Kerala & Backwaters

Today your journey with "Best Travel Agents in India" begins. Our local representative will greet you upon arrival. You will then be transferred to your hotel in the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Due to its strategic location on the southwest coast of India, the port city has been an important trading center for spices, among other things, throughout the centuries. Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have had a significant influence on the city's development and left their mark. The city still boasts numerous spice warehouses, thriving with a vibrant trade. Chinese fishing nets are also a familiar sight in the city. The historic heart of the city is the Fort Kochi district.

In the morning, you'll take a guided city tour of Cochin. During the tour, you'll visit Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, where you'll see murals depicting events from the important Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The palace was originally built by the Portuguese but was renovated by the Dutch in the 17th century. You'll also visit the Synagogue, the oldest in India (closed to visitors on Fridays and Saturdays). You'll also see many spice warehouses in the city, which are still used for a lively trade.

In the evening, you can optionally attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance. While the storyline and intricate symbolism may seem overwhelming, the costumes, masks, and colorful makeup of the actors alone make it worth it.

After breakfast, you will be taken to your next destination: the Backwaters! Here, you will board a houseboat. Today and tomorrow, you will explore the nature reserve known as the Backwaters. You will pass local villages and enjoy the beautiful scenery. A unique experience! Meals and overnight stay are on board this boat.

Optional: Today you can visit Kumarakom (approximately an hour and a half drive), where you can visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Bird lovers will be in their element here. At the edge of Vembanad Lake, you can observe large numbers of migratory birds and birds of prey. Ask your travel specialist about the terms and conditions.

After breakfast on the boat, you will be taken to the mainland. Then you will drive to Periyar, a journey of approximately four hours. Stops can be made along the way, for example, to take photos or visit a local market, in consultation with your driver. The driver knows the best spots and will provide information along the way. After arriving in Periyar, you will trek through Periyar National Park. At the heart of the park lies a large lake. From here, you can spot the park's wildlife. You have the chance to see elephants, wild dogs, otters, turtles, and many bird species.

Tip: Bring good quality shoes and plenty of water.

In the morning, you will depart for Munnar (approximately a four-hour drive). This higher mountainous area (Hill Station) offers various excursion options. There are waterfalls, tea plantations, lakes, and the higher altitude ensures a pleasantly cool climate.

Today you will explore Munnar and its surroundings. You will see women working in the tea plantations picking tea leaves. They carry traditional bamboo baskets on their backs, tied with ropes around their foreheads. You will also visit Lockhart Gap, from where you will have a magnificent view of the Annamalai Hills and the lower tea plantations in the valley. A rare mountain goat, the Nilgiri tahr, also lives in the area.

Today, your car and private driver will take you to Madurai (approximately a four-hour drive). Madurai is known for its festivals and temples. The city is also an important pilgrimage site for Indians. After arriving, you will take a city tour of Madurai. You will see all the city's major sights, such as the Meenakshi Temple, the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, and the Mariamman Tank. The lavishly decorated Meenakshi Temple is the reason Madurai is a pilgrimage site. Enjoy the numerous pilgrims in their traditional attire. In consultation with your guide, you can also visit the fragrant and colorful market. In the evening, you will return to the Meenakshi Temple to attend an Aarti ceremony.

Today you have a long travel day ahead of you to your final destination: Kovalam. Here you will stay on the beach to recover from all the impressions of the tour. Kovalam is the most famous seaside resort in the Indian province of Kerala and boasts beautiful beaches. It is located at the very tip of India, where the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet. This seaside resort is also called the new Goa, but tourism is not yet as developed here.

Note: You can also choose to visit Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, today. For example, you can visit the Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the Padmanabhapuram Palace. You can also buy some last-minute souvenirs or, optionally, enjoy a genuine Indian Ayurvedic massage. Ask your travel specialist about the options.

The morning and afternoon are at your leisure. You can relax on the beach or, for example, enjoy a genuine Ayurvedic massage. In the evening, you will be transferred to Trivandrum airport (approximately 15 km). Extending your stay at the beach is, of course, also possible.

Note: Your hotel room will not be available for the entire day. If desired, we can reserve a day room for you (additional charge available upon request).