Cooler climbs of Malabar
As you tread down from the Western Ghats towards the Arabian Sea, with 600 kilometers of Malabar coastlines – Kerala will greet you in her calm morass of vegetation. Escape into the Deep South to cherish the languid drifts in the backwaters, with an ancient touch of Ayurvedic rub – all in the blissful stroll of aroma, carried by the spices, and tea from its northern hills. Bid adieu to the cacophony of everyday India, to indulge in the Malabar delicacies, amid its beauty of traditions, woods, and wild.
As you embark upon the journey, called India experience, prop your reflections to feel the ebb and flow of inspirations, defies, thrills, and befuddlements – all at once, when you make your headway through the giant wedge plunged into the Indian Ocean. At its southern most corner, crawled out from the sea, its thousands of kilometers of coastline that frame fertile plains of Kerala, eventually, to gain its cooler climbs to the curvaceous hills, all kept glisteningly green by its gratuitous monsoon. Welcome to the peninsular South India, the steamy heartland of the subcontinent.
Experience an indulging trip to the tropical splendour of thick coconut groves, luminescent rice paddies, fragrant spice gardens and picturesque tea plantations tendering plenty of green breathers, where the azure seas gently lap crescents of sun-warmed sand and boat cruise along the slender rivers and glassy lagoons – all flourishing at the foothills of one of the 25 biodiversity hot-spots in the world – Sahyadri Hills or the Western Ghats.
Itinerary
Day 1
On your arrival, TTC envoy will assist you with transfer from Cochin Airport or Railway Station to Munnar, the cooler climb of balmy kerala. As you step on the gas through the winding roads of the Western Ghats, for Munnar, steer to the trails leading to Valara Waterfalls and Cheeyapara waterfalls. Visit South India's largest tea-growing region, with rolling hills around, a spectacle - carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations, contoured, clipped and sculpted like ornamental verges, called Munnar. Stop by Varkala, where still you can watch the days turning slowly to weeks, far away from the humdrum of further north and south. Witness the wonders of the nature, as the Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls will cascade down in seven steps to form a chain of falls hemmed in by copious deep forests, making it a great trekking destination. After an eye soothing journey, check in to your hotel, relax, and stay overnight.
Day 2
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and head for Rajamalai national park, else known as Eravikulam national park, spread over sprawling greenery of extensive area of 97 Sq. Km along the crest of the Western Ghats in the high ranges of Idukki district, 15-km from Munnar. Enjoy nature, by the rolling slope of the hill plateau that holds the national park up in the clouds of the southern wilderness. As you follow the small stream rolling down, the tributaries to Periyar and Chalakudy rivers will greet you at Lakkom waterfalls. In the natural beauty of the pristine horizon, tread through the rare collection of varieties of trees and shrubs in the climax grassland and variety of orchids, and inhabitant of this natural cocoon, around 26 different species of mammals. Elephants, langur and marten are the frequent visitors to keep a track on your moves in their natural habitat. Above the ground, about 120 species of birds will mesmerize you with their colourful presence, flying around you in the virgin woods of Rajamalai. 20-km ahead, stop by Asia’s first Arch dam, built at an elevation of 1700 meters above sea level. The nature around the dam is sure to indulge you in its magnetic beauty, where the cherry blossoms appear twice in a year, and the famous Neela Kurunji flowers greets the nature lovers once in twelve years. Do not miss the enthralling experience of boating at this dam. Also, visit the tea museum, as good as a real tea factory around Munnar. Although, it is a demo model of the production process of one of the most relaxing drink in the world, but its continuity in showcasing the heritage, collection of old bits and pieces from the colonial era, including photographs and a 1905 tea-roller, which has bedecked its basic process in the most realistic way, with a 30 minutes video of tea production and a brief history of Munnar. A short walk around the town will lead you to the roads, passing by some of the most accessible tea plantations. Yet another confluence of nature and the hands of man is the Mattupetty dam at a height of 1,700 m. holds the pristine still waters that projects the reflection of the tea gardens around. Enjoy your moments in this green valley with fabulous climate around, with a bounty full of water sports activities and trekking in the Shola forest. Situated on the way to Top Station in Munnar, Echo Point is a stopover for tourists visiting the highest point, where blooms the rare Neelakurinji. The marvel of echo is the natural phenomenon that given the name to this scenic sight. The 16 acres of beautiful parkland holds the mesmeric Blossom International Park, filled with activities like boating, roller skating, cycling etc. A calm visit amidst the beautiful flowers in the park will evoke your mind to admire the moments spent. Have a divine retreat in Munnar, before you finish your tour of this hill station. Pay a visit to the Old Christ Church, established in 1910. Experience the lingering vibrations of the souls of the Englishmen, who lived and love this quiet place on the hills of down south. However, the cemetery predates the age the church, built out of stone, it has stained glass windows and still retains the original pews. After sightseeing, come back to your hotel, and stay overnight.
