Kanyakumari – The land of rising sun was once a part of our “Gods own Country”. This is a fact not known by all malayalees. Those who have a glimpse of history would be well aware of this fact. Our ruling authorities have exchanged this place of scenic beauty with Palakkad, a place where we conduct Radhotsav and where we have the Nelliyampathi hills known for adventurous trips.we think if it was a wise decision to exchange KanyaKumari for Palakkad. This happened long back and after independence all states were separated on linguistic basis and as part of this Kanyakumari was detached from our state Kerala as majority of people in Kanyakumari district were Tamilians. This has really disappointed the keralites who are settled in Kanyakumari as they lost their identity as they feel they neither belong to TamilNadu nor to Kerala. As they followed the same culture and rituals as that of Kerala, it was really hard for them to accept the fact that they belong to a foreign state then onwards. They still follow a mixed culture. Till 1956, Kanyakumari was part of the Travancore kingdom (now Kerala).
Day 01: Arrival in Cochin & Drive from Cochin to Munnar
Meet our representative upon arrival in Cochin and drive to Munnar - derived its name from the confluence of the three rivers around which the town grew. Today, it offers beautiful vistas, cardamom and spice plantations, aromatic oil factories, sights of several endangered species and the purple-blue of the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom every 12 years. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and spend evening at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Munnar
Explore Eravikulam National Park, home to various elusive and endangered species. It is a great place to enjoy trekking and offers mind-blowing views of the tea plantations. Later, proceed towards Tea Museum (closed on Monday), which gives an insight to the history of tea plantations of this region. Later visit Mattupetty Dam, Eco Point and Flower Garden. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 03: Munnar – Thekkady
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady (Periyar) and on arrival check-in at the hotel. Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Periyar. Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Herds of playful wild elephants have made Periyar Lake their favorite haunt for frolicking in the water. They can be witnessed bathing and swimming here. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake to view the wildlife at close quarters. Other inhabitants of Periyar include the leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and sloth bear. Later, take a spice plantation tour. The aroma and pleasant ambiance of the spice and tea plantations of Periyar are fascinating. Spices found in Thekkady include pepper, clove, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, vanilla and curry leaves. In evening, watch traditional Kalari show. (Optional) - You can also enjoy an elephant ride in Periyar. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 04: Drive from Thekkady - Alleppey
Proceed to Alleppey by road after breakfast. After arrival, check-in at the houseboat in backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey is a charming emerald peninsula jutting into the picturesque Vembanad Lake dotted with innumerable traditional country rafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake flows into the mainland, making a labyrinth of lagoons, canals and waterways. Spend the rest of the day cruising through beautiful backwaters. Overnight at the Alleppey houseboat.
Day 05: Alleppey – Kumarakom
After breakfast, check-out and proceed to Kumarakom - a charming emerald peninsula jutting into the picturesque Vembanad Lake dotted with innumerable traditional country rafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake flows into the mainland, making a labyrinth of lagoons, canals and waterways. Enjoy a sunset cruise in vembanad Lake (On direct payments). Overnight at the backwater resort.
Day 06: Drive from Kumarakom – Kovalam
After breakfast, drive towards south of Kerala, Kovalam- located close to the state capital Trivandrum, it is internationally famed for its palm-fringed beaches and rejuvenating centers. This coastal town initially came to notice with the construction of Halcyon Castle by the last Maharani of Travancore - Sethu Lakshmi Bayi. With the arrival of hippies in 1970s, the place gained recognition as a tourist destination and is today renowned for its 17 km-long coastline, which is formed by three beautiful beaches - Lighthouse, Hawah and Samudra. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel and spend rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 07: Excursion to Kanyakumari, with Trivandrum sightseeing
After breakfast, take excursion trip to Kanyakumari – visit the Vivekananda Memorial, Gandhi Museum and southernmost point. While returning, also cover Napier Museum, Art Gallery and Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Return to Kovalam for overnight stay.
Day 08: Departure from Trivandrum
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Trivandrum airport for return flight back home.
Well after the beautiful and a mind blowing tour we want to say a big thank you to Regent Travels.For making our tour so special.Hotels,Vehicle,Tour Guide each and everything was perfect and the best.
