Backwaters of Thekkady

Upon arrival at the airport in Cochin, you will be met by our representative, assisted through formalities and transferred to your hotel. Cochin (Kochi) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. Overnight at your hotel.

Take a tour of the city visiting the Dutch Palace, which has some of India’s most beautiful murals, the Jewish Synagogue and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. See St. Francis Church where Vasco da Gama was originally buried and the Santa Cruz Church with its pastel coloured interior and carved wooden panels. In the afternoon, drive to Thekkady. En route, visit Spice plantation. Thekkady (Periyar) is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake, it is known for its elephants. Overnight in Thekkady. (B)

Enjoy a visit to the Sanctuary. Take a boat ride on Lake Periyar, and see the wildlife around the lake as you cruise along its banks. Apart from elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, otter and flying squirrel are common. In the afternoon, proceed for Nature Trek in Periyar jungle. The trek route passes through hills and valleys with a variety of tropical plants and wide-open spaces. Return to your hotel. (B)

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom and board a houseboat for a short cruise. The houseboats are large, slow moving, exotic barges used for leisure trips – reworked kettuvallams of olden times. Return to your hotel for overnight. (B)

Transfer to the airport in Cochin for your onward flight. (B)