Fascinating Tour Package - 5D4N - , Thekkady, ,

Kerala is known as the “God‟s Own Country”, is an attractive state situated at the southern corner of India offers a vacation filled with tranquillity. One can explore the mystical land of Kerala and have a beautiful, renewing and satisfying experience. Fascinating Kerala Tour Package 5D4N starting from 18000.Destination Include Munnar, Thekkady, Alappuzha, Kochi. Fascinating Kerala Tour Package 5D4N includes transfers from Kochi and back, a 3- star accommodation, Breakfast, Sightseeing. Itinerary for Fascinating Kerala Tour Package - 5D4N - Munnar, Thekkady, Alappuzha, Kochi

Day 1 - Kochi to Munnar Tourist Spots  Special Activities (Chargeable activity)

 Spice Garden Visit  Kalaripayattu

Day 2 – Munnar sightseeing Tourist Spots

 Rose Gardens Munnar  Matupetty Dam  Sun Moon Valley Boating Centre  Echo Point  Kundala Dam lake  Eravikulam National Park  Kannan Devan Tea Museum

Special activities (Chargeable activity)

 Tea Garden Visit  Sun Moon Valley Boating

Day 3 - Munnar to Thekkady Tourist Spots

National Park

Special Activities(Chargeable activity)

 Boating in Periyar Tiger Reserve  Elephant Safari

Day 4 – Alappuzha Houseboat Overnight Stay Head to the backwaters of Kerala ( Alapuzzha) to live the unique experience of staying on a houseboat for the rest of the day and night. The boats are self- sufficient and cater to all creature comforts based on the requirements. Pre-order your meal with us, including special requests and dietary requirements. The meals are cooked fresh on the boat and served as per your convenience. Cruise through the canals of Punnamada and watching life on the banks as you pass by hamlets. Get your cameras and minds ready for that magic moment of the sunset. Enjoy your dinner under the starlit skies with the slow murmur of the lake and the boat slow rocking you to sleep.

Day 5 – Drop at Kochi after sightseeing Tourist Spots

 Jews Street  Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica   Paradesi Synagogue 

Locations/Destinations in Fascinating Kerala Tour Package - 5D4N

Munnar : Munnar is a beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats of the of Kerala. With the high mountains, tree cover, hazy mist filled valleys & winding lakes it is blessed with, Munnar has a peaceful and lovely climate through the year. The extensive tea estates that line the mountain ranges around Munnar add unique beauty and provide amazing views and memories which can be made in very few hill stations anywhere in the world. The hills around Munnar are also home to quite a few waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries adding to the delectable charm of Munnar. Munnar is also known for the wild orchids locally called Neelakurinchi that usually blooms once in 12 years.Munnar means "three rivers", coming from the fact that it lies at the confluence of three streams. The hills are dotted with little picture perfect towns. The tea estates in Munnar have a colonial past to them reflected in the many colonial bungalows that can be found among the tea estates. While holidaying in Munnar, one has many options for trekking and walks through the mountains taking in the fresh mountain air. All these factors make Munnar quite a hit among the tourists.

Thekkady : Thekkady, located in Idukki district of Kerala, is the location of the , which is an important tourist attraction in the Kerala state of India.Thekkady is one of the wildlife tourism destinations of Kerala. Thick forests, semi-evergreen and savanna grasslands are the main features of Thekkady. Animals like tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques, elephants, sambar and Nilgiri langurs are found in Periyar National Park. At Thekkady, one can also find spices like cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and clove. Winters are by far the best time to visit Thekkady as the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing. The maximum temperature goes up to 15 degrees Celsius, and this is a great time to go for wildlife safaris and admire the natural beauty of Thekkady. You can also enjoy the many festivals which take place during this time in Thekkady. The monsoons are another great time to visit Thekkady. The temperature drops slightly, and the surroundings are draped in a cloak of rich greenery. It is a great time to enjoy the rain washed beauty of Thekkady. Do make sure you carry an umbrella or raincoat along as rain showers are frequent and heavy.

