Cochin to Bangalore Backwater, Tea Estate, Temple & Palaces

Day 1: Arrive Cochin

1. Kochi (Cochin)
   Pass by
   On arrival at Cochin airport assistance and transfer hotel check in.
2. Kochi (Cochin)
   5h
   Later city tour of Cochin The Gateway of South India. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Cochin has been ruled by the Dutch, British and the Portuguese. Hence you will find here a unique mix and match of traditional as well Western architecture and lifestyle. Sightseeing tour includes visit to Fort Cochin & St. Frances Church to see the town of Vasco da Gama. We also see the Jewish Synagogue & the Mattancherry "Dutch" Palace. Also famous in Cochin are the Chinese fishing nets, which dominate part of the seafront and attract tourists in large numbers, These nets suspended in the mid air all along the coast and are set up on bamboo or teak poles giving an appearance of huge hammock. If you wish you may opt from a variety boat trips offered like Backwater Canal Tour, the sunset cruise, and so on.
3. Great K V Kathakali Center
   1h · Admission ticket included
   In the evening enjoy Kathakali Dance Presentation, a traditional dance form of Kerala with Lavish Costumes, Exotic makeup, Masks etc. This is considered to be the King of theater performances.

Day 2: Cochin - Alleppey (60kms/ 1.3hrs approx) Backwaters tours sailing boat

1. Alleppey Backwaters
   Pass by
   Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Alleppey boat jetty to board houseboat and sail through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters. While sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals, the panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets the reminiscent of our past trade links are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats. The Houseboats have generated electricity, sitting cum dining area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Driver. Lunch, Dinner and overnight in houseboat.

Day 3: Alleppey - Thekkady (130kms/ 3hrs)

1. Thekkady
   Pass by
   After breakfast disembark from houseboat and drive to Thekkady check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax. Evening visit Mudra Cultural Centre famous for cultural events that specifically involve the traditional dance form, Kathakali and India's oldest form of martial arts, Kalaripayyattu. You can also witness the laborious preparations the artists have to make before they watch their spectacular performances. Watching one of their shows is the best way to get a glimpse into the rich culture and art of the region.

Day 4: Thekkady

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
   5h · Admission ticket included
   Breakfast at hotel. Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat. Nestled between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with the most diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary has a gorgeous lake that is perfect for romantic boat rides. The tropical evergreen and deciduous forests teeming with elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tiger and wild boar along with various species of snake including cobras, vipers, kraits and many non-poisonous snakes is a wildlife lover’s dream. A variety of birds such as grey jungle fowl, Malabar grey hornbill, woodpeckers and bulbuls also have found a home in this sanctuary.
2. Green Park Spices
   2h
   Afterwards take a spice plantation tour to see crops of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. You could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.

Day 5: Thekkady - Munnar (110kms/ 2hrs approx)

1. Ramakkalmedu
   2h
   Breakfast at hotel drive to Munnar enroute stop at Ramakkalmedu. The place gets its name from the impressions of the feet found on the rock surface here, which is believed to be of Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, as told in the Indian epic Ramayana. Ramakkalmedu is noted for its hills and also for the panoramic and picturesque views of villages in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, which is towards the eastern side of the Western Ghats. A noticeably tall, pillar-like rocky structure, about 300 m high and facing east is another attraction here. It is one of the windiest places in Asia and being so, one can also find here a wind farm generating electricity, which is an undertaking of the Government of Kerala. Other attractions in-and-around Ramakkalmedu include places like Frog Rock, Turtle Rock and the highest twin-statue in Kerala; called Kuravan and Kurathi.
2. Munnar
   Pass by
   Continue drive to Munnar check in at hotel. During the British rule in India, Munnar was the summer resort of the Government officials. The natural beauty, calmness and mild cold climate throughout the year make it the favorite tourist places. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar range expose its beauty.

