Romantic Kerala
Romantic Kerala
Green and silver – the two words that best sum up the landscapes in the backwaters of Kerala. Sail through the palm-fringed canals and go past quiet rivulets and grassy banks. One of the most visited attractions in Kerala, the backwaters never fail to enchant one with its riceboats and Chinese fishing nets – reminiscent of the times when this was part of the ancient trade route and these boats carried goods to the Arabian countries. Covered with coir, today these have furnished rest rooms and well-equipped kitchens and offer an interesting accommodation option for travelers.
Pack your bags for the visual treat that these lands offer and experience the magic of the backwaters. Green is a prominent color here and it’s many shades spread over miles of verdant land. A wild life sanctuary, a coastline dotted with warm sunny beaches, temples and some very unique architecture… Kerala promises loads of fun and exciting experiences. All the makings of an ideal holiday
After breakfast, proceed for city tour of Cochin. In Cochin, you may experience harbor cruise (common) , with its rich colonial past, the old spice market at Mattancherry, the antique shops on Jew’s street, the Synagogue, the Dutch palace and of course, the famous Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church. In the evening attend the Kathkali dance show (common)
Kathakali is an ancient and traditional dance form of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means “Story-Play”. Kathakali uses elaborate make-ups, costumes and background. Kathakali was originated in the 17th century and has its roots in Hindu mythology. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. Kathakali is based on religious themes. They play is mostly based on the two epics ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’.
In the morning, drive to Munnar – 4 hrs. On arrival, check-in at Hotel Munnar – breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility – the idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country.
Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations – pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests – aroma of spice scented cool air – yes! Munnar has all these and more. It’s the place you would love to visit – it’s the place you would wish never to leave- so welcome – log on to www.munnar.com for all information on Munnar anytime, every time.
After breakfast, visit Munnar or day free to enjoy beauty of place. Mattupetty: Famous for its Indo-Swiss livestock project, Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m and is just 13 km from Munnar. The Mattupetty Lake and Dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.
Lock Heart Gap : Lock heart gap is ideally located for adventure tourism. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.
Eravikulam National Park: (15 Km from Munnar) the 97 Sq. Km park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695) is located in the southern region of the park.
Tea Museum: (Munnar Town) A visit to the tea museum enlightens you about the art of tea making. An encounter with very interesting pieces of history and antiques of Munnar is guranteed during a guided tour of the mini Tea factory in the museum.
Top Station: (32 Km from Munnar) 1700m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar -Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakuranji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms once every twelve years bathing the hillsides in bright blue. Top station also offers panoramic view of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.
Marayoor: (40Km from Munnar) This is the only place in Kerala that has natural sandal wood trees. The caves (muniyaras) with murals and relic from the New Stone Age civilization and the children’s park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourist. Thoovanam waterfall and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.
Day free to enjoy beauty of place.
In the morning, drive to Periyar – 4 hours. On arrival, check-in at hotel. Rest of day free.
In the evening attend Kalariapattu show (common local Martial Art show).
In the morning, enjoy plantation tour and give yourself opportunity to discover spices of India.
In the afternoon, explore the park on foot with naturalist followed by a short Elephant ride.
(Easy trek with naturalist this is best way to explore the wild life which enhance the opportunity to spot the animal in their natural habitat)
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is an 800 sq mtr sanctuary in Thekkady on the border of Tamilnadu and is one of the most important National Parks in India. It boasts of elephants, bisons, antelopes, sambars, wild boars and if one is lucky, even tigers. Periyar is the best sanctuary in India for watching and photographing elephants at close quarters. What makes Periyar fairly unique as a forest is that game viewing takes place either by small boats through the lake or even on foot