Alappuzha: Alappuzha also referred as Alleppey. It is a city in Alleppey District of Kerala State in India. The word Alappuzha means land which is between Sea and network of rivers. One of the most beautiful cities of Kerala, Alleppey is also known as “Venice of the East”. At Alappuzha, one will find beaches, backwaters, springs, canals.The most attractive and loved part of Alleppey is its backwaters and is the reason tourists visit Alleppey in big numbers. The backwaters join Kumarakom in the East, Cochin towards the North and Quilon to the South. The annual boat race at Alappuzha named which happens on Punnamada Lake is well known around the world. The race takes place on the second Saturday of August every year.This race is fascinating and fun to watch and an opportunity to watch the great boat race stars as they more or less“fly” the boats. Owing to its proximity to the sea, the climate of Alappuzha is humid and hot during the summer, although it remains fairly cool and pleasant during October to December.

Kochi: The beautiful port city of Kochi was formerly called Cochin. It is an important seaport of India. Kochi is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala.Kochi plays an important role not just in today‟s economy of the state of Kerala but also in the economic history of Kerala. It is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi is the place where one can find a wonderful mix of history and natural beauty. Lush mangroves, coconut trees reflected in the translucent waters of backwaters, ancient churches, cathedrals, and fort for tourists on sightseeing tours of Cochin would find all these and more. Flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the majestic looking Arabian Sea in the west, Kochi occupies a very strategic location and has been a significant trading zone and attractive tourist destination since time immemorial.

