7 DAYS KERALA ITINERARY

Day One: Welcome to God’s Own Country

Arrival – Cochin International Airport | Munnar | En-route Stops: Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls + Karadippara Viewpoint

• Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport (COK), Unplugged Life’s representative will receive you and you will be transferred to Munnar – The Tree Country of Kerala.
• Munnar is a picturesque hill station in the southern corner of India. Home to some indigenous animal species which are well protected in the green belts of Munnar. You will get the world’s finest tea at this quaint little hill station of Kerala.
• The indulging drive will take you onwards crossing rippling tea gardens before you reach Munnar; also known as the Pride of Kerala.
• A few brief halts will be given at Karadippara View Point that bestows the stunning view of the jagged Nilgiri peaks dotted distantly.
• Soak up nature in its purest form at the cascading sight of Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls.
• As you reach Munnar, check in at the hotel, eat your meals, and stroll in the vicinity.
• Rest the night away in your hotel room.

Day Two: Munnar: A Sight-to-be-Seen!

Munnar Sightseeing: Mattupetty Dam | Echo Pt. | Photo Pt. | Kundala Dam | Rose Garden | Eravikulam National Park | Tea Museum & Factory | Hydel Park

Enjoy a delicious breakfast watching the splendid sunrise and get ready to leave for a sightseeing tour of Munnar. The places that you will explore on Day 2 are:

• Mattupetty Dam: Almost 13 KM off the Munnar town, Mattupetty Dam is a famous holiday spot. The landscape here follows an emerald lake in the middle encircled by the undulating tea gardens and the mighty Anamudi Peak in the distant view. Installed at a height of 1,700 m., it is one of the highest Dams in Munnar.
• Echo Point: At 600 ft. above sea level, the Echo point is a captivating confluence point of three mountains – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala and a picturesque lake. We have found people scream at Echo Point with utter enthusiasm to hear it resound and then laugh out of pure amazement.
• Photo Point: A few kilometers on the way to Top station and Mattupetti lies a picturesque curve on the Nilgiri slopes, fondly known as the Photo Point. The flickering leaves of the tea garden, the twittering brooks, the scenic hills, and the floating clouds: the landscape totally justifies its name. Don’t forget to take that perfect Insta-selfie you’ve been yearning to click!
• Kundala Dam: The artificial Kudala lake features Asia’s first Arch dam- Kundala Dam. The breath-taking backdrops of green hill slopes, the unparalleled beauty of cherry blossoms, and a blue blanket of the famous Neela Kurunji flowers which bloom only once every twelve year makes this place a dreamy location and is one of the main attractions in Munnar.
• Rose Garden: It is a two-acre sprawling maze of pretty flowers like Dahlias, Rose, Chrysanthemums, and plants like pepper, cardamom, vanilla, etc. at a height of 3500 feet above sea level.
• Eravikulam National Park: This national park is home to the endangered Nilgiris Tahr, which is located in Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district and covers a total area of 97 square kilometers. Nestled along the crest of the Western Ghats, Anamudi (2695 m), the highest peak of South India takes abode in the park. The tributaries of Periyar and Chalakudy rivers chisel down the forest slopes in the form of small rivulets. The famous Lakhom waterfall also makes an attractive site in the park.
• Tea Museum & Factory: Observe the history and growth of tea estates in the area, learn about the transition from the rudimentary tea roller to the modern fully automated tea factory & engage in tea-tasting activities to elevate your senses.
• Hydel Park: Sprawled across a land of 16 acres in Parkland, Hydel Park is a fun place to indulge in a number of activities like boating, walking, cycling, and roller skating.
• Return to your hotel, indulge in a heart-warming meal, and take a goodnight’s sleep.

Day Three: The Land of Spices!