Day 3
As you arrived at Cochin, TTC envoy will assist you with transfer and hotel check in, where you can relax, before making your headway to the sightseeing in Cochin, mixed with history, heritage, and nature. The lanes, right around the Dutch Palace are filled with antique and tourist curio shops, from where raise the lively port area – Jew Town, a centre for spice traders from the yesteryears. As you will tread through the old, dilapidated buildings, filled with the biting aromas of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves, you will find the small firms huddled together, with shabby structures around. Look out for the name plates on the buildings. The Jewish names will confirm your coordinates – you are in the Jew Town. A few steps inward will take you to the Synagogue, a smack-bang in the middle of Jew Town. Originally built in 1568, it features an ornate gold pulpit and elaborates hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles, all under the grandeur of magnificently illuminated by chandeliers and coloured-glass lamps. Outside this microcosm, have a view of the Chinese fishing nets, also, known as Cheenavala in the vast macrocosm of the coast along Fort Cochin and Vypeen, which are dotted with these nets, introduced by the Chinese traders of the Kublai Khan Court. Outside China, these are found only in Cochin. However, amidst the lively lanes of the old city, do not miss the fabled Mattancherry Palace, otherwise known as the Dutch Palace. Mesmerize your senses amidst the carefully crafted Hindu murals, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends in intricate detail. Walk through the central hall on the 1st floor, now a portrait gallery of maharajas from 1864, to feel the, once lavished grandeur by the Dutch royalty. This astonishing grand architecture, built by the Portuguese was presented to the Raja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma, as a gesture of goodwill. The impressive collection of palanquins (hand-carried carriages), bejeweled outfits and splendidly carved ceilings has been renovated by the Dutch in 1663, which still stands with all its exquisiteness, for you to delight your senses. After traveling quite a distance, around Cochin, spend your leisure time, by the picturesque promenade of Cochin, Marin Drive. Cherish the serine beauty of the walkway, facing the Backwaters, free from pollution, as no vehicles are allowed to drive through the boulevard by the sea. Return to the hotel, relax, and stay overnight.
Day 4
After you have your breakfast, TTC envoy will assist you with transfer to Airport or Railway Station for your departure journey.
Inclusion:
Accommodation in well-appointed room on double sharing basis with base category of rooms
Daily Buffet breakfast at hotels
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at Houseboat
A/C Vehicle for all surface transfers & sightseeing
All applicable hotel taxes
All applicable Government Taxes
Hotels Used:
|
Category |
Min 2Pax |
Extra Bed |
|
Deluxe |
10200 |
2600 |
|
Superior |
10800 |
3050 |
|
Standard |
7900 |
2000 |
Package Cost Excludes
Any meals other than those mentioned above
Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and flight delays, road blocks, and vehicle mal-functions, political disturbances etc.
Personal expenses like tipping, laundry etc.
Note:
At Munnar & Thekkady, A/c Rooms are not provided due to low temperature
Supplementary charges would be applicable for Any Conference / Festival times / Public Holidays etc.
Hotel Check-In time is 14.00 hrs & Check-Out time 12.00 Noon
Houseboat Check-In time is 12.00 Noon hrs & Check-Out time 09.00 AM
Houseboat AC Timing for STD/Deluxe Houseboats will be : 08:00 PM – 06:00 AM & Luxury Houseboats will be full time AC
Early Check-In and late Check-Out subject to availability
These package rates are not available on the special days
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