Kerala Backwaters Holiday Package (13 Days)

Nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Kerala is one of the most picturesque states of India. The regions backwaters are the star attractions and have beguiled tourists across the globe. Whether you are planning for a family vacation, honeymoon trip or travelling solo, this chain of Brackish lagoons and lakes stretching almost parallel to the western coast of Kerala is a timeless attraction in Gods own country!
The interlinked network of waterways, lakes, estuaries, inlets and natural canals spreads across 900 km approximately. Explore the scenic landscapes on the houseboats while enjoying authentic Keralite cuisines. Let the time halt, the palms smile and the canals flow as your journey on the Kerala backwaters continue.
If you want to explore the untapped nature, this itinerary with backwaters, bird watching, and beaches, is your perfect trip. The tropical symphony, Kerala, is a slender coastal strip in the Southern part of India which is evidently marked by layered swathes of palm-shaded green. The soul-soothing trip to the land of famous backwaters and elegant houseboats, your 13 days itinerary at God Own Country will be nothing less than a delight. Not just the backwaters, you will also visit the 450-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese- and Dutch-era houses at Kochi. Arty cafes placed right in the middle of the cosmopolitan hub make Kochi (Cochin) one of the most well-touristy places in South India. Munnar and South India largest tea-growing region have contoured landscapes of hedges and greenery. The low Western Ghats scenery will create a sense of tranquillity. Travel to the misty hill station of Kodaikanal and flock to its spectacular viewpoints and waterfalls.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Periyar National Park is one of the finest spots to witness a wide range of flora and fauna. Kottamalai, the highest peak in this park and is a beautiful place to visit nature in its purest form.
How can you be at Kerala and not enjoy the backwaters? Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha is famous for its Alleppey Backwaters and you can have a delightful experience. A beach village in the district of Alappuzha, Mararikulam will leave you enchanted with its scenic beauty. At the end of the trip, travel back to Cochin for your departure.

Package Highlights

• Explore the Queen of Arabian Sea.
• Visit the largest tea-growing region and the highest peak in South India, Munnar.
• Experience the splendour of the Princess of Hill stations.
• Enjoy a boat ride in the Periyar Lake.
• Visit the picturesque canals in Alappuzha.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Cochin (Kochi)

Upon arrival at Kochi, our representative will take you to your hotel. Freshen up and have relaxed rest of the day. Being the samurai of great national significance and the Queen of Arabian Sea, Kochi stands a perfect amalgamation of Holland, Portugal, and an English village. Discovered by Vasco-de-Gama, the history of the city is an eclectic mix of Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Arabs. Get ready to explore the second most important city on the west coast of India from the next day.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02: Explore in and around Kochi

Start the day visiting some of the renowned spots in Kochi such as the Portuguese churches, temples and ancient mosques. The Jewish synagogue is another place of interest. Stroll around places like Hill Palace, Kochi Fort, Marine Drive, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Cherai Beach, Kochi International Marina in the afternoon and evening. Explore the local traditions and culture as you leisurely roam around. One of the most significant things to watch out for is the famous Chinese style giant fishing net, found exclusively in Kerala. Overnight stay in Kochi.

Day 03: Kochi to Munnar

Travel by road (172 km) from Kochi to Munnar, the largest tea-growing region. The greenery around is a marvel to enjoy as you travel.
Munnar is situated on the Kannan Devan Hills and is a popular honeymoon destination. Anamudi, highest peak in South India, has a myriad of wildlife sanctuaries around which is the home to the elephant, gaur, grizzled giant squirrel, Sambar, and Nilgiri langur. Keep your eyes out for Neelakurinji, a blue flower that blossoms once in every 12 years. Atukkad Waterfalls is your next stop in the afternoon. Drive to Chithirapuram which is famous for its tea plantation. Find out more about the different types of flowers and herbs at Floriculture Centre.
The Elephant Arrival Spot gives you a chance for the elephant ride. Get a birds-eye view of the Western Ghats from the Top Station. Visit the Tata Tea Museum to know about tea processing. Munnar is dotted with plentiful animal sanctuaries as well as waterfalls. Explore these places as you ride around the city.
Stay overnight at Munnar.