Details of Tourist Spots in Fascinating Kerala Tour Package - 5D4N - Munnar, Thekkady, Alappuzha, Kochi Cheeyappara waterfalls: Cheeyappara Waterfalls is a famous destination for tourists visiting Munnar. Munnar is known as Swiss of South India. It has a varying terrestrial terrain that consists of water cascades, rolling hills, verdant valleys, dense forests and tea, coffee and spice plantations. Cheeyappara Waterfalls is considered the best among all the waterfalls in the State of Kerala. The Waterfall cascades down in seven steps and also offers a great opportunity for trekking. The beauty of the waterfalls increases during the monsoon season that's in June, July, and August. It becomes impossible to reach the bottom of the falls during this time of the year. The water of Cheeyappara Waterfalls does not dry up even in summer months. Cheeyappara Waterfalls is in the vicinity of evergreen forests that span about 2 acres. Trekkers who want to go on a nature walk in the forest make Cheeyappara as their base camp. The rock, which spans more than 500 acres, is a favorite spot for mountaineers. Rose Gardens Munnar: Rosegarden is almost a century old building erected in the midst of cardamom plantations in two acres of land. It is nestled in a perfectly calm and cool environment, surrounded by hills and dales, rivers and waterfalls. It is wrapped with spices and crops like cardamom, vanilla and all varieties of fruit trees including Lichi, Rambutan, Strawberry and Amla and an equally large variety of flowering plants. Rose Garden is constructed with fine stones, tiled roof, and wooden ceiling. The twin cubicula rooms can accommodate two families. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with built-in traditional style verandahs that overlook the lush green forest. Each room is equipped with necessary facilities and during the stay; guests are served with mouth-watering home cooked food. Cooking classes are provided for those who want to learn traditional Kerala food. The homestay is arranged by those who come to Munnar for trekking. As per the convenience of the visitors, the Home arranges for both short & long trekking trips of different durations. Matupetty Dams: About 13 km away from Munnar and at an elevation of 1700m resides the hill station, Mattupetty. Cradled amongst the plantation hills of Munnar, Mattupetty is a habitat for various birds and animals and also a popular tourist attraction. One main attraction in Mattupetty is the beautiful lake and the concrete Gravity dam built on the lake. The dam was constructed in the late 1940s for water conservation and power generation. It is 160 feet high. The reservoir it creates stretches out several kilometers. An enchanting aspect of the is its tranquil waters, and a cruise here is an invigorating experience. The continuous availability of water allows the wild animals and birds to thrive in the regions around. A herd of elephants, gaurs and sambar deer can be spotted now and then around the lake, and it is a sight to behold. Mattupetty is just the perfect getaway if you are looking to take a break from your hectic lifestyle. And yes, don't forget to take your camera along. Sun Moon Valley Boating Centre: The boating center is located at a distance of 13 Km away from Munnar. The most attractive feature is the serene beauty that can be experienced with the reflection of the tea garden around the water. Tourist can opt to go on a boat ride along the lake or even enjoy the calmness of the environment. The valley is nestled in the hills of Munnar. The valley has also been called to fame for its Indo Swiss Farm project that launched in the year 1963. The ideal time frame to pay a visit to the valley is between August and May. Echo point: This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. One can make sound and hear its echo in these acres of lush greenery. Echo Point is a pit stop for tourists en route to Top Station from Munnar. Echo point is one of the breathtaking spots on earth Top station is the highest point in Munnar, and the rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) blooms here. The moist, moldy acres of mountains spread out here are astonishingly beautiful. It calls for one to let their spirit out, quite literally. One can either choose a quiet, thoughtful hike up the mountains or choose to scream and hear their voices echoed. Distant chirping and cooing of birds become clear here, and one can completely bask in the glory of the mist-filled skies. Echo Point's scenic gorgeousness is because of the clustered tea plantations and spice and coffee gardens that resulted in its popularity amongst trekkers and nature strollers.In a completely tranquil and rejuvenating environment, strollers and trekkers can move along the smooth slopes and photograph moments of serenity and abundant natural beauty. Kundala Dam lake: Located at about 20 km from Munnar on the way to Top Station is a picturesque place called Kundala. It is at the height of 1700 meters above sea level. In Kundala, cherry blossoms appear twice in a year. Once in twelve years the hills and valleys around Kundala Lake get covered by the great Neela Kurunji flowers. An artificial dam built around the lake claims to be Asia's first Arch Dam. The boating at this lake is a wonderful experience and is beyond words. The boating facilities available here are pedal boats, Kashmiri shikkara boats, and rowboats. They can be rented to make your trip more enjoyable. From its top, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the lush green surroundings. When the backdrop is a serene lake and an impressive dam, your pictures will never go unnoticed. The best time to capture some remarkable pictures is early mornings when the beautiful sun rays fall on the lake to create a glittering effect. Eravikulam National Park: Spread over 97sq.km and one of most sought-after destination in Munnar is the Eravikulam national park. It is also known as Rajamalai National Park, the first of its kind in Kerala. This park is a sanctuary not only for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr, but also several other species of rare animals, bird, and butterflies. The varied fauna of the park also includes around 132 species of birds, guaranteeing that the park is teeming with life forms.The park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also of the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mist. , the highest peak (2695 m) in south India, stands elegantly in the core of the national park. Once in twelve years, the hill slopes get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. The park offers an unforgettable experience. Do not visit the park during the early months of the year as the park remains closed for the calving of Nilgiri Tahr. Kannan Devan Tea museum: Kannan Devan Tea Museum is the first tea museum of its kind in the country. The museum displays the growth of the century-old tea plantations and industry. The tea museum preserves the aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's mountain region in the Idukki district. The plantation started out with a simple tea roller