Cochin , Wildlife , Backwaters & Kovalam beach

Arrive Cochin

Arrive Cochin. You will be transferred to your hotel in the heritage town of Fort Cochin (01 hour)

The spice trade first bought Chinese and Arabian traders to Kerala’ shores and later the Portuguese, Dutch and British thus making Fort Cochin a cultural melting point. Wander through its old streets, the synagogue, the ancient churches, colonial houses and the picturesque Chinese fishing nets. 

Overnight at Cochin.

At Cochin – Being local

Today is a different day , this morning you will explore Cochin with your guide by being a localite. There is no car today. You will walk , take the TUK TUK through the narrow streets of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry , climb on a local bus in the busy hours to the city  , walk along thousands of people exploring the local market , know the spices , visit the railway station when thousands of people return to their nearby village after the day’s work , take the local ferry from the mainland to return to the island of Fort Cochin. By evening you will experience everything what is happening in a day at Cochin. 

During the course, you will also visit the monuments at Fort Cochin and Mattancherry  - The St  Francis  Church,  the oldest European Church in India ,where Vasco de Gama the first European traveller to India was originally buried here.  Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (Friday closed) is renowned  for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.  The Jewish Synagogue ( Saturday closed) at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town.  

Overnight at Fort Cochin

From Cochin to Periyar

Morning ,  Drive to Periyar (180 kms , 5 hrs )  

Thekkady
Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq km. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake; Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake.  The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.  Thekkady is also the home for the best of spices.

Evening proceed to witness Kalaripayattu performance (Martial Arts) at a local theatre

Over night at Periyar

At Periyar – activities

Half day Bamboo Rafting (0930 hrs-1430 hrs)
Starting from the boat landing, a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the party gets into rafts made of bamboos.The forests are rich in bird life and arboreal animals like giant squirrel and Nilgiri langur. Rafting lasts for about three hours and one gets a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals like elephant, gaur and sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake.The team hitchhikes back to the boat landing by about 1230 pm. An armed guard and 4 guides will accompany a maximum of 10 tourists. Tea, snacks and packed lunch will be served en route. This package is an excellent programme for semi-serious nature lovers to feel the beauty of Nature.

Evening proceed for Spice plantation with a naturalist. You will get a first hand information on the various spices like Cardamom  , Pepper , clove , Cinnamon and Nutmeg. 

Overnight at Periyar

From Periyar to Nedumudy backwaters

After breakfast ,  drive to Nedumudy (150 km , 04 hr) a village in the backwaters. Once you are at the jetty , you will be transferred in the canoe to the home stay.

This 100 year old wooden mansion situated on the bank of the holy river Pamba, you will feel the serenity, peace and joy, which has been long lost to the frenetic pace of the times that we live in. This is a golden opportunity to experience closeness with Nature. The home is just on the bank of the river with a clear view of the village life across and also once sit and relax watching the fishermen , boats , people cruising along.

Half past six when the sun set beneath the banks , you set off in punted canoe with your lone oarsmen, on a slower pace cruising through the darkness watching the far way lights. Somewhere in the middle of the lake, your oarsmen will serve you a glass of wine. On a clear sky, sip the wine gazing at the stars or watch the people still on the bank, some taking a bath, some fishing, some washing their utensils and some waving at you.  

Overnight at Nedumudy

From Nedumudy-Alleppey to Kovalam

After early breakfast, you will walk up to the nearby public jetty with your host who will assist you getting into the public boat transport to Alleppey. This cruise lasts for 1.5 hours passing through the villages and en-route picking up villagers from the jetty who are on their way to Alleppey for daily work.  

On arrival at Jetty , your driver will wait with your luggage and further drive to Kovalam (175 km , 04 hr). 

Adorned with breath-taking views, serene beaches and refreshing atmosphere, Kovalam is an ideal leisure getaway. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans since long.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. 

Overnight at Kovalam

At Kovalam

Full day relax at kovalam beach

Overnight at Kovalam

Departure from Trivandrum airport

In time transfer to Trivandrum airport (16 km , 35 mts) to connect flight back home