6D/5N Best of Kerala

Day 1

KUALA LUMPUR - COCHIN (D)
On arrival at Cochin airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to hotel to check in.

Day 2

COCHIN – MUNNAR (B,L,D)
After breakfast we visit the famous Dutch Palace (Mattamcherry) which was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.

Next visit the Jewish synagogue, built in 1568, which is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here.

Then to St.Francis church and after which proceed to view the chinese fishing nets which are huge cantilevered fishing nets. These chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.

In the afternoon we proceed to Munnar which is breathtakingly beautiful and a haven of peace and tranquility. The idyllic tourist destination in God's own country.

Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - Munnar has all these and more. God has blessed his own country with incomparable beauty.

On arrival at Munnar check into hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.

Day 3

MUNNAR (B,L,D)
Today we begin a full day sightseeing trip of Munnar, which is a nature lover's paradise. We visit Mattupetty Lake & Dam, a very beautiful picnic spot, and the sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. Then to Echo Point Kundale Lake, Blossom Garden, and Rajamala, 2695 m above sea level, which offers spectacular views. Next to Eravikulam Wildlife sanctuary, home to Nilgiry Thar, which are very rare mountain goats.

We return to the hotel for dinner. Then at night you will be treated to a traditional Ayurvedic massage to soothe tired muscles.

Day 4

MUNNAR – ALLEPPEY (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we drive to Alleppey which has immense natural beauty, is also known as the “Venice of the East”. After checking into a deluxe house boat, we will take a canoe trip along the narrow canals in the backwater. While cruising through these canals in a canoe boat we would come across many interesting aspects of day-to-day life on land as well as on water. We can see flourishing paddy fields, coconut lagoons & isolated islands. We can also observe the fascinating lifestyles of the villagers while walking through the paddy fields. Overnight at deluxe boat hotel.

Day 5

ALLEPPEY – KOVALAM – TRIVANDRUM (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we proceed to Kovalam. Kovalam is often considered as the paradise of the south. It consists of three adjacent crescent beaches which are picture perfect tropical beaches.

After lunch, we take you to a day of sightseeing of Trivandrum. We visit The Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Museum and Sri Padmanabha Temple.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple - It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on anantha the serpent.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum - This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the then King of Travancore.

The Napier Museum - Built in the 19th century, the indo - saracenic structure boasts a "natural" airconditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.

After dinner you will enjoy the Kattakali Classical Dance Show, which dates back to the 17th century and is rooted in Hindu mythology. Kathakali is a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance.

Day 6

Day 6 TRIVANDRUM – KUALA LUMPUR (B)
After breakfast, depart to airport.