7N 8D Kerala Circuit Trip

Guests are picked up from Cochin in the evening and driven comfortably to the hotel. After check-in, they can relax after the journey, freshen up, and spend time at leisure. They may explore nearby markets, take a calm stroll around the hotel area, or simply unwind in their rooms. Overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast and check-out, the day begins with local sightseeing in Cochin: • Fort Kochi Area – Drive through the heritage quarters of the city. Guests can see the charming colonial-era buildings, old streets, and coastal views. • Chinese Fishing Nets – Stop by the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a symbol of Cochin. Guests can watch how these traditional nets operate and click memorable photographs. • St. Francis Church / Santa Cruz Basilica (as per time) – Visit one of the oldest European churches in India or the beautifully built basilica, known for its architecture and peaceful ambience. • Jew Town & Mattancherry – Drive through the old Jew Town area, famous for its antique shops, spice markets and the exterior view of the Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace (entry as per time and preference). After completing the Cochin sightseeing, the journey proceeds towards Munnar, one of Kerala’s most beautiful hill stations.En route, guests enjoy scenic views and two beautiful waterfalls: • Valara Waterfalls – A lovely waterfall nestled amid lush greenery, perfect for short photo stops and enjoying the cool breeze. • Cheeyapara Waterfalls – A stunning seven-step waterfall cascading down the rocks alongside the highway. Guests can enjoy the view, take pictures and soak in the natural beauty. The road to Munnar offers winding roads, misty hills, and tea estate views. On arrival in Munnar, check in to the hotel and relax. Evening is free for leisure and exploring the cool hill-station climate. Overnight stay in Munnar.

This day is dedicated to exploring the best of Munnar’s natural beauty and attractions. • Photo Point / Tea Gardens View – Start with stops at picturesque viewpoints surrounded by vast tea plantations. Guests can take photos among the green carpets of tea gardens and enjoy the refreshing mountain air. • Mattupetty Dam – Visit this popular dam and lake area where guests can enjoy the serene surroundings. Optionally, they can experience boating on the calm waters (on direct payment basis) and enjoy reflections of the hills and forests. • Echo Point – A unique spot where the natural echo phenomenon can be experienced. Guests can call out and hear their voices travel back from the hills. It is also a great place for photos and short walks. • Kundala Lake (if time permits) – A charming lake surrounded by hills and forests. Guests can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and optional boating (on direct payment basis). • Tea Museum (Tata Tea Museum – as per timing) – Visit the tea museum to understand the history of tea plantations in Munnar, the process of tea making, and see antique machinery. It offers a great insight into how Munnar became a tea hub. Throughout the day, guests are surrounded by rolling hills, misty valleys, and emerald-green landscapes. Short halts can be taken at various viewpoints for photos and enjoying the climate. In the evening, guests can explore the local Munnar market, buy local tea, spices, homemade chocolates, and souvenirs. Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast and check-out from the Munnar hotel, the journey continues towards Thekkady, famous for its wildlife and spice plantations. The drive itself is scenic, passing through forests, small waterfalls and plantations. On reaching Thekkady, sightseeing includes: • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Periyar Lake view & activities as per choice) – Guests can head towards the Periyar area, known for its dense forests and rich wildlife. They can enjoy the ambience of the reserve and, if they wish, opt for a boat ride on Periyar Lake (tickets on direct payment and subject to availability), where they might spot wildlife like elephants, deer, and various birds on the lake shores. • Spice Plantation Tour – Visit a local spice plantation where a guide explains how spices like cardamom, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg etc. are grown. Guests can walk through the plantation, learn about cultivation and buy pure spices if they wish. • Kathakali / Kalaripayattu Shows (optional) – In the evening, guests can opt to watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance or Kalaripayattu martial arts show (entry tickets on direct payment). These cultural shows offer a glimpse into Kerala’s heritage. Post sightseeing, guests return to their hotel in Thekkady. They can explore the local market for spices, handicrafts and Ayurvedic products. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast and check-out, guests are driven from Thekkady to Alleppey, the “Venice of the East,” famous for its serene backwaters. On arrival in Alleppey, guests board their houseboat (as per package). The houseboat experience includes: • A traditional welcome on boarding, followed by check-in to the well-appointed houseboat. • Cruising through the beautiful backwaters, canals, and lagoons of Alleppey. Guests can witness village life on the banks, lush paddy fields, coconut groves, small churches/temples, and fishermen at work. • Freshly prepared lunch, evening snacks and dinner are served on board (as per houseboat meal plan). Guests can relax on the deck, enjoy the gentle movement of the boat and the soothing views all around. • The houseboat usually anchors by evening at a peaceful spot, allowing guests to enjoy the calm waters, sunset views, and a tranquil night. Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alleppey.

After breakfast on the houseboat, check-out and proceed by road towards Kovalam, one of Kerala’s most popular beach destinations. En route, a visit is made to Varkala. • Varkala Beach & Cliff Area – Guests can visit the famous Varkala beach known for its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. The unique cliff-side pathway offers cafes, small shops, and stunning viewpoints. Guests can spend some time enjoying the sea view, walking along the cliff, and clicking pictures. After the Varkala halt, the journey continues to Kovalam. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Depending on time, guests can visit: • Lighthouse Beach / Hawa Beach / Samudra Beach – Kovalam is known for its crescent-shaped beaches. Guests can enjoy the golden sands, gentle waves, and beachside shacks. The lighthouse area offers excellent views of the coastline. Evening is free to relax by the beach, enjoy local food, or take a leisurely walk. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

After breakfast, guests proceed for a full-day excursion to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean meet. Highlights of the excursion: • Drive to Kanyakumari – Enjoy the scenic journey passing through coastal villages, plantations, and small towns. • Vivekananda Rock Memorial (by ferry – ticket on direct payment) – From the shore, guests can take a short ferry ride to the iconic rock memorial located in the sea. It is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda and offers peaceful surroundings and panoramic ocean views. • Thiruvalluvar Statue (view from ferry/shore) – View the towering statue of the great Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, standing on a small island close to Vivekananda Rock. • Kanyakumari Temple (as per time and preference) – Visit the famous Bhagavathy Amman Temple, one of the major religious sites in Kanyakumari. • Beach & Triveni Sangam View Point – Experience the unique confluence point of three seas and spend some time enjoying the coastal views and markets around the beach area. After completing the sightseeing and some time for local shopping or snacks, guests drive back to Kovalam. Evening at leisure and overnight stay in Kovalam.

After breakfast and check-out from the Kovalam hotel, guests proceed towards Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) for local sightseeing before the drop. Major points (as per time and traffic): • Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Darshan as per temple timings & dress code) – One of the richest and most famous temples in India, known for its grand architecture and spiritual importance. Guests can visit for darshan (subject to timings, queue, and dress rules). • Kuthiramalika Palace / Nearby Museum Complex (if time allows) – A traditional Kerala style palace with intricate woodwork and historical exhibits. • Napier Museum & Zoo (time permitting) – A well-known museum and zoological park complex with beautiful gardens, heritage buildings, and a variety of animals and birds. • Local City Drive – Short city drive to see important landmarks, markets and government buildings from outside. After completing the sightseeing schedule, guests are transferred to the Trivandrum airport/railway station for their onward journey. Drop is in the evening as per departure schedule. Tour ends with beautiful memories of Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey backwaters, Kovalam, Varkala and Kanyakumari