Arrive at the Cochin International Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to Thattekkad (45 km, 01 hrs). Located in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Thattekkad is a renowned destination for nature lovers from around the globe. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary located here is the very first of its kind in Kerala, it covers a 25-sq-km of pristine forests with multiple ecotones. The avifauna of the sanctuary includes residents and migratory birds. The lush tropical rainforest bears many endangered and endemic species, the wetland formed along the River Periyar and the foothills covered with rainforest and teak trees form unique habitