace temple and the synagogue share a border. Famed for its hand-painted Chinese tiles and antique chandeliers. The synagogue's 400th anniversary was celebrated in 1968 with a ceremony attended by the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Paradesi synagogue has separate seating for men and women. As a historical structure, entry is by ticket. As of April 2016, only 5 Jews live in fort Kochi. It is run by john Jacob, one of the oldest Jews in kerala, who lives in Thiruvalla. Please note, the synagogue remains closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays.

• Jew town

  Fort Kochi is a historic area known for its Jewish heritage. Shops line both sides of the Jewish street. Antiques, curiosities, carved furniture, sculptures, remains of traditional houses, and jewellery are all available for purchase. The Jewish city, also known as the Jewish street, is located between the mattancherry palace and the Paradesi synagogue. The three main communities of Jews in India are the Cochinis, the Bene Israel, and the Baghdadis. Only 14 Malabar Jews and one Paradesi Jew remain in kerala today.

• St. Francis church

  This is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. This church, built of earth and wood, is located in the middle of a fort built by the Portuguese. It is also a church that has witnessed many invasions. The church is under the administration and protection of the CSI church. The high roof made of wood is covered with architectural tiles. The beauty and grandeur of antiquity are evident in all the construction methods of the church. A mausoleum is located in the middle of the lawn, built in 1920 in memory of the people of Kochi who sacrificed their lives in the First World War. Vasco da Gama died in 1524 during his third visit to Kochi. He was buried in this church. After 14 years, his body was taken to Portugal. His burial place inside the church is clearly marked, and these features alone make this a church that attracts the attention of history students, tourists, and believers.

• Santa Cruz Basilica

  The famous Santa Cruz basilica is a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and Indo-European architectural styles. It is one of the nine Basilicas in Kerala. It is said to be over 500 years old. When the Dutch conquered Cochin, all but one or two catholic monuments were destroyed, but the Santa Cruz cathedral, which was the Dutch arsenal, was not damaged. Originally built by the Portuguese, this heritage site is known for its impressive stained glass windows and vibrant frescoes that enhance its spiritual and architectural grandeur. However, it was damaged during the British occupation. One of the decorative granite pillars of the destroyed church is kept as a relic in the basilica. The cathedral was elevated to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul ii in 1984.

• Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheenavala)

  Chinese fishing nets or China nets are a specialty of Kochi and one of the main attractions of Kochi. It is said that these nets were brought here by merchants from the palace of the Chinese ruler. These are nets that hang in the shape of a bowl attached to a large bamboo frame. They are found in the backwaters and rivers of Kochi. Such Chinese nets have become a symbol of Kochi. The cantilevered fishing nets create a beautiful sight, especially at sunset. The effort of about 6 people is required to operate such nets. Tourists also get the opportunity to engage in such activities. Such Chinese nets are one of the most photographed images of Kochi, with the sunrise and sunset in the background. Images of Chinese nets are also used as a symbol of Kochi's tourism map.

• Lulu Mall

  Lulu Mall in Kochi is one of the largest shopping malls in India, offering a world-class retail experience with hundreds of international and domestic brands, a massive food court, and an entertainment zone. It's a popular destination for both shopping and leisure among locals and tourists alike.

• Then overnight stay at the hotel.
• As it is one day package at Cochin, it is subject to change according to time availability.

Munnar is a hill town located in the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is also known as the "Kashmir of South India". It is located at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. Munnar is the most visited tourist destination in Kerala. It has a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. Famous for its tea plantations, this place is rich in tea hills. Blessed with natural beauty and this place is a dream destination for families and honeymooners. Munnar is also a great place to choose for corporate meetings and trekking. With lush green tea hills, beautiful valleys covered in mist, tea gardens, waterfalls, and fresh air, Munnar and its surrounding areas are a feast for the mind and eyes of any traveller, as if painted on a canvas by nature. Many places that enchant travellers with their natural beauty await you in Munnar. You are all welcome to enjoy the sights of Munnar.

• Things to do in munnar

  Camping Tea Plantation, Tent Camping, Boating, Giant Swing, Bicycle Ride, Trekking, Elephant Safari, Kathakali (classical dance-drama), Kalari (Martial Arts), Ayurveda Spa, Rock Climbing, Adventure Zip Line, Tree House Stay, Jeep Safari, Rock Climbing, Hot Air Balloon, Paragliding, Nature Walk, Camp Fire, Adventure Park, Shopping.

• After breakfast, check-out from the hotel.
• Proceed to Munnar (approx. 130 km, 4 hour journey)
• Enroute visit Cheeyappara waterfall and Valara waterfall, Blossom Hydal Park
• Cheeyappara Waterfall

  Cheeyappara Waterfall is a spectacular sight with water gushing down in multiple steps over rocky slopes. Visible right from the roadside, it is one of the most accessible waterfalls on the way to Munnar. The powerful flow, combined with the lush surroundings, offers visitors a memorable glimpse of Kerala’s natural beauty.

• Valara Waterfall

  Nestled amidst dense forests, Valara Waterfall is a stunning cascade along the Kochi–Munnar route. Surrounded by rich greenery and rocky cliffs, the waterfall creates a refreshing atmosphere, making it a delightful stop for travelers. Its scenic charm attracts nature lovers and photographers seeking to capture the beauty of Kerala’s landscapes.

• Blossom Hydel Park

  Blossom Hydel Park is a serene retreat spread across vibrant flower gardens and landscaped lawns. The park features walking trails, recreational activities, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot to relax. Its peaceful ambiance and colourful blooms provide a refreshing break for families and travelers alike

• Check-in to the hotel and after refreshment visit some well-known places.
• In the evening, enjoy the beauty of the tea gardens
• Tea Gardens

  The lush green tea gardens of Munnar blanket the rolling hills in a carpet of greenery, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. Walking through these neatly manicured plantations provides a refreshing experience, while the aroma of fresh tea leaves fills the air.

• Then overnight stay at the hotel.

• After breakfast head out for a full-day sightseeing of Munnar
• After breakfast head out for a full-day sightseeing of Munnar

  Located in the Nallathanni Estate, the TATA Tea Museum showcases the rich legacy of tea cultivation in Munnar. Visitors can explore vintage machinery, photographs, and exhibits detailing the evolution of tea processing, and also enjoy a fresh brew straight from the source.

• Pothamedu view point

  Pothamedu View Point is a popular scenic spot in Munnar, offering panoramic views of tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations spread across misty mountains. It’s a perfect place for photography, peaceful reflection, or simply enjoying the beauty of Kerala’s highlands.

• Mattupetti dam

  Surrounded by hills and forests, Mattupetty Dam is a major tourist attraction in Munnar known for its serene lake and boating activities. It also supports a hydroelectric project and attracts wildlife that come to quench their thirst, making it ideal for nature lovers.

• Echo point

  Echo Point in Munnar is named for the natural echo phenomenon that occurs when you shout into the valley. Surrounded by lush greenery and mist-covered hills, this tranquil spot by the lake is perfect for a leisurely walk or a scenic picnic.

• Kundala lake

  Kundala Lake, set amidst rolling hills and cherry blossom trees, is a picturesque reservoir offering pedal and shikara boat rides. This artificial lake is also close to the Kundala Dam and is often surrounded by blooming Neelakurinji flowers during their rare cycle.

• Eravikulam National Park to view endangered wild goat Nilgiri Tahr National Park is (closed from 21st Jan to 15th April during breeding season)

  Home to the Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its scenic landscapes, shola grasslands, and rare flora like the Neelakurinji. The park offers guided treks and panoramic views of the Western Ghats, attracting nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

• Then overnight stay at the hotel

• After breakfast head out for a full-day sightseeing of Munnar
• Chocolate factory

  The Munnar Chocolate Factory Produces a Wide Variety of Chocolates, Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate and More. All Of These Can Be Sampled And Tasted For Free, Also There Are Many Home Made Chocolates Available.

• Spice Garden visit

  Spice cultivation and its marketing are an important sector of Kerala. These help you to visit and understand the cultivation methods of spices like cardamom, pepper, cloves, ginger, coffee, cinnamon, turmeric etc. These help you to see such agricultural crops in various districts of Kerala. A visit to a spice garden gives tourists the opportunity to understand the cultivation methods of various spices, their harvesting and processing and to buy farm-fresh products. Guides are also prepared to explain all this to tourists during a visit to such spice gardens. Thekkady, Kumily, Munnar and many other places located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known as the "spice capital" of Kerala, are located in Kerala.

• Tea plantation

  Munnar is known for its many tea plantations, which are major part of the regions history. The climate and topography of munnar are ideal for growing tea, and the plantations are often described as a rich green carpet. This orthodox tea plantation in munnar lays claim to be one of the highest in the world and is famous for its flavour some tea.

• Marayoor

  Marayoor is a small town 42 kilometre from munnar. The only place in kerala where sandal wood trees grow naturally.
  Marayoor has a history that dates back to the stone age civilization. That is as 10,000 b.c.e. At Marayoor you are welcomed by the silent tombs of primeval times. The dolmens. The Dolmenoids (burial chambers made of huge stones), also known as Muniyaras, belong to the iron age. Marayoor is famous for jaggery. The legendary wanderings of Rama and Sita and the Pandavas are clearly depicted here. Caves, paintings and underground tunnels are also found here. Sandalwood oil is extracted from the roots and wood of (Sandalum album) trees. The sandalwood oil otherwise called the “liquid gold” is a popular perfume, especially among the elite.

• Carmelagiri elephant park

  Feel the unforgettable experience of an elephant ride. You can watch elephants playfully bathing river, and feeding elephants.

• Top Station

  Top Station is located at an altitude of about 1,700 meters above sea level. The drive along the winding road adorned with rare flora is one of the most exciting in the state. The heights offer a stunning view of the nearby Tamil Nadu.

• Kanthalloor

  Kanthalloor is a quiet village known for its cool and calm weather throughout the year. It is about 50 km from Munnar. Situated at an altitude of 5,000 feet above sea level, this village grows a variety of crops that are not found anywhere else in Kerala. We can find fruits like oranges, strawberries, blackberries, plums, gooseberries, peaches, passion fruit and many more. It is also the only place in Kerala where apples are grown and tourists can buy fresh apples directly from the farm house.

• Kathakali Dance (Optional Paid Activity)

  Kathakali is a traditional visual art form of Kerala. Kathakali is one of the world-famous art forms of Kerala. Kathakali is an art form performed with the accompaniment of musical instruments. Kathakali is a combination of dance, drama and music. Kathakali artists portray characters through sign language and facial expressions. Instruments like Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila and Ilathalam are used. The costumes of Kathakali artists are very attractive. The main costumes are Pacha, Kathi, Kari, Thadi and Minuk. Kathakali originated from a play based on the Ramayana. The story is narrated in the form of songs. These songs are known as 'words'. Kathakali is a must-see activity when visiting Kerala. Facilities to enjoy it are available in Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady and Alappuzha.

• Kalaripayattu Martial Arts (Optional Paid Activity)

  Kalaripayattu is a unique martial art of Kerala. The place where Kalaripayattu is practiced is called Kalari. It helps in increasing the concentration, confidence and resilience of the body and mind. It is also a martial art that gives flexibility to the body. The training is done using weapons like swords and shields and using steps, jumps, twists and turns. There are also some medical treatments associated with Kalaripayattu. The person who teaches Kalaripayattu is called Guru. Watching Kalaripayattu training is exciting and thrilling. There are many Kalaripayattu centres in Kerala. Tourists can experience it in Munnar and Thekkady.

• Anamudi Peak

  The highest peak in South India is Anamudi Peak, also known as the Everest of South India. It is located in Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala. Anamudi is located in the area that includes Eravikulam National Park. Anamudi is also a favourite place for adventure lovers. Anamudi trekking is challenging and requires only limited permission, only up to a point designated by the authorities. Prior permission from the authorities is also required.

• The highest peak in South India is Anamudi Peak, also known as the Everest of South India. It is located in Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala. Anamudi is located in the area that includes Eravikulam National Park. Anamudi is also a favourite place for adventure lovers. Anamudi trekking is challenging and requires only limited permission, only up to a point designated by the authorities. Prior permission from the authorities is also required.

