Coast to Backwaters and Mountains
13 Nights Itinerary Covering: Mumbai - Trivandrum - Kovalam - CapeCamorin - Varkala - Kumarakom - Thekkady - Munnar - Cochin - Mumbai
Coast to Backwaters and Mountains 13 Nights / 14 Days
13 Nights Itinerary Covering: Mumbai - Trivandrum - Kovalam - CapeCamorin - Varkala - Kumarakom - Thekkady - Munnar - Cochin - Mumbai
Overview
The undulating Western Ghat mountains extend itself from the Deccan region to the extreme south of India. The ‘Coast to Backwaters and Mountain’ is a two week long journey, beginning from Mumbai, covering Trivandrum, Kovalam, Cape Comorin, Varkala, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Munnar and Cochin. The journey will bring you face to face with European colonial relics, scenic backwaters, aromatic spice & tea plantations, wildlife and bird sanctuaries.
Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.
Highlights
- Guided trip to Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves
- Enjoy Ayurvedic Massage at Kovalam Beach
- Guided excursion to Cape Comorin- Padmanabhapuram Palace and Archaeological Museum
- Backwater cruise in Kumarakom
- Bird watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Safari ride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Guided tour of Cochin- Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church
Itinerary - Coast to Backwaters and Mountains
Arrival in Mumbai followed by meeting with our tour representative who'll assist you in smooth transfer to the hotel, where your accommodation is already booked. Following a traditional welcome, check into the hotel for overnight stay.
Post Breakfast you will proceed to explore the city.
Drive past to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India.
Elephanta cave is located in Gharapuri (The City of Caves), approximately ten kilometers away from Mumbai Harbor. The caves consists mainly of two groups- Hindu Caves (consisting if five caves) and Buddhist Caves (consisting of two caves).
Sri Siddhivinayak Temple is a famous Hindu Temple located at Prabhadevi in Mumbai. It is one of the richest temples in Mumbai and also one of the popular Mumbai places to visit.
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link, officially called Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, is a cable bridge linking Bandra in the Western Suburbs of Mumbai with Worli in South Mumbai. This is one of the famous picnic spots in Mumbai.
Evening spent at Juhu Beach, the popular beach of Mumbai is thronged with visitors. Some of Mumbai’s best street food and restaurants are located here.
Come back to Hotel for an overnight Stay.
Today, in the morning, drive to the airport to board the flight to Trivandrum. On reaching Trivandrum, drive to Kovalam Beach and check into the hotel. Later, venture out of your hotel and relax on the sandy beaches. There is also a choice to indulge in an herbal Ayurvedic massage. Stay overnight in the hotel.
Today, in the morning, embark on a full day excursion trip to Cape Camorin. There you will visit Padmanabhapuram Palace and Archaeological Museum. Later, return back to Kovalam for overnight stay.
Post breakfast in the morning, leave by road for Varkala. Here you have an option to go for an Ayurvedic massage therapy. Stay overnight in the hotel.
Today, in the morning, board the luxury cruiser and ride into Kumarakom. Overnight on board the houseboat.
Today, while riding a boat into the backwaters of Kumarakom, visit the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. If you wish, you can indulge in adventure water sports such as water skiing and wind sailing. Stay overnight in the hotel.
The day is booked with a trip to Periyar. It is a picturesque journey through snow capped mountains, spice plantations and open grasslands endowed with spell casting aroma. Upon arrival, check into the hotel for overnight stay.
The day 9 is booked with an excursion to the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve. A boat safari on the Periyar Lake, accompanying a naturalist, will give you a wonderful opportunity to spot the exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. Stay overnight in the hotel.
In the morning, leave by road for Munnar, famous for its sprawling tea gardens. As you drive through the picturesque hills, enchanting fragrance of fresh tea. Upon arrival, check into the hotel for overnight stay.
Today is your day of sightseeing in Munnar covering Anamudi Peak, Devikulam Lake and Eravikulam National Park- home to the famous Nilgiri Tahr. Stay overnight in the hotel.
Today, in the morning, leave by road for Cochin. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. The afternoon is free to relax. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance at an exclusive venue. Stay overnight in the hotel.
Post Breakfast you will proceed to enjoy the sightseeing Places.
Visit the Mattancherry Dutch Palace - (closed on Fridays and public holidays)-It is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, which was built by the Portuguese. Next destination would be the Jewish Synagogue (closed on all Saturdays and Jewish holidays) in Jew Town and Fort Cochin Area. Amongst the 7 synagogues located in his area, this Jewish synagogue is the only one which is in operation today. There are a couple of streets of picture-postcard houses out of another age. Visit St. Francis Church - (closed on Sundays from 08.00 to 11.00 hrs) the oldest European Church in India. It has several antiquities including a wealth of records. See the Chinese Fishing Nets, along the tip of Fort Cochin unique to this part of Kerala and living symbols of a centuries-old Chinese influence on this coast. Fishermen even today use these elaborate conventional fishing nets, making it the only other destination other than China to have and use these fishing nets.
Come back to Hotel for an overnight Stay.
In the morning, you will be transferred to Kochi airport for your onward destination.