3-4 hrs. drive from Munnar to Thekkady | Visit Spice Plantation | Elephant Park | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Watch Kathakali or Kalaripayattu Show

• After early morning breakfast, you’ll drive further South to Thekkady – The Cardamom Hills of Kerala. Kerala is known as the land of spices and your visit to Thekaddy will explain why!
• As you make your stop at the Spice Plantations, a well-informed & knowledgeable guide will give you a tour of the spice garden where you will smell, taste, and learn about many plants that are used as spices in India and overseas.
• Next up is an Elephant Park where you can indulge in an exciting Elephant Safari, bath, shower, and feed the Elephants. The park is situated along the way to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which will be your next destination.
• Flocked with exotic birds, reeked with aged moss-laden trees and deep-rooted mangroves – the Periyar is a small strip of forest that sprawls on the Northern bank of the Periyar river. The forest encompasses over 500 species of birds and a rich population of animals such as Leopard, Sloth Bear, Elephants, and Jungle cats, etc.
• Head to the shows of Kalaripayattu or Kathakali in the evening; the two very famous and respected art forms of Kerala. Kathakali art pieces tell stories through dance movements, gestures, and expressions while Kalaripayattu at the same time is a form of Martial art and includes agile gymnastic movements.
• Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day Four: Beach-Time-Fun at Ko-Va-Lam!

Drive from Thekkaddy to Kovalam | Kovalam Beach

• After breakfast, drive to Kovalam – a little beach town nestled along the Malabar Coast.
• Upon reaching Kovalam, check-in at the hotel and get beach-ready for the next stop.
• Visit the gorgeous coastline of Kovalam Beach to enjoy the view of an unending horizon and feel the briny air. Try so sports, if available, or simply lounge around!
• After some beach-time-fun, spend the day at leisure.
• Dinner & overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day Five: Trip to the Southern Tip!

Short Excursion to Trivandrum from Kovalam | Local Sightseeing | Return to Kovalam

• Before you commence on a short excursion to Trivandrum, fill your tummy with some rich breakfast delicacies of the South.
• Today on the list are the following landmarks:
• Sree Padmanabha Temple: This Temple is the finest example of Kerala Architecture which is evident in its wooden & granite statues, weapons, coins, glass chandeliers, and other exhibits of the temple. Later, visit the city Zoo, Palace, and the wax Museum.
• Post lunch, hop onto a ferry ride to Poovar – an estuary of Neyyar river and a village at the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram which almost marks the end of Kerala. The Poovar beach is famous for its beauty and splendour.
• The rest of the day is at your leisure. Bask in the beach-sun or go boating (optional).
• Return to Kovalam for dinner and overnight stay.

Day Six: Venice of the East

Dreamy Houseboat Stay | Cruising the Backwaters

• After breakfast drive to Alleppey along the backwaters to board a houseboat.
• The concept of houseboats which is locally called Kettuvallam in Malayalam is a primitive practice that originated from Alleppey. Besides houseboats, this town is celebrated for its backwaters, ageless temples, serpentine canals draining into the ocean, colourful lagoons, rice paddies, and a 150-year old lighthouse which you will see on a cruise ride today.
• The cruise starts at 12 pm and will continue until evening. The lunch is served on the cruise for you to have a unique experience.
• Overnight stay in the cozy space of your houseboat.

Day Seven: Say Goodbye! (Pinne Kanam)

Drive Back from Alleppey to Cochin Airport | Visit Attractions En-route

Devour an authentic South Indian breakfast meal before you leave for Cochin Airport.

En-route visit:

• Santa Cruz Basilica: Considered as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the nine Basilicas in Kerala & is one of the finest and most impressive churches in India
• Mattancherry Palace: Mattancherry Palace dates its history back to 1545 C.E. Located at around 12 km from Ernakulam, it is another striking Landmark that was built by the Portuguese. It later became popular as the Dutch Palace as it underwent major repairs at the hands of the Dutch.
• Francis Church: One of the oldest churches built by the Europeans & was established in 1503. It flaunts a unique wooden & mud-based architecture.
• Fort Kochi & Beach: Fort Kochi is a former Portuguese bastion that was established in 1503. It was built as a sign of the strategic alliance between the Maharaja of Cochin and the Portuguese Monarch. The special attraction here is the Chinese Fishing Nets spread on Fort Kochi Beach.

Post completion of your last day tour in Kerala, we’ll transfer you to Cochin airport for onward departure to your next destination/home.