Karnataka & Kerala | Visit to Karnataka & Kerala | Holiday in Karnataka & Kerala | Travel to Karnataka & Kerala

Today arrive at Kochi, meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Kochi is the only place in the country where you can see St. Francis church, Jewish synagogue, Hindu temples, Dutch palace & Mosque nearly side by side. This evening enjoy a boat Trip along the palm fringed lakes & backwaters of the area. As you will sail along the shady canals,  you will see cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Later attend the performance of the Kathakali, one of India’s most famous classical dance. Lavish costumes & exotic makeup & masks intensify the beauty of the dancers, intricate moments. Overnight stay.

After breakfast depart to Thrissur, considered as the cultural capital of Kerala with its art schools, cultural institutions and many festivals. Visit this city, Vadakkunnathan, Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu, cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes and churches Puthanpalli and Chaldean. The town is a home to a community of Nestorian Christians whose origin dates back to the 3rd century. Visit the beautiful archaeological museum with its magnificent models of temples and stone bas-reliefs.

Continue to Athirappilly, located in the tropical forest and surrounded by impressive waterfalls, this site is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Overnight stay. 

After breakfast drive to Munnar. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountains streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni & Kundala. Later visit Mattupetty – 13 kms away from Munnar, situated at a height of 1700m. It is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm – the indo Swiss livestock project. Over a hundred varieties of high yielding cattles are reared here. Visit Mattupetty lake & dam just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. Overnight stay.

Discover the sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake in the vicinity, the most beautiful tea plantations of the country surrounded by rocky peaks whose highest point is 2695 meters. This exceptional setting is unique in south India. Stroll in Eravikulam national park and towards "Top station" which offers sublime views on the plains of Tamil Nadu. Overnight stay.

After breakfast depart by road for Kodaikanal, located at 2100 meters, on the peaks of the Palani mountains. It is surrounded by blue eucalyptus plantations. Visit the museum of Fauna and Flora in sacred Heart college, in Shenbaganur. Visit the Silver Cascade falls. There are many walks to do and many waterfalls to discover. This is a must for mountain lovers. Overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Madurai - it is a colourful city. The main city area revolves around Meenakshi temple, with its baroque example of Dravidian architecture & the four tall Gopuram (Pillars) with multi-coloured gods, goddess, demons & deities. Madurai is surrounded by coconut grooves & rice paddies. Overnight stay.

In the morning, depart for the visit of Mariamman Teppakulam located at 5 km of Madurai. In January and February takes place the festival of Teppam: the pilgrims flock by thousands from the whole India. Visit the temple of Alagarkovil located in the countryside at the foot of the hills, 20 km from Madurai. Return to Madurai and continue with the discovery of the city. Also visit the markets and other temples.

In the afternoon visit to Meenakshi temple where Dravidian temple architecture may be seen in its exuberant baroque phase. Its hall of thousand pillars is fabulous & is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak's palace founded in 1636, which is in a highly decorative monument. Overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to a tranquil hill retreat, the spicy village. Along the way we pass through tea, cinnamon, clove & cardamom plantations –beautiful to see & smell.

This evening we visit the nearby Periyar Game sanctuary; Game viewing here is like no other safari experience. We simply relax in a Motor launch & sail. During the dry season tigers & panthers come down to the lake shore for drinking water – be sure to have plenty of film on hand. Overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Kumarakom in the heart of backwater. Discover the temple Ettumanoor renowned for its superb carved wood and wall paintings. Enjoy a sunset cruise every evening on a vallam (country boat) out on the open backwaters. The sights, breezes, sounds and smells of the late evenings are indeed very soothing. If you are lucky you might also catch the moonrise. Visit St. Mary’s church at Vechoor. This is an old syrian Catholic church with a history dating back to over 500 years. It is a great place to exchange travelers’ tales. Overnight stay.

After breakfast board the backwaters cruise Kettuvalam - An Authentic Kerala Houseboat - the moving master piece, have been plying the inland waterways of southwest India for untold centuries and originally used as cargo rice boats. The fully furnished and palm covered boats (single & double) bedrooms with attached bath, sit out, kitchen and living room made of traditional wood. Punters stand on each end of the boat for punting and directing the boat. Kerosene-lit lamps along will be available for light and mosquito nets will be provided. Traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kerala cuisines are served. You will see lush palm groves and stretches of rice fields. Overnight stay at the houseboat.

After breakfast drive to Marari, en route visit Rani John's house to discover the project for the preservation of the historical heritage of Alapuzzha. Walk in the spice market, visit Jain temple and an Anglican church, testimony to the great openness and tolerance of Kerala with regard to religions. Visit to a a former British factory where traditional methods of weaving coir fibre are still being applied. Drive continues to Marari. Overnight stay.

Today you can enjoy the pleasures of the beach and the ocean. Swimming pool, bicycle rental and Ayurvedic care centre are at your disposal.

Say good bye to this fascinating land & transfer to the kochi airport to board the flight for onward destination.

The above itinerary can be further customized as per your travel requirements.