South India Backwaters Tour 12 Days

If there is something in South India that can single handedly draw the largest number of visitors, it would be the magical backwaters of Kerala. The snaking waters that derive their sustenance from the seas are the most relaxing, yet most thrilling way to enjoy the state and all its natural beauty. South India backwater tours are a complete holiday in themselves, and are best suited for family, honeymooners and even friends.

When aid the backwaters, it is all left to you and nature to create your own bond and chart your own course. There is nothing that binds or limits you, and you are free to interpret and enjoy the backwaters at your leisure. This tour is all about relaxation and tranquillity, and you are most likely to experience true and love and bliss here. In the most pristine joys of nature, including the still waters, dense undergrowth and stunning wildlife, there is nothing that stops you from finding your soul.

Itinerary Details

Destinations Covered : Mumbai - Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Depart

Day 01 : MUMBAI - ARRIVAL COCHIN
On arrival transfer to hotel, check in hotel and relax,

COCHIN: The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.

The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities

Day 02 : COCHIN
Breakfast at hotel and Proceed for a sightseeing tour of FORT COCHIN. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.

Feel the essence of Kerala in Kath kali Dance in evening. Overnight will be at Cochin.

Overnight will be in Cochin.

Day 03 : COCHIN - MUNNAR
Morning breakfast at hotel and drive to Munnar by road, most beautiful Hill Stations of Kerala, "Munnar". Munnar is famous for its manicured tea plantations and quiet colonial atmosphere. Check in the Munnar Hotel and spend

MUNNAR:
Munnar has an ancient history and prehistoric relics discovered around the area point to Stone Age civilization. However the written history begins from the 10th century onwards.

In Tamil, the word Munnar means three rivers and as it is at the confluence of three mountain streams, the name is apt. In the year 1790, the Duke of Wellington became the first European to visit the area and the Tamilians (known as 'Muthuvans') also migrated to Munnar and nearby places during this period. In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, Kannan Thevar, held lands to the north of the high ranges, which belonged to the local Rajah of Poojar.

In 1877 said Poonjar chief, a subordinate of the Maharaja of Travancore, leased 588 sq. km of land around Munnar to a Mr. J D Munro, a British lawyer cum tea planter. This tract, henceforth called the Kannan Devan (Kannan Thevar) Concession Land, was completely undeveloped, largely unexplored, and covered with thick jungle.

Day 04 : MUNNAR
Morning breakfast at hotel and full day excursion in Munnar,

Overnight stay at Munnar,

Day 05 : MUNNAR - PERIYAR
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed to Periyar by road,

On arrival transfer to hotel check in hotel and relax,

PERIYAR:
The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, 'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi' (Sukasandesam -stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar which is now known as the Vyppin Islands.

In the evening visit the SPICE MARKETS.

Overnight will be at hotel in Periyar.

Day 06 : PERIYAR
Leave the resort early in the morning (7 AM) for a jungle trek through the National Park.

Breakfast will be during the excursion. You can witness herds of wild elephants coming down to water and swim. The other prominent fauna to be seen are, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Wild dogs, Porcupine, Lion-tailed macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Gaur and Black Langur (Monkey).

Return in the evening and visit the Spice plantations and take a boat ride also of the park. If you have missed the elephants in the morning then you could see them in the evening.

Overnight will be at Periyar.

Day 07 : PERIYAR - KUMARAKOM
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed to Kumarakom by road,

Breakfast will be at resort. Proceed towards Kumarakom enjoying the beauty of the traditional Kerala houses. You will also pass through rolling tea gardens and rubber plantations. Stop at a tea factory to see the tea - making process.

Reach Kumarakom and check in at hotel. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options.

An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lilies - this is Kumarakom. ,

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 08 : KUMARAKOM - ALLEPPEY
Morning breakfast at hotel,

Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat.

The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 km, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alleppey which forms the main part of this network has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride. Talk to the crew and sip your tea while enjoying the backwaters and seeing life pass by. The meals and refreshments will be served on the boat.

Overnight will be at Houseboat.

Day 09 : ALLEPPEY - KOVALAM
Morning breakfast at hotel and proceed to Kovalam, on arrival kovalam transfer to hotel check in hotel and relax,

KOVALAM:
Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Kovalam is just sixteen kms away from Trivandrum. Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South". Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation. There are a lot of restaurants which provide western style food as well as Indian, which is delicious. The grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns and kalamari are got fresh from the sea at Kovalam. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 10 : KOVALAM - KANYAKUMARI - KOVALAM
Morning breakfast at hotel and Proceed to Kanyakumari for day trip, Located at the Southern most part of India, it is a place at the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here. 400m off the coast, in a rocky island, stands a memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here in 1892. Evening after sunset, back to the hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 11 : KOVALAM - KANYAKUMARI - KOVALAM
Morning breakfast at hotel and Proceed to Kanyakumari for day trip, Located at the Southern most part of India, it is a place at the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here. 400m off the coast, in a rocky island, stands a memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here in 1892. Evening after sunset, back to the hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel,

Day 12 : DEPART FOR ONWARD DESTINATION
Morning after breakfast, transfer to airport to catch flight to onward destination with sweet memories of tour to India,

TOUR END