Destination :Chochin- Kumarakom - Kovalam - Munnar - Ooty
DURATION : 16 Nightys / 17 Days

DAY 01 COCHIN TO ALLEPPEY
Arrive Cochin airport by morning. Garland welcome, assistance and transfer to Cochin, one of South India's most interesting towns, still largely comprises low rise, picturesque buildings. Most of the historic buildings listed here are in Fort Kochi. We start our sightseeing with Mattanchery Palace, built by the Portuguese (1557) as a gift for the Raja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights, it was largely rebuilt by the new occupants, the Dutch. Further visit Jewish Synagogue adjascent to the Palace. This gem of a synagogue dating from 1568 (rebuilt in 1662) at the heart of what is called locally Jew Town, now a fascinating mixture of shops (some selling antiques), warehouses and spice auction rooms. Lateron drive to Fort Kochi beach area to visit St. Francis Church originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron saint of Portugal, St. Francis Church is the first to reflect the new, European influenced tradition. Vasco da Gama died on the site in 1524 and was originally buried in the cemetery. Fourteen years later his body was removed to Portugal. Our final visit will be to huge Chinese Fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. Chinese traders are believed to have originally introduced them in the late 14th century although, today, parts of the nets are know by Portuguese names.
Late afternoon drive to Alleppey (about 60kms/02hrs), check into the hotel located on the banks of Vembanadu lake. O/n Hotel.

DAY 02 ALLEPPEY TO KUMARAKOM
After breakfast we embark our houseboat that comprises twin rooms, with attached bathrooms, running water, and a lounge area in which to relax and enjoy the sights on the shore. We start our sail through scenic backwaters, passing through one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. The houseboat will cruise through the Chambakulam area by mid-morning and anchor to explore the boat yard, which displays the traditional long snake boats used in races. Visit St. Mary's Church, established by St. Thomas in 1721. In the evening, catch a glimpse of village life along the backwaters and experience a way of life unique to this region. The boat will pass through picturesque stretches of the backwaters of Alleppey and moor up for overnight in Vemabanadu Lake. O/n Houseboat.

DAY 03 KUMARAKOM TO KOTTAYAM TO PERIYAR
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat at Kumarakom and further drive to Periyar (about 135kms/03hrs) via Kottayam. The road to the hills rises from the plains through tropical evergreen forests, rubber and spice plantations, pepper on the low land gives rise to tea and cardamom plantations. It is an interesting drive with superb views down the east side of the Ghats onto the Tamil Nadu plains. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.

Set on attractive Periyar Lake side, is in a beautiful setting and was designated a part of Project Tiger in 1973, though Tigers are very rarely seen and it is better know for its elephants, which are very likely to be seen until Mar/Apr. Most bull elephants here are tuskless. Bison, Sambar, Wild boar and the barking Deer are fairly common. In addition to 246 species of birds, there are 112 species of butterfly. The sanctuary offers a lovely and comfortable way to see the animals via boat rides on the man-made lake, which the wildlife area encircles. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 04 PERIYAR TO VARKALA TO KOVALAM
After an early breakfast drive to Kovalam (about 290kms/06 ½ hrs), enroute visit Varkala beach and Trivandrum city. Upon arrival in Kovalam, check into the hotel. O/n Hotel.

DAY 05 KOVALAM
The day at leisure on the beach. O/n Hotel.

DAY 06 KOVALAM TO KANYAKUMARI TO MADURAI
After an early breakfast drive to Kanyakumari (about 90kms/03hrs), Enroute visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace which is famous for its wooden works. Upon arrival in Kanyakumari, a short visit to the Vivekananda rock and the Temple. Late afternoon drive to Madurai (about 235kms/05 hrs), check into the hotel. O/n Hotel.

