Highlights of Kerala

Day 01:Arrival in Kochi
In order to display best of Kerala we present a tour which incorporates all shades of this celebrated ‘God’s Own Country’.   Kerala is the land of sun, sand and spices the region is thus an interesting sight for all lovers of nature’s bounty and cultural splendor.
On the first day of the Highlights of Kerala itinerary, as you land at Kochi International Airport you will be welcomed by our GeTS Holidays representative in a traditional way with garlands. The city popularly called as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ is full of character and on the way to hotel you can capture its colors by absorbing the beauty all around you.

In the evening just come out and enjoy a magical evening in Kochi. Have a delicious welcome Kerala dinner and get to meet your fellow travelers.

Day 02: In Kochi
With the presence of revered Gurus and experts Kerala is possibly the best destination to experience Yoga and Ayurveda.  Your day at Kochi will thus begin with a Yoga and meditation session.  An Ayurvedic massage will only compliment the effect of Yoga and thus can be opted by the guests too.
Kochi, the city of ancient and modern charm has so much to offer you. Kochi is best described as an inter connected series of small islands which provides it its unique cultural identity.  Begin the tour of the city with a visit to Fort Cochin which is an important urban component of the city.  Here you will explore all the sites of religious, historic and cultural significance. 

St. Frances Church is situated in the town where Vasco Da Gama has first lived and is one of the oldest churches in India built by Europeans. Other highlights of the city include Jewish Synagogue and the Mattancherry Dutch Palace. Enjoy the evening with a boating trip along with palm fringed beaches and cantilevered Chinese fishing nets.
Later in the evening, our tour representative will guide you to a Kathakali concert which is a fascinating dance form with a story telling narrative. It takes the dancers hours long to get dressed and adorn themselves with make up and heavy costume to perform the dance.

Then return to the hotel and stay for the night. 

Day 3:Kochi - Munnar (Sightseeing Munnar)

On this day of Kerala tour guests will begin the day with a delectable breakfast which will be followed by an excursion to Munnar.  On arrival our GeTS Holidays representative will escort you to the hotel booked for your stay in this scenic hill station.

The scenic beauty, tranquility and favorable climate throughout the year make Munnar a favorite amongst tourists. Munnar is also renowned for its tea plantations and there are about 30 tea plantations here. In the afternoon you will be taken to one of the tea plantations where you will be able to converse with the workers and learn how they grow and pick the best of the tea leaves here. You will also be taken to the tea factory where you would see the process of tea leaves being converted to the tea which is served to you at home. You could also buy some fresh tea to take back home.

Head to Rajamalai next, to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere at Anamudi, the highest peak of Kerala and observe the rare species of Nilgiri Thars (stocky goats with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane ). After returning from rajamalai we would take you  boating at Mattupetty and return henceforth to the hotel for night stay.

Day 04: Munnar - Periyar

Begin your morning with a Yoga and meditation session under expert guidance from local guru. Later depart from Munnar to reach Periyar which is another verdant region of pristine Kerala. On arrival you will be transferred to a jungle resort in Periyar close to Periyar National Park.  One of the largest wildlife sanctuaries, Periyar National Park covers 777sq. km and is a well- known tiger reserve.   In the afternoon enjoy a safari in the jungle along with expert naturalists and guides taking you through the safest routes inside the park.

After an adventurous game drive in the park return to the resort for overnight stay.

Day 05: At Periyar

Savor an appetizing Keralite breakfast at the jungle resort. A morning safari to the wilderness is then scheduled on this, Highlights of Kerala tour.  Periyar Park is covered with tropical rainforests where you will see various wild animals like elephants, sambar, gaur, macaques and Nilgiri langur. Leopards and tigers are the main attractions of the park. What can be more mesmerizing than a boat cruise at Periyar Lake and thus our guests will cruise on the serene river.  During summers as the water level falls the wild species including herds of elephants come down to Periyar Lake and thus it is one of the best time to visit the park.  You may spot elephants on the banks of rivers and so you must always keep that camera ready.

Return to the resort and post lunch get ready for another fascinating experience of your Kerala tour.  Late in the afternoon guests will pay a visit to Periyar’s famed spice plantations to see crops of cardamom, cinnamom, pepper and other spices blooming in the gardens.  With the help of our English Speaking Guide you can interact with the farmers to learn more about these spices here.  On your way back to the resort halt for a while at the local market and pick some spices to be taken back home.

Day 06: Periyar - Alleppey

The day begins with a morning session of Yoga and meditation under the guidance of expert Yoga Guru.  Guests will then prepare for a drive to Alleppey where on arrival they will embark a traditional houseboat.  The houseboat will cruise through tropical countryside amidst tranquilizing backwaters and palm trees lined on the banks.  The panorama surrounding the backwaters is further enhanced with the presence of rural settlements co-existing very peacefully here.  You can stop at various places near the tiny hamlets of the natives to interact with them and to know more about their culture and eco- friendly ways of existence. 

The flocks of ducks swimming around and the rays of tropical sun brightening the deck of the boats are all enduring pictures part of your backwater tour of Kerala.  The crew and chef will be at your disposal and will look after all your requirements.  Experience true character of Kerala and relish your lunch on banana leaf in a traditional and healthy way.  Stop en-route to buy fish and sea food from local villagers.  Stay overnight on the houseboat.

Day 07: Alleppey - Kumarakom

In the morning your houseboat would sail to the most beautiful part of the backwaters Kumarakom. Breakfast would be served on the way.  On arrival check in the hotel booked for your stay in this gorgeous backwater destination of Kerala.  A perfect destination for holiday makers, Kumarakom is blessed with unsurpassable naturally bounty.  Later go for a visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is home to various species of birds such as waterfowl, cuckoo, egret, ducks, Siberian Crane and more.  Located on the banks of picturesque Vembanad Lake the park is very beautiful. 
While in Kumarakom make sure you don’t miss out on fresh toddy ( local brew ) and  fresh sea food.  Return to the resort by evening and guests could opt for some relaxation  with  detoxicating Ayurvedic massages out in the open by the side of azure waters here. 

Day 08: Kumarakom - Kochi

The morning begins with your scheduled Yoga and meditation session with experts.  In the afternoon enjoy a culinary session with head chef who will teach you some South Indian recipes low on fat and high on nutritional value. Guests will then pack their luggage and board the luxury tempo traveler which will drive them back to Kochi.  In Kochi our GeTS Holidays representative will escort you to the airport and will gracefully hand over some beauteous souvenirs which will sing the saga of a great vacation till eternity.  Thus you will board the flight with most cheerful and tranquilizing memories of your South India tour.