Overview
Surrounded by backwaters lies with Palm trees, stunning hill stations, wildlife, backwaters Kerala is one of the most beautiful state in Southern part of India on the Malabar Coast which blessed with unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. The state is renowned for its rich culture and heritage. The region celebrates many colourful festivals, among them, the two famous temples in Kerala, Kottayam Thirunakara Temple and Arattupuzha temple, both of them celebrates the elephant festival annually. ‘Elephant Festival in India’ is well designed itinerary which gives you the chance to explore the real culture and tradition of Kerala along with that you will also enjoy the stunning backwaters, colonial charms of Cochin, the major attractions of Trivandrum and Munnar. You will also get an opportunity to explore the wildlife of region while visiting the Eravikulam National Park and Periyar National Park. The duration of the festival is 14 nights and 15 days, covering the destinations such as Trivandrum, Kovalam, Alleppey, Periyar, Munnar, Kumarakom, Thrissur and Cochin.
Itinerary
Day 1: Trivandrum-Kovalam (Arrival) Sightseeing
Upon arrival at the Trivandrum airport, meet our representative, after welcome, proceed to the hotel in Kovalam. The city of Kovalam is Kerala’s most popular tourist attraction. This beach town is located on the shores of Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram city. The meaning of Kovalam is a grove of coconut trees which gives it the true significance as the entire town is surrounded by coconut trees. Three crescent shaped beaches separated by rocky headlands are the main hotspot here.
On arrival, check in at the resort. Overnight stay at a resort. After freshen up, you have the choice to explore the beautiful beaches the town such as Hawa Beach, Lighthouse Beach and Samudra Beach, apart from this you may also enjoy the water sports activity such as kayaking, skiing swimming, you may also take relaxing Ayurvedic massage as well. Overnight Stay in Kovalam.
Day 2: Trivandrum-Kovalam-Trivandrum (By Road-19 Kilometres)
Post breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Trivandrum which include visits to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, Art Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Stay overnight at Kovalam beach.
Day 3: Kovalam-Alleppey (By Road-160 Kilometres) Sightseeing
Today morning, have an early breakfast, then proceed to Alleppey by road. Alleppey also known as Alappuzha. It is one of the oldest planned city of the kerala, located about 75 kilometres away from Kochi and about 155 kilometres from Trivandrum. It is one of the popular tourist destination of India. It is famous for backwaters. There are at least six navigable canals in the town. In the east they open to the backwater connecting the city to the mesh of backwater trials, which are abuzz with reinvented kettuvalloms (houseboats).
Upon arrival, check in at the resort. The rest of the day is free at leisure. You can explore the beautiful surroundings of the backwater. Stay overnight in Alleppey.
Day 4: Alleppey-Kumarakom (House Boat) Sightseeing
After breakfast proceed to Kumarakom by houseboat, board the traditional houseboat which is also known as Kettuvalam and cruise through the lush green surroundings of backwaters whith rich palm groves, villages and paddy fields.
Kumarakom is the one of the most popular tourist destination in Kerala. It is renowned for backwater, located on the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake of fresh water. The backwater fishing village is indeed a haven, and has had its attractions advertised by some stunning top end resorts by the side of Vembanad Lake. Stay overnight on board the houseboat.
Day 5: Kumarakom-Periyar (By Road-124 Kilometres) Sightseeing
Morning arrival in Kumarakom followed by check out of the houseboat. After that proceed to Periyar by road. Periyar National Park is located at Thekkady, which is the small village located in the Idukki district in the state of Kerala. It is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is surrounded with dense forest and grass lands. It is home of Indian tigers, elephants, lion tailed macaques, gaurs, deer, sambars apart from this 45 species of reptiles , 30 species of snakes, 13 lizard species.
On arrival, check into a jungle lodge. In the evening, enjoy bird watching while boat riding on the Periyar Lake where you can spot both resident and migratory birds and wildlife. The evening is booked to explore the Kumily Spice Market. Stay overnight in Periyar.
