Cure Monastery

8 Days / 7 Nights

Cochin, Houseboat, Kumarakom, Periyar, Madurai and Munnar

Day 01     :   Arrival Cochin

Arrival Cochin airport and after immigration and customs , met on arrival and immediate transfer to your Hotel in Fort cochin (35 kms).

Cochin (Kochi) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port, which became the principal harbour for Malabar Coast’s spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the  Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities.

Afternoon  sightseeing  of Cochin including the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (Friday closed)is renowned  for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.  The Jewish Synagogue (Saturday closed) at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town.  The St  Francis  Church,  the oldest European Church in India.  The Santa Cruz Basilica, originally built in 1557  by the Portuguese.  The Chinese fishing nets believed to brought to Kochi by the Chinese Traders..

Later evening visit to a Kathakali dance show.                   .

Overnight at Cochin..

Day 02   :    Cochin / House boat 

After  breakfast , drive to Alleppey  (60 km , 01 hr). On arrival board a house boat for an over night cruise around the backwaters of kerala.

Lunch at Houseboat.

HOUSEBOATS, popularly known as “Kettuvalam” is converted from a traditional rice barge.  While cruising to Alleppey you will see the glimpses of village life of the people living around the backwater area.  You may watch palm-lined bank and narrow stips of land that separate the waterways and the constant quiet traffic of valam (small boats) are typical.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 03   :    House boat/Kumarakom 

At 0930 hrs , disembark House boat at the resort in kumarakom

 An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts offers comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options (on payment basis) like an Ayurvedic massage.

Over night at Kumarakom.

 Day 04    :    Kumarakom/Periyar 

Mid morning  , drive to Periyar (125 km , 04 hrs).

On arrival , stay at the Manayath Heritage Home stay

This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the real Keralan experience in a fascinating location. It is a special place, as it provides something different, especially for those who prefer small and friendly places. You are welcomed, looked after, and cared for by the family . The Family belongs to a prominent Christian Catholic family named Manayath and have their  roots in agriculture. Mother, two brothers and their families reside in the property, 

Dinner at the home stay

Over night at Periyar

Day 05    :    Periyar  /Thekkady

Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq km. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake; it attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Though the sanctuary was made a part of Project Tiger in 1973, it is better known for its elephants.

Mid Morning boat ride in 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. There are also 246 species of birds and 112 species of butterfly.

Dinner and over night at Periyar.

Day 06   :   Periyar /  Madurai

After breakfast drive to Madurai (145 km , 03 hrs , 30 mts). 

On arrival check in at the Hotel   

Madurai

Over 2500 years old, Madurai is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu. It is an important cultural and commercial centre. It was once the seat of Tamil learning and still the place where the Tamil language is spoken in its purest form. The city is planned in the shape of a lotus. Modern Madurai is a burgeoning industrial centre, even though the vast stretches of paddy fields, dusty roads and crowded bazaars make it seems like an overgrown village. Modernity has reached the city of Madurai, but not at the cost of its rich tradition and culture.

Afternoon visit the Alagar hills , Tirumlanayak Palace and the Tirupara Kundram rock temple.

Witness the “Palli Arai” ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple at night.The great Meenakshi temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams.

Overnight at   Madurai.

Day 07   :    Madurai/Munnar

After breakfast , drive to  Munnar (160 kms , 04 hrs , 30 mts).

On arrival check in at  the resort.

Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats at about 1600 metres above sea level.There are lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates in Munnar. Famous Tata Tea estate and factory is in Munnar. There is a wildlife sanctuary in the Eravikulam –Rajamala area in the Munnar forest division.Munnar was the summer resort of the British Government in the South.Rajamala is the right place to spot Nilgiri Thar (a rare breed  of Mountain Goats in the world).

Afternoon visit   Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary  &  Tea Factory.

Over night at Munnar.

Day 08    :   Munnar /Marayoor

Mid morning drive to Marayoor. Tour will end after dripping at the Ayurveda Centre in Marayoor.

END OF TOUR