Kerala Glimpses Luxuary

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 ms in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurveda health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers.

Day	Route / Places Visited	Hotel
01	Arrive Cochin & Cochin city tour	Le Meridien & Malabar House
02	Cochin City tour	Malabar House
03	Cochin to Munnar	Mountain Club
04	Munnar City tour	Mountain Club
05	Munnar to Thekkady	Spice Village
06	Thekkady tour	Spice Village
07	Thekkady Tour	Spice Village
08	Thekkady to Kumarakom	Laguna Houseboat
09	Kumarakom	The Zuri Kumarakom
10	Kumarakom	The Zuri Kumarakom
11	Kumarakom to Kovalam	The Leela Kovalam
12	Thiruvananthapuram City tour	The Leela Kovalam
13	Relax on the beach & Enjoy the new year fest at the resort	The Leela Kovalam
14		The Leela Kovalam
15		The Leela Kovalam
16		The Leela Kovalam
17	Drop at Thiruvananthapuram airport

Day 01: - Arrive Cochin & Noon Cochin city tour

Cochin airport arrival by Qatar Airways QR 514 expected time of arrival 0230 hrs. You will be received and transferred to your pre-booked hotel Le Meridien.Cochin is the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Popularly called as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”. By 1400 hrs proceed for Cochin city tour. The excursions around Cochin are equally fascinating experiences. Some of the well known places include Willington Island, St. Francis church, Jewish Synagogue (closed on all Fridays, Saturdays and all Jewish holidays). Dutch Palace (closed on all Fridays & Saturdays). The Chinese fishing nets and the famous Fort Kochi. Evening check into hotel Malabar house.Overnight Stay at Cochin.

Day 06 : Thekkady City tour

After breakfast , 0900 hrs proceed to experience the boat safari on the Periyar Lake and witness the lush thick rainforest. In the evening at 1600 proceed for the Elephant ride and experience the elephant bathing (01 hour program). Later return to hotel.Overnight Stay at Thekkady Day 07: Thekkady

Day free for leisure.Optionally you may avail the bamboo rafting tour full day program (details in the optional tour program section) or enjoy Ayurveda at hotel .Overnight Stay at Alleppey.

Day 08 : Thekkady to Kumarakom (165 Kms – 5 hrs approx)

Morning after breakfast check out from your hotel by 0830 hrs and proceed to Kumarakom. Upon arrival check into Laguna Houseboat (own arrangement). It’s truly an exquisite experience on board the houseboat. Laguna Houseboat is a one Bedroom air conditioned houseboat with Jacuzzi on the upper deck with lounge chairs to enjoy the Backwater cruise. Check in time: 12:30 PM (26/12/2013). As per government regulation cruising time is between 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on the Vembanad Lake. Evening docking will be at government designated jetty.Overnight Stay at Alleppey.

Day 02: - Guided tour of Hill palace (01 hours journey one way)

Start from hotel by 0930 hrs proceed for guided tour of hill palace. Later return back to hotel. Evening 1730 hrs enjoy Kathakali dance show in theatre at Fort Cochin. Return back to hotel after the tour.Overnight Stay at Cochin

Day 03 : Depart from Cochin to Munnar(140Kms/04hrs

approx)

After breakfast from hotel you will be proceed to Munnar by 0800 hrs. Munnar - A misty, lush green hill station up in the Annamalai range of Kerala, Munnar is a tea plantation centre. Tea gardens, some of the highest in the world. Cool climate and mist shrouded tea plantations are the real attractions of Munnar.

On arrival Check into the hotel.Overnight Stay at Munnar.

Day 09 : Kumarakom

After breakfast disembark from the houseboat by 0930 hrs at hotel Zuri Kumarakom. Kumarakom lies on the banks of the beautiful Vembanad Lake. It is an enchanting picnic spot and provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The slender coconut palms, paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters are the central attractions. Evening visit the bird sanctuary and return back to hotel.Overnight Stay at Kumarakom.

Day 10 : Kumarakom

Day is free for leisure and own activity at the hotel. Optionally you can enjoy the spa at the hotel to rejuvenate.Overnight Stay at Kumarakom.

Day 11 : Kumarakom to Kovalam (approx 180 kms / 05 hour)

After breakfast around 0830 proceed to Kovalam. Kovalam is about 16 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram the capital city of Kerala state. Kovalam has three crescent beaches formed by rocks projecting the Arabian Sea. Kovalam is a sheltered natural bay, its Shark free waters is fringed with Coconut groves and miles of fine stand. Morning after breakfasts check out from your rooms and proceed to Kovalam. Upon arrival check into your hotel. Day free for beach to unwind. Overnight at Kovalam.Overnight Stay at kovalam.

Day 04: - Munnar Overnight with day sight seeing

After Breakfast proceed by 0900 hrs for a short sightseeing tour hrs of Munnar covering Mattupetty Lake, Echo Point & Tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park, tea Museum (Closed on Monday and closing time is 4 P.M). Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a popular picnic spot with visitors. The lake and dam surrounded by wooden hills and tea plantations, makes a great view. Boating is also allowed here. Munnar’s top attraction is its scenic tea gardens and is top priority on any travel itinerary in this area. There are around 30 tea estates, all are privately owned but most estate managers will allow visitors to wander around the estate for free Evening back to resort for overnight stay at Munnar.Overnight Stay at Munnar.

Day 05 : - Drive Munnar to Thekkady (110 Kms –

04hour approx)

Today after your breakfast you will proceed to Thekkady also known as Periyar, famous for the “Periyar National Park” and “Tiger Reserve”. On arrival you will check in to your hotel. Evening around 1700 hrs proceed for Spice plantation visit where you can witness rare spice plants & how they are grown and produced. Later return to hotel.Overnight Stay at Thekkady.

Day 12 : Thiruvanathapuram city tour (15 kms one way)

Morning after breakfast day free forThiruvananthapuram city tour covering Pathmanapaswamy temple,Napier museum & zoo and palace museum. Evening back to your resort and Overnight at Kovalam.Overnight Stay at kovalam

Day 13 to Day 16 : Kovalam

Enjoy the New Year festival at the hotel and the days to relax at the beach. You may explore the local life on your own and the services at the hotel. Overnight Stay at Kovalam.

Day 17: Trivandrum Airport drop

Morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Thiruvananthapuram Airport station on time to board the flight for your next destination.

HOTEL NAME	ROOM TYPE
Malabar House, Fort Cochin	Deluxe Room
Mountain Club, Munnar	One bedroom Cottage
Spice Village, Thekkady	Standard Villa
Laguna Houseboat, Kumarakom	Luxury
Zuri, Kumarakom	Private Pool Villa
Leela, Kovalam	Club Room