Day 6: Periyar-Munnar (By Road-95 Kilometres) Sightseeing
In the evening, leave by road for Munnar. Upon arrival in Munnar, The town is one of the most picturesque hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala. The town is located at the foothill of the Western Ghats mountain range, at the height of about 5,200 feet above from the sea level. Also offers the exotic species of flora and fauna, which enhances the beauty of the town. Munnar is not popular as a hill resort, but it is also the centre of the Kerala’s tea growing district, aptly known as the high range.
On arrival, check into the hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure or you explore the surroundings at your won or you make also visit some local market where you can buy some authentic handicraft items of Kerala. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 7: In Munnar Sightseeing
After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Munnar., you will visit the major attractions Including Christ Church which was established in 1910 by the British, visit Eravikulam National Park which is the home of Nilgiri Tahr apart from this is also vast flora and fauna.
Then explore Mattupetty DamIt is located at the distance of 13 kilometres away from Munnar. This 160 feet high dam has vast reservoir extending several kilometres into the hill. Cruising here is an amazing experience. It is offering occasional sightings of elephant, gaur as well as sambar and Anamudi peak it located at the elevation of 2695 meter above the sea level, the peak is located within Eravikulam, you may also get a trekking opportunities here. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 8: Munnar-Kumarakom (By Road-139 Kilometre)
In the morning, leave by road for Kumarakom. Kumarakom is the one of the most popular tourist destination in Kerala. It is renowned for backwater, located on the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake of fresh water. The backwater fishing village is indeed a haven, and has had its attractions advertised by some stunning top end resorts by the side of Vembanad Lake.
Upon arrival, check into the resort. The rest of the day is free at leisure. You may enjoy the swimming, or do some fishing apart from this you can also rejuvenate through Ayurveda massages. Stay overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 9: Kumarakom
Today after having an early breakfast, proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of churches and nearby villages. The afternoon is free at leisure.
In the evening, explore the famous Kottayam Thirunnakara Temple to see the festival preparations. The temple is located in the heart of the city and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, this festival takes place in the month of March-April. Stay overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 10: Kumarakom-Vaikom-(By Road-21 kilometres) Thrissur (By Road-104 Kilometres)
In the morning, leave by road for Thrissur. It is known as Kerala’s culture capital, full of academics of literature and arts, is a town content with past. It was one a capital of Kingdom of Cochin. The city celebrates Thrissur Pooram festival at every year.
On the way, enjoy a boat cruise at Vaikom and explore the lifestyle of locals in Kerala. You can see and learn the local art such as pottery, khadi weaving and extraction of coconut oil.
Later, enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch served on a banana leaf. Post lunch, drive to Thrissur. Upon arrival, check into the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 11: Thrissur
Today after breakfast, proceed for Arattupuzha Pooram at Arattupuzha temple. It is the most colourful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala. A total of 61 elephants partake in this event. Stay overnight in Thrissur.
Day 12: Thrissur- Cochin (By Road-86 Kilometres)
Today after having breakfast, leave by road for Cochin. Kochi is one of the most important city of Kerala which is also known as Cochin Located on the south-west coast in Kerala which is also known as the Gateway to Kerala, situated on the Arabian Sea. Kochi is one of the most beautiful city of the state of Kerala.
En route visit Palayoor and Kadakallu (umbrella aristocratic households). Stay overnight in Cochin.
On arrival at your pre-booked hotel. Check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. In the evening, enjoy the Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Cochin Sightseeing
Today after breakfast, proceed for a half day sightseeing covering the places such as Bolgatty Palace, Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Chinese fishing nets and spice market. After exploring the cities, return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 14: Cochin
Today after breakfast, the rest day is free at leisure. You can explore the city at own or do some shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15: Cochin (Departure)
Today, check out of the hotel and drive to the Cochin airport to board flight back home. We hope you have enjoyed your trip and look forward to organizing your next tour with us.