Day 6: Munnar

1. Munnar
   8h
   After breakfast visit to Mattupetty (cattle village), the Swiss Livestock Project is a highly specialized dairy farm where over a hundred breeds of highly yielding cattle are reared. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm, followed by visit to Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. The panoramic view of greenish tea, coffee and cardamom plantation and the cloud kissing mountain is exciting one. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and Long Mountain walks. Later visit Devikulam famous for its breath-taking locales, scenic spots and for its unique flora and fauna. Right in the heart of this landscape is Sita Devi Lake. The lake, with its picturesque surroundings, mineral water, and trout-fishing and adventure sports facilities, is a favorite tourist destination. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 7: Munnar - Madurai (160kms/ 3hrs approx)

1. Madurai
   Pass by
   Breakfast at hotel, drive to Madurai check in at hotel.
2. Madurai
   4h
   Later city tour visit the Meenakshi Sundareshwar - one of the largest temple complexes in India built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million sculptures there, the temple is absolutely absorbing with the endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration of countless devotees and glittering market stalls. Later visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak’s Palace a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 – foot high stone pillar, still stands. In the evening visit the famous Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple to attend the Aarti (Prayers) witnessing interesting rituals and ceremonies.

Day 8: Madurai - Coimbatore (220kms/ 5hrs approx)

1. Coimbatore
   Pass by
   Breakfast at hotel, drive to Coimbatore, check in at hotel.
2. Coimbatore
   4h
   Later visit centuries-old Dravidian-style colorful and intricately carved Arulmigu Subramaniyaswami Temple located at a towering height of 500 ft in the highland on the Western Ghats. Gass Forest Museum a huge collection of preserved animals and tree trunks.

Day 9: Coimbatore - Ooty (85kms/ 2hrs approx)

1. Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
   6h
   Breakfast at hotel, drive to Ooty check in at hotel. Take a ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway that winds its way down through spectacular scenery and breathtaking views to the nearby town of Coonoor. The ride in this historical toy Train is unmatched to any other train ride; passing through lush green landscapes and breathtaking nilgiri mountains. Enjoy the town and visit the well-maintained botanical gardens, which have over 1,000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees.

Day 10: Ooty - Mysore (210kms/ 5hrs approx)

1. Pass by
   Breakfast at hotel drive to Mysore check in at hotel.
2. 4h
   Later city tour of Mysore visit Chamundi Hills, site of the Chamundeswari Temple and Nandi Bull as well as the vast City Palace, which was re-built by Henry Irwin during 1897 in an indo-saracenic style. The palace contains astonishing wall paintings, authentic stained glass work and ornamented doors. Excursion to visit the temple complex at Somnathpur and the exquisite Keshava Vishnu temple, one of the finest in India, along with Srirangapatnam where Tipu Sultan was killed in battle against an East India Company army including Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington.

Day 11: Mysore - Bangalore (140kms/ 3hrs approx)

1. Bengaluru
   Pass by
   Breakfast at hotel drive to Bangalore check in at hotel.
2. Bengaluru
   4h
   Later city tour of Bangalore visit Lal Bagh Garden a botanical garden houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Bangalore Fort built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple. Tippu’s Summer Palace the palace was first a mud-brick defense built by Kempegowda in 1537. Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan later rebuilt it 1791. Also see the Government buildings Vidhana Soudha a splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat.

Day 12: Bangalore - Departure

1. Bengaluru
   Pass by
   Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.

Pickup details

This tour can begin in either direction. As per your flight schedule, coordinated pickup will be arranged from Cochin International Airport (COK), Kochi or Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru, depending on your selected itinerary. A private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle will be provided for the entire tour. Pickup is also available from all hotels, residences, and other accommodations in Kochi or Bengaluru. Travelers arriving at the airport will be welcomed and assisted by our office executive. Please provide your hotel or flight details at least 3 days before the tour. Office executive and driver contact details will be shared one day prior to the tour.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels