Introduction
Kerala is popularly known as God's Own Country and the title is apt. Ensconced in verdant greenery of forests and the interrupting brackish water blue lagoons, palm fringed hamlets and the beaches make the State one of the most exotic locale for vacation.
Serene, calm and composed that is how visitors to this destination announce. They are not wrong for one visit makes you forever in love with this magical hub of diversity in India. Like it's forests and backwaters the long silent beaches composed fine slivery sand attract sun bathers and sea swimmers from all over the globe.
Kochi
Also known as Cochin it is the capital of the Kerala State in South India. The port city was well known as the spice trading center of the World. After trading with the Arabs and Jews followed by occupation by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British the city developed diverse characteristic flavor due to amalgamation of many cultures with the original Malayali culture. It is this characteristic evolution that sets the destination apart from rest of the State. The port city Kochi is an industrial and urban hub.
Backwater and cultural tourism dominate, and in conjunction Ayurveda treatment or massage centers are very popular. The capital city offers sights of many historical edifices besides modern structures that are equally impressive.
Munnar
A picturesque destination home of tea plantations and forests Munnar is a hill station in the Western Ghats. The resort is popular for being a less crowded retreat for wellness and exciting holidays. Apart from visit to expansive tea plantations the wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks nearby are the major attraction.
Thekkady – Periyar Tiger Reserve & National Park
Few protected areas are more popular in India than Thekkady. It is a tiger reserve and home to many endemic birds and mammals. Wild elephants, bison, tiger, Nilgiri langur and Lion tailed macaque are the main attraction of the park. The River Periyar is the lifeline of this ecosystem and boat rides are organized here. In the park another means of excursions are the open jeeps. Spice gardens could be explored nearby to discover the wonderful world of aromatics.
Alappuzha – Alleppey Backwaters
The backwater tours on house boat are the main attraction of Alleppey. The backwaters are a network of brackish water lagoons, rivers and streams. The waterways stretch over most of the State. The long distance houseboat tour provides a glimpse of the magical landscape green paddy fields, quaint hamlets and palm fringes all along the way. Kerala is truly a God's Own Country.
Beach at Mararikulum
Named after Lord Shiva it is excellent beach location with potential unlimited for tourism. The beach is known as Marari Beach and is ideal for sea side activities. Nearby there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva known as Mararikulum Mahadeo Temple.
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Tour Highlights:
Details Tiger Photography Tours
Itinerary Photo Tour
First Day
After landing at the Airport you will be escorted to the Luxury hotel. If time permits we will visit Paradesi Synagogue it is the oldest one in Kochi. It is adjacent to Matancherry Palace Temple and shares a common wall. The evening is for relaxation at the luxury hotel and we will do just that.
2 Day
Early morning after breakfast we will move on first to visit the Mattancherry Palace, the edifice was gifted to the king of Kochi by the Portuguese. Improvements were made and the temple depicts the most beautiful and artistic murals and paintings depicting Hindu mythology. The architecture is traditional Nallikattu.
Church is oldest European Church in India. The next in the list is the folklore museum it exhibits the finest artwork besides a gallery on history of the State. After lunch we will move on to see the famous Dutch Bogatty Palace and Kdungullar Bhagavati Temple. The sea food in Kerala is unique strong and spicy we will relish it at the hotel in style.
3 Day
Munnar is a four hours drive from Cochin and is a hill resort with fantastic landscape. Here we will visit a tea garden and then the Subramanya Temple and take part in the prayers held every day. Rest of the day we will laze around to enjoy the serenity and peace.
4 Day
Some of the places of interest are the photo point, Mattupetty Dam and Kundale Lake. After lunch we will move to Rajamalai in order see the Nilgiri Tahr a mountain goat which is unique to this region. After some wildlife watching we will return back to the resort to relax and fine dine before sleep takes over.
5 Day
It is a four hours drive to Thekkady or Periyar Tiger Reserve a diversity hotpot where we will enjoy the flora and fauna among the wild elephants, bison and the tigers. A boating on Periyar Lake will offer sights of amazing wildlife and birdlife of the reserve in Southern India.
Late evening at a luxury wildlife resort for some entertainment and fun. We will spend the night amongst the wilds of Periyar tiger reserve.
6 Day
The safaris offer exciting perspectives at Thekkady the chance of seeing a tiger in the wild is always on. The Periyar Tiger Reserve has much to offer besides the mammals we will see many bird species. The prospects if sighting wildlife in its natural home is exciting and we will spend the day and the evening in animal watching. Late evenings at resort is for enjoying the fun filled events and fine dining.
7 Day
Post breakfast we will drive to Alleppey for a unique overnight houseboat ride. The prospect of spending a night on the houseboat is inviting. We will experience the amazing landscape and tranquility on the backwaters. Lots of sights await us and then we will bundle down in the houseboat for the night after fine Malayali cuisine. There is nothing like this on a serene houseboat in middle of nowhere.
8 Day
After breakfast we will drive to Marari a short thirty minutes drive to the hotel at the beach and the fishing village. We have a full day of local sightseeing a stroll on the beach and visit the hectic life of fishermen in the village. Kerala hospitality is superb and we will enjoy fish delicacies made the local way. We will spend the night at the luxury hotel on the beach.
9/10 Day
Everything you would like lined up at the beach is there at Marari. Fine sand beach greets you as you move along the palm fringed shore line amongst the rocks and jetties. We will enter the waters for a refreshing swim and then lie for sun bathing. Hours spend seem like minutes passing by.
There is much to experience at a pristine beach like this one. We will enjoy cocktails and fine lunches at Marari. Best activity is to experience the small vendors of the beach selling eatables, tea and coffee in a serene ambiance. Life is at its best whence at the sea especially in Kerala The God's Own Country in India.
11 Day
Back to the port city Cochin or Kochi to spend more time there may be meet old acquaintance if you have any or just regale yourself in the fair weather. The package tour has come to an end. Hope you have enjoyed it and during the night eventful memories of the tour lingers on as sleep takes over.
12 Day
Time to leave for home or for extended journey. Join Indiafootprints Adventure for another vacation in India.