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7 Nights / 8 Days
Daily Tour
10 people
English
Embark on a captivating journey through South India on the Cultural Trails of South India: Backwaters, Hill Stations, and Temples tour. Discover the serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters as you glide through tranquil canals on a traditional houseboat. Explore the lush tea estates of Munnar, where rolling hills and misty landscapes create a picturesque escape. Experience the vibrant culture of Thekkady, with its rich spice plantations and wildlife sanctuary. Delve into the spiritual heritage of Madurai, home to the magnificent Meenakshi Temple and other ancient wonders. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance, creating unforgettable memories.
# | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Discount on 2-person group | 2 | 2 | 46.4% |
2 | Discount on 3-person group | 3 | 3 | 42.4% |
3 | Discount on 4-person group | 4 | 4 | 52.5% |
4 | Discount on 5-person group | 5 | 5 | 50.9% |
5 | Discount on 6-person group | 6 | 6 | 56.6% |
7 | Discount on 7-person group | 7 | 7 | 54.9% |
8 | Discount on 8-person group | 8 | 8 | 59.7% |
On arrival at Cochin airport, you will be assisted and transferred to your hotel for check-in, where you can relax and prepare for the day ahead. Visit Fort Cochin, a historic area known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Walk through the narrow streets and explore St. Frances Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried before his remains were moved to Portugal. Discover the Jewish Synagogue in the heart of Jew Town, which houses ancient scrolls and is adorned with beautiful hand-painted blue-and-white Chinese tiles. Next, visit the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace, which features intricate murals depicting scenes from Hindu epics, along with royal artifacts from the Cochin rulers. See the iconic Chinese fishing nets that line the shore of Fort Cochin. These massive, cantilevered fishing nets, believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th century, are still in use today and provide a striking visual against the sunset. If you wish, you can opt for a boat trip such as the backwater canal tour, which offers a tranquil journey through narrow waterways, or a sunset cruise to experience the serene beauty of Cochin's coastline as the sun sets. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali Dance Presentation, one of Kerala’s traditional art forms. The performance is characterized by elaborate costumes, vibrant makeup, and expressive gestures, telling stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Alleppey boat jetty to board your houseboat, where your backwater adventure begins. Sail through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey, often referred to as the "Venice of the East." As you glide along the tranquil canals, you’ll pass by lush green paddy fields, quaint villages, and dense coconut groves. The backwaters are teeming with life, and you’ll see local fishermen using traditional methods like the Chinese fishing nets. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as your houseboat navigates the palm-fringed canals, offering a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of Kerala. Watch as flocks of ducks swim alongside your boat and listen to the melodious songs of birds overhead. Experience the sunset from the sun-deck of your houseboat, where you can relax and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape as the sky turns to shades of orange and pink. The houseboat is equipped with modern amenities, including generated electricity, a sitting-cum-dining area, a comfortable bedroom with attached English toilets, and a fully loaded kitchen with a chef and driver to cater to your needs. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay on the houseboat, where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals made with local ingredients.
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and embark on a scenic drive to Thekkady, where you will check in at your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the natural beauty of Thekkady, or simply relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. In the evening, visit Mudra Cultural Centre, a hub for traditional Kerala performing arts. Here, you can watch captivating performances of Kathakali, with its dramatic storytelling and intricate facial expressions, and Kalaripayyattu, a form of ancient Indian martial arts that showcases the agility and strength of the performers. Witness the meticulous preparations that go into these performances, including the application of elaborate makeup and costumes, which is an art form in itself. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, head out to explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most popular wildlife reserves in South India. Enjoy a boat safari on the Periyar Lake, where you may spot wildlife such as elephants, sambar deer, wild boars, and even the elusive Bengal tiger in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is also home to a rich variety of bird species, including Malabar grey hornbills, woodpeckers, and kingfishers, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. After the safari, take a guided spice plantation tour. The rich, fertile soil of Thekkady is ideal for growing spices, and you will have the opportunity to see and learn about various spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and coffee. You may also visit local markets to purchase fresh spices, which are perfect as souvenirs or gifts. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Munnar, with a stop at Ramakkalmedu, a windy hill station known for its panoramic views of the Western Ghats and neighboring villages in Tamil Nadu. The name Ramakkalmedu is derived from the belief that Lord Rama set his foot on these rocks during his search for Sita. Explore the unique rock formations, including Frog Rock and Turtle Rock, which are natural wonders shaped by centuries of weathering. Also, visit the towering twin-statues of Kuravan and Kurathi, symbolizing the folklore of the region. Continue your drive to Munnar, a charming hill station known for its sprawling tea estates, misty hills, and cool climate. Munnar was once the summer retreat of British officials during colonial times and remains a favorite destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the surrounding tea gardens or relaxing in the cool mountain air. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, visit Mattupetty, a small village known for its Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where highly productive breeds of cattle are reared. You can tour the farm and learn about dairy farming practices while enjoying the scenic surroundings. Next, visit Pothamedu, one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar, where you can see vast expanses of tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations. The rolling hills and lush green landscape are perfect for trekking and mountain walks, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Continue to Devikulam, a picturesque hill station known for its serene surroundings and the sacred Sita Devi Lake. The lake is believed to have healing properties and is a popular spot for trout fishing and picnicking. The surrounding hills are dotted with rare flora and fauna, adding to the area’s charm. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Madurai, an ancient city known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Visit the Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple, one of the most important and iconic temples in India. This temple complex, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva, is renowned for its towering gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures. The temple is a bustling center of activity, with devotees performing rituals and ceremonies throughout the day. Explore Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, located on a hillock. The temple’s rock-cut architecture and panoramic views make it a significant pilgrimage site. Visit Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple, nestled in the dense forests of the Alagar Hills. This temple is the sixth and final abode of Lord Murugan and is surrounded by natural beauty, including waterfalls and lush greenery. Tour Tirumal Nayak’s Palace, an impressive structure built in the 17th century by King Thirumalai Nayak. The palace is known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, with grand arches, domes, and columns, and a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles. In the evening, return to the Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple to witness the Aarti (prayer) ceremony, a spiritual experience filled with chants, music, and rituals. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy some free time before your scheduled departure. As per your flight schedule, transfer to the airport to board your flight for your onward destination.
Hotels used or similar for 7 nights accommodation
4 Star Hotels
Cochin x 1 night: Casino Hotel/ Le Maritime
Alleppey x 1 night: Premium Houseboat (Full Time AC)
Thekkady x 2 nights: Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden/ The Elephant Court
Munnar x 2 nights: Elixir Hills Resort/ Tea County Munnar
Madurai x 1 night: Fortune Pandiyan Hotel/ Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.
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