Thekkady is a town near Periyar National park. Kerala’s largest wild life sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visit in Kerala. The Thekkady (Periyar lake) is the centre piece of the wildlife sanctuary, and a boat ride on its tranquil waters is a must do experience. Surrounded by the jungles and thus many wildlife including birds, elephants, deer, wild boars are spotted drinking water and taking a dip in its water can be seen very close while travelling in boat safari.

• Things to do in thekkady

  Trekking & Hiking, Wild Life Safari, Boat Safari, Elephant Safari, Kathakali (classical dance-drama), Kalari (Martial Arts), Tree House Stay, Jeep Safari, Nature Walk, Camp Fire, Forest Camping, Shopping.

• After breakfast, Check-out from the hotel.
• Drive to Thekkady (96 km, 3 hour journey)
• Check-in to the hotel or resort.
• After refreshment head out for sightseeing at Thekkady.
• Boat Safari on Periyar Lake

  The boat safari on Periyar Lake in Thekkady is a unique experience that allows visitors to spot elephants, deer and other wildlife on the banks of the lake. The journey through the calm waters surrounded by dense forests is a highlight of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  Get ready for a spice tour to view the plantations of a wide variety of spices like cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, cloves, ginger, turmeric, cumin seed etc.

• Spice plantation

  This allows visitors to learn about the cultivation and harvesting methods of a wide variety of spices such as cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, cloves, ginger, turmeric, and cumin. Tourists also have the opportunity to purchase spices directly from the plantations.

• Then overnight stay at the hotel.

Alappuzha is known as the “Venice of the East”. Backwaters are one of the main landmarks on the Kerala tourism map. Alappuzha and Kumarakom, which have gained international fame, are the gateways to Kerala backwater tourism. Alappuzha is famous for its network of canals, lush paddy fields, coconut trees, beautiful backwaters and houseboats for overnight stays. It is also a major centre for the spice trade. The canals that have been laid throughout the city for transportation are very interesting. Famous for its waterways and backwaters, this place has become a major tourist destination in Kerala today. It is the main centre for the Nehru Trophy boat racing competition held during the days of Onam, the main festival of Kerala. Alappuzha is also famous for its coir industry. The Kuttanad paddy fields, the rice field of Kerala, are located here. Alappuzha is a land area formed by backwaters, rivers, and canals, and is filled with sand. Marine products, tourism, and the coir industry are the economic sources of income. The overnight stay of tourists in houseboats on the backwaters and travel to the backwaters make up the tourism sector of Alappuzha. It has become world famous. In addition, many tourist attractions are located in the district.

• Things to do in Alleppey

  Boating, House boat, Shikkara Ride, Kayakking, Shopping.

• After breakfast, proceed to Alleppey. (Approx. 145 km, 4.5 hour journey)
• Check-in to the houseboat.
• House Boat

  A houseboat trip and overnight stay along the backwaters is something that no traveller visiting Kerala (God's Own Country) can avoid. One of the most captivating experiences on a houseboat cruise is watching the sunset over the backwaters. Explore the natural beauty of Kerala, the paddy fields, narrow canals, coir, village’s etc. Houseboat travel and overnight stays along the backwaters provide an unforgettable experience to tourists. A houseboat cruise includes delicious meals prepared on the boat, featuring traditional Kerala cuisine. Delicious seafood, spicy curries and traditional Kerala Snacks are also available. Houseboats seen today are the modern form of the kettu vallam that were used to transport goods from one place to another through the backwaters. These include traditional kothumbu vallam, kettuvallam, shikara, houseboats, luxury houseboats, etc.
  Welcome drink, lunch, evening tea and snacks, dinner and breakfast available in houseboat. (Only applicable for Day & Night package)

• Then overnight stay at the house boat.

• After breakfast. Check-out from houseboat and proceed to Cochin. (Approx. 60 km, 1 hour 40 minutes journey)
• Before leaving, do some quick shopping (Lulu Mall / M.G. Road) / or visit Fort Kochi (if time permits)
• Return with Memories of the Happy Moments of Your (6 Nights / 7 Days) Kerala Trip.