and had grown into a fully automated tea factory of Madupatty. It has become one of the major attractions in Munnar.A visit to the Tea Museum is an insightful experience. The museum exhibits the ancient bungalow furniture, magneto phone, cash safe, wooden bathtub, iron oven, etc. They will show you how tea is making from green leaf to finish products. You can buy tea also from there. The museum explains about the history Tea Plantations in Munnar. Visiting this tea museum gives a good awareness of the past and present tea processing techniques. Periyar National Park: Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, located in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala. This wildlife sanctuary homes tigers and a significant elephant population, as well as rare lion- tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. In the northern part of the park is the Periyar Lake, popular for boat rides. Periyar National Park is a protected wildlife reserve, and the Periyar river flows around the contours of the wooded hills as a permanent source of water for the animals. Even though the park is extremely wild, it can still be enjoyed from a boat. The park will astound you with its 925 sq. km of hidden valleys, wildflowers, and sightings of elephants and tigers. Periyar River nourishes the natural flora bustling with fluttering butterflies and birds. It is one of the most significant reserves in India. Periyar Tiger Reserve will provide an authentic forest experience. Marari Beach: Nestled in the of Kerala, Marari beach is a peaceful place to relax and unwind. Those who visit Marari can soak up the serenity and tranquillity on the deserted sandy beaches. The beach is quite beautiful, and the name 'Marari' arises from 'Mararikulum', which is a local village on the Arabian Sea Coast. The beach is not usually flocked by tourists so that you can enjoy seclusion and peace at its very best here. Marari Beach is a pristine paradise hidden away from all sorts commercialization. The slow pace of local life makes vacationing at the Marari beach a reviving experience. One can roam around the beach as there are plenty of sightseeing places where you can spend some quality time, which makes the trip interesting. In August, you can enjoy Snake Boat Races. Sea surfing, parasailing, water skiing, and deep sea fishing are some of the activities that attract adventures to Marari Beach. Jews Street: It's like a walk down the lanes of antiquities. The Jew Street is lined with shops on the roadside that sell carved wooden furniture, antique pieces of crockery, curious, bronze and brass sculptures, remnants of traditional houses, and jewelry. The antique vendors of these streets are the descendants of the Jews who settled down here during 52 AD. Every piece that they sell has its own story to say - of a palace or a home of the nobility, of travels across many lands and ages. There is a Jewish Synagogue here which is a mark of exceptional architecture and history. The Paradesi Synagogue was built during the year of 1568. It is a fascination for hundreds of visitor‟s every day. There are a few other Jewish settlements too in the State. But Kochi has made a name with the synagogue and the popular antique shops that surround it. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica: The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is the oldest church in India, built by the Portuguese in 1505. This church is one of the finest and most impressive churches in India and visited by tourists the year round. Even though it is a place of worship, it is a center of historical significance, endowed with the gothic style of artistic grandeur and colors. It was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, was spared by the Dutch but was Later destroyed by the British. It is one of only eight basilicas in India. It has a Gothic frontage and soaring spires which makes it a beautiful building from the outside. The inside is ornate and huge. Biblical scenes are painted on the panels in the ceiling which is very high. There are so many details and colors inside that some consider it gaudy while others consider it beautiful. Mattancherry Palace: Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace in Kochi. The palace features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits, and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. The Palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese as a present to the king of Cochin around 1555 to appease him after they plundered a temple nearby. The palace has a Bhagavathi Temple in the central courtyard. It is built like the typical Kerala style mansion - the Nalukettu - the home of the aristocracy, nobility and upper classes, with four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard.The double storeyed palace which stands by the picturesque Kochi backwaters has an exquisite collection of murals collectively covering over its walls. The themes of these murals are from the great Indian epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It also depicts mythology and legends about the Hindu gods especially Guruvayurappan. Royal equipment like weapons, swings, and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family are displayed here. Paradesi Synagogue: The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue located in Kochi. It was constructed in 1567, and it is one of seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin. The local translation of the term Paradesi is "foreigners". The synagogue is housed in the quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town. It is the only one of the seven synagogues in the area still in use and is built adjacent to Mattancherry Palace. The Cochin Jews have no rabbis, and the community is led by elders.One of the valuable possessions of the synagogue is the copper plates belonging to the 4th century with inscriptions in Malayalam. The inscriptions state the privileges granted to the community by the erstwhile Cochin king. It is inscribed in mirror image writing. The last Ethiopian Emperor gifted to the Jews with an oriental rug by the last which is also kept in the synagogue. Chinese Fishing Nets: Called „Cheena Vala‟ in local parlance, the huge cantilevered fishing nets that droop towards the waters like over-sized hammocks. It has become a hallmark that represents Fort Kochi on the tourist map. Once this fishing accessory baited fishes, now it baits tourists.The sight of the Chinese nets, suspended in midair and standing in line on the beaches when silhouetted against the sunset is stunning. It is one of the most photographed sights in Kochi. For the best view of the nets, head to the Vasco Da Gama Square. Each fishing net is operated by more than four fishermen and is made in such a way that the weight of a man walking on the main plank causes the equipment to be pulled down into the sea. Fishing is usually done in the morning and early evening. The net is submerged into the water for an interval and is then raised by pulling the ropes. The slow rhythm and balancing of the net are spellbinding the first- time viewer.