An Introduction

Also known as "God's own country", this southern India Journey passes through colonial hill stations and back waters while discovering the extremely rich cultural and historical heritage of this region. Come and take home ‘unique memories’, the kind that make life worth living.

Journey Highlights

• Kathakali dance performance
• Tea plantation visit in Munnar
• Houseboat cruise followed by Lunch in backwaters

  Arrival Kochi 

You will arrive at Kochi by flight. You will be met by Holiday Freakers representative and escorted to hotel. Upon arrival you will check in at hotel.

Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a city in southwest India's coastal state of Kerala. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbour and opened it to Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical of Kochi, have been in use for centuries.

During the afternoon, you will enjoy a visit of Kochi City.

Visit the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace-closed on Friday & Saturday), built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 AD. It is a fine blend of Indo-European architecture. The Chinese Fishing nets, St. Francis Church, where Vasco Da Gama was buried before his remains were taken back to Portugal 14 years later and Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturday), situated close to the Mattancherry boat jetty, the Synagogue and the ancient Jewish town built in 1568 A.D.  are of great historical importance.

In the evening visit a Kathakali Dance show in a local theatre.

Kathakali is one of the major forms of classical Indian dance. It is a "story play" genre of the performing arts, but one distinguished by the elaborately colourful make-up, costumes and facemasks that the traditionally male actor-dancers wear.

  Kochi to Munnar (By road – Approx. 133 Kms / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, you will drive from Kochi to Munnar enroute visiting Athirapalli Waterfall. Upon arrival you will check in at your hotel.

Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the elite of the British Raj, it is surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. Eravikulam National Park, a habitat for the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr, is home to the Lakkam Waterfalls, hiking trails and 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak.

In the afternoon you will visit Munnar City and also a Tea Plantation.

Tea or Chai is the most widely drunk beverage in the whole world. The tea plant, Camellia Sansis, is a cultivated variety of a tree that has its origins in an area between India and China. Munnar is always synonymous with tea plantations hence a trip to Munnar would be incomplete without a visit to these tea plantations. Munnar is a place known for its beautiful tea estates and tea cultivation. No one should return home without tasting or shopping for tea, the essence of Munnar.

  Munnar to Thekkady (By road – Approx. 93 Kms / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, you will drive to Thekkady. Upon arrival you will check in your hotel.

In the afternoon enjoy a visit to Periyar National Park by common boat.

Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and a significant elephant population, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. In the park's north, Periyar Lake is popular for boat rides. Farther north, spice plantations surround the town of Kumily.

  Thekkady to Kumarakom (By road – Approx. 135 Kms / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, you will visit a Spice Plantation in Periyar.

Thekkady in Kerala is a very popular tourist destination renowned for its rainforests, wildlife and spice plantations. A variety of spices are found in Kumily and these are Pepper, Vanilla, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, Mace, Ginger, Turmeric and Cambodge.

Later you will depart by road to Kumarakom. Upon arrival you will check in at the hotel.

The rest of the day is free for independent activities – no vehicle envisaged.

Optional: Visit Kumarakom Village or a bird sanctuary on foot.

Kumarakom is a village on Vembanad Lake in the backwaters of Kerala, southern India. It is laced with canals, where houseboats ply the waters. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to many species including cuckoos and Siberian storks. Nearby, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum displays wooden sculptures. In the lake, Pathiramanal Island is a haven for rare migratory birds. The ancient Thazhathangady Mosque is situated east of Kumarakom. The night stay is in Kumarakom.

  In Kumarakom

Spend the morning at your leisure.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a day cruise on backwaters which will include lunch.

  Kumarakom to Kochi airport (By road – Approx. 50 kms / 2 hrs) / Kochi Departure

After breakfast, you will check out from the hotel and depart by road to Kochi airport to board your onward flight back home.