DAY 07 MADURAI
After breakfast visit the alive and bustling temple of Meenakshi (fish eyed goddess). It has occupied a vital place in the history of Tamil Nadu state for over 2000 years, an on any day up to 15,000 people pass through its gates. Further make a short drive to visit the Tirumalai Naykar Palace. Afternoon free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 08 MADURAI TO MUNNAR
After breakfast drive to Munnar (about 125kms/03hrs), situated in the heart of the Cardamom Hills, at an altitude of 1700m, Munnar is surrounded by endless green, rolling hills and 30 of the world's highest tea estates. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax or stroll around the tea gardens. O/n Hotel.

DAY 09 MUNNAR TO OOTY
After an early breakfast drive to Ooty (about 310kms/07hrs), Enroute visit to Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary proclaimed as a National Park since it supports the largest population of Nilgiri Thar existing in the world now. A wide variety of plant life is present here. The Nilgiri Tahr is seen in the Highlands and rocky regions of this national park. Explore the sanctuary by walking; the views are superb from here. Upon arrival in Ooty, check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 10 OOTY TO MYSORE
After breakfast we make a short drive to visit the Dodabetta, the second highest peak in Western Ghat range. And after doing a short visit to the lake area, we further drive to Mysore (about 155kms/04hrs) via Mudumalai and Bandipur Sanctuary. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 11 MYSORE
We enjoy our morning sightseeing tour with the impressive Maharaja's Palace, designed by Henry Irwin and built in 1897. It is in the Indo-Saracenic style in grand proportions, with domes, arches and colonnades of carved pillars and shiny marble floors - 'Wondrous Kitsch'. Further excursion 35kms drive to Somnathapur where you can see the famous 13th century temple well known for its great architectural beauty. The star shaped temple with three shrines named after Prasanna Chenna Keshava is the latest and well-preserved heritage of Hoysala architecture. Back to Mysore and relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 12 MYSORE TO CHIKAMAGALUR
After an early breakfast drive to Chikamagalur (about 190kms/05hrs), Enroute visit the Gomatheswara Statue in Shravanabelagola and the Belur & Halebid to see the Chennakesava Temple & famous the Hoysalesvara Temple, the largest of Hoysala temples. Upon arrival in Chikamagalur, check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 13 CHIKAMAGALUR TO HOSPET TO HAMPI
After an early breakfast drive to Hampi (about 332 kms/08hrs), via visiting Chitradurga Fort of Seven Rounds, which was built in the 17th century by Nayak Poligars, semi-independent landlords who fled South after the collapse of the Vijayanagar Empire in 1565. Upon arrival in Hampi, check into the resort. O/n Hotel.

DAY 14 HAMPI
After breakfast visit of Hampi, also known as ' THE FORT OF VICTORY - VIJAYANAGARA'. Situated on the banks of the river Tungabhadra in the region of Bellary, is a vast site of monuments and ruins, a mute witness to an ear of glories, triumphs and tragedies. The ruins of Hampi, are so majestic and imposing that they leave the visitor totally dumbfounded, awestruck and humbled. Visit the Virupaksha Temple, rises majestically at the western end of a 670m long street that was once the famous Hampi bazaar. This is the only temple at Hampi that is still used for worship. The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtedly The Vitthala Temple Complex. The 56 pillars in the main hall produce musical notes when struck. To the east of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve! Hampi is full of such surprises. Back to hotel and relax. O/n Hotel.

DAY 15 HAMPI
The day free to relax and stroll around the ruins of Vijayanagara empire. O/n Hotel.

DAY 16 HAMPI TO BADAMI
After breakfast drive to Badami (about 165kms/04 hrs), enroute visit the Pattadakal, situated on the left bank of the Malaprabha River. This World Heritage Centre has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. Further drive to visit the 'Cradle of Indian Architecture', Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. After visiting the famous temples, drive to Badami and check into the hotel. O/n Hotel.

DAY 17 BADAMI TO GOA
After an early breakfast visit Badami, was the capital of Early Chalukyas, picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. Visit the Cave Temples and further drive to Goa (about 270kms/06hrs), check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.