Periyar Tiger Reserve : This is one of the most prestigious regions on the high ranges of the western ghats. One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, the Periyar reserve is noted for its geomorphology, diverse wildlife and beautiful landscape. The drive to Thekkady itself is enchanting as the road winds through Tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. The sanctuary, declared a tiger reserve in 1978 under the project tiger scheme, attracts travellers from all over the world.
Eravikulam National Park : Eravikulam National Park located at 15 Km North Of Munnar. Its established in 1975 to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, The Eravikulam Sanctuary was declared A National Park In 1978 considering its Ecological, Faunal, Floral, Geomorphological And Zoological Significance. The park Is Breathtakingly Beautiful and Comparable To The Alpine Ranges. This land of the Neelakurinji is 7 Km from the Rajamalai Hills.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary : Located in the rain shadow region of the western ghats, the sanctary occupies the forested region on either side of the Marayoor - Udumalpet road. This is the second habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel of india. The location of sanctuary offers the unique advantage of watching its fascinating wildlife at close quarters from the road without venturing deep into the jungle. The Marayoor sandal forest and the beautiful Thoovanam waterfalls are located here.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary : Located in Thiruvanandapuram district, The sanctuary strectches from Neyyatinkara Taluk to the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. It is the drainage basin of the Neyyar river and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar - which originate in Agasthyarkoodam, the second highest peak in Kerala (1868m). The sanctuary was established in 1958. Neyyar is famous for the crocodile park, located near to the Neyyar dam.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary : 50 kms northwest of Thiruvananthapuram city in Nedumangad Taluk. The catchment area of the Peppara dam constructed across the Karamana river, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1983. There are 13 tribal settlements in the sanctuary - 11 of them in the Athirumala section and 2 in the Thodayar saction. The sanctuary is accessible from Vithura on the Thiruvananthapuram - Ponmudi road.
Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary : Located in Pathanapuram taluk, 66 km from Kollam town on the Kollam - Shencotta road. The Shenduruny forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. The Name Shenduruny comes from an endemic species of tree called Chenkuruny (gluta travancoria), mainly confined to this region. The artificial lake formed by the parappar dam built across the shenduruny and kulathupuzha rivers occupies the central region of the sanctuary.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary : Tucked away in the valley between the Anamala ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala on the majestic western ghats is the Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary. Three dams have been built here by the tamil nadu government under the Parambikulam - Aliyar project. The reservoir harbours several varieties of aquatic fauna. There are provision to stay at the tree houses inside the jungle, from where you can have a close watch on the wild.
Trivandrum & Kovalam : Thiruvananthapuram also known as Trivandrum - the capital of kerala, is an ideal tourist destination boasting of Kovalam beach and the famous Padmanabha Swamy Temple. The city is also popular for being the home to the famous ancient martial art form called Kalarippayattu. Pampering oneself at the Ayur Heath Centre and Ayurveda College is a must indulgence while in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kochi : Kochi, also known as Cochin is a popular port city of Kerala, popular for its beaches and monumental heritage. Visit the Fort Kochi Beach, as it is one of the very few places in the country where one can see the traditional Chinese fishing nets. Other attractions in Kochi includes ferry ride from Ernakulam to Islands of Kothad, shopping at Mattancherry and Jew Street and enjoying lip smacking food at Krishna Inn located on Warriam Road.
Alleppey : Alleppey is one of the most famous tourist destination in Kerala known for its backwaters. Popular for houseboat cruising, the city also houses Shree Krishna Temple as an important attraction. The best time to visit the city is during the month of August, when the most famous snake boat race is held here.
Kumarakom : One of the paradisaical destination in Kerala is Kumarakom, that is made from an assemblage of small islands near the Vembanad Lake. Besides fishing, tourists can enjoy sighting various unique migratory birds. Boating to the nearest island of Pathiramanal is an attractive way to explore the area.
Munnar : Among all the hill stations in Kerala, Munnar is the most visited one. Famous for its verdant tea gardens, the main attractions here includes churches, tea estates, waterfalls and the Eravikulam National Park. Tourists are advised not to miss Elephant Safari at the wildlife parks and shopping for tea and spices from the local shops.
Wayanad : Wayanad is also a very popular hill station in Kerala illustrious for its providing the tourists with a bit of heritage, wildlife, unique panoramic locations and the aromatic spice gardens. Trekking at the Eddakal cave is an enjoyable activity in Wayanad.
Thekkady : The home to the world popular Periyar National Park, Thekkady is a fast growing tourist destination in Kerala. Beside the famous Periyar National Park, there are many other attractions like the Tribal Heritage Museum and Mangaladevi Temple, which as also gaining immense popularity. The tourists are advised to enjoy the Elephant safari held inside the national park.
Duration : 9 Nights / 10 Days
Places Covered : Cochin – Houseboat – Kumarakom – Periyar – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Day 01 : Arrival Cochin - Welcomed by Kerala Backwater India representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. A port town since early centuries, Cochin, also known as the spice coast of India, attracted traders and invaders from the world over. Needless to say, Cochin offers you some fascinating snippets of history and culture. Relax and unwind at the hotel. In the evening go for a relaxing sunset cruise.
Day 02 : Cochin - Today, go on a sightseeing tour to explore the many fascinating highlights of Cochin which include - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders. In the evening enjoy the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up.
Day 03 : Cochin (Houseboat) - Drive to Alleppey and embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats or 'Kettuvalloms' are luxurious boats with well appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it's the life along the coast that makes this a fascinating experience. The locals travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. As you cruise along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places, enroute.
Day 04 : Houseboat - Kumarakom - Disembark in Kumarakom, the enchanting backwater region of Kerala and check into your hotel. The labyrinthine network of rivers, canals, streams and lagoons which form the famed backwaters offer stunning views and is an ideal place to relax. Day at leisure.
Day 05 : Kumarakom - Adventure activities like canoeing, water scooter rides, boat rides etc are available during your day of leisure at the resort. Enjoy a rejuvenating general full-body Ayurveda massage.
Day 06 : Kumarakom - Periyar - Drive to Periyar an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel. Go on a spice plantation tour today where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 07 : Periyar - Today you could go for an escorted jungle trek and also engage in activities like bamboo rafting. In the evening you could also go for a boat ride where you will have the opportunity to sight elephants and other animals along the bank. It is also possible to go for an Elephant ride today.
Day 08 : Periyar - Kovalam - Drive to Kovalam, one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala and check into your hotel. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky headlands, of which the southernmost, Lighthouse Beach, is the most famous. The Azure waters and favourable climate make Kovalam a favourite year-round destination for beach lovers. Day at leisure on the beach.
Day 09 : Kovalam - Spend your last day at leisure on the beach.
Day 10 : Kovalam - Trivandrum - Departure transfer to Trivandrum for return flight.