Day 04: Munnar to Kodaikanal

The misty hill station, Kodaikanal, rambles up and down hillsides with patches of shola (virgin forest) which is particular to the Western Ghats. Nicknamed as the Princess of Hill stations, Kodaikanal means The Gift of the Forest. Drive down to the manmade Kodaikanal Lake and have leisure time riding horses, bicycles, and boats. La Salette, Lutheran Mission, St. Peters Church, Durgai Amman Kovil, Church of South India, Kurinji Andavar Kovil, Ellis Villa, Munjikal, Mariamman Kovil, Union Church are some of the places of interest for the religious-minded tourists. Traverse through the ex-spoilt nature comprising of streams, grasslands, meadows, gardens and waterfall. Spend the night here.

Day 05: Enjoy at Kodaikanal

Dedicate the entire day to roam around in this hill station. The wide array of species of shrubs, trees, myrtles rhododendrons and varieties of roses at Bryant Park is a beautiful sight. Shembaganur Museum of Natural History preserves about 500 species of birds, animals, and insects along with an impressive collection of live exotic orchid species. The view from the Green Valley gives a glance at the Dolphin Nose, an interesting natural phenomenon to a flat rock. Silver Cascade, Bear Shola Falls and Pillar Rocks are three other giant rock pillars to visit. Overnight stay at Kodaikanal.

Day 06: Kodaikanal to Periyar

Visit Periyar animal sanctuary, popularly called as Thekkady, which is the home to plenty of animals such as Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, wild dog, sambar, wild boar, monkeys, leopard, langur and more.
Periyar is about 159 km from Kodaikanal and is well-known as an Elephant and Tiger Reserve. Get beautiful snaps of the wildlife flora and fauna followed by a boat ride on the Periyar Lake. This is an equally interesting place to witness the plantation for coffee and tea. Many tourists like to get some time out from the itinerary and go for a soft trek to the nearby areas. Spend the night at Periyar.

Day 07: Periyar National Park

Spreading across 700 km, the park is the abode to a wide number of birds and animals. Spend the day going for a soft trek, riding the boat on the lake or visiting the local bazaars. Murikkady and Cellar Kovil are two nearby places of interest. Overnight stay at Periyar.

Day 08: Periyar to Alappuzha

Drive from Periyar to Alappuzha which is about 109 km. This Venice of the East is one of the most picturesque junctions of canals, aches, backwaters, and lagoons! The rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad is worth visiting the place as it is one of the few places in the world where rice is cultivated below sea level. Overnight stay at Alleppey.

Day 09: Alappuzha

Popular for its boat races, beaches, backwater holidays, marine products and coir industry, Alappuzha has an extensive network of large lakes formed by rivers and canals. The highlight of the day is spending a night at houseboat. Spend the night at a houseboat here.

Day 10: Alappuzha to Mararikulam

Drive from Alappuzha to Mararikulam next day. Mararikulam is a beach village which is rated as one of the world top five hammock beaches by National Geographic survey! Overnight is in Mararikulam.

Day 11: Exploring Mararikulam

Enjoy a leisured day at Mararikulam and on its beach. The nearby places like Cherthala are about 12km away from where you can see a large number of devotees coming all the way to Karthyayani Devi temple and Muttathu Thirumala Devaswam temple. You will also find temples of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Ayyappa as well as Kshethrapalakan within the complex of Karthyayani Devi temple. Spend the night here.

Day 12: Mararikulam

Enjoy another day around the beach. Visit Saint Augustine Church, which is one of the oldest Latin Catholic churches. Go to the Karthyayani Temple as well as the Vattakkeril Temple for a religious dip. St. Andrues Basilica at Arthunkal is the largest shrine in the world. Devi Temple, as well as the Christian church at Thycattusserry, are the next stoppage.

Day 13: Back to Kochi

Drive back to Kochi airport marking the end of your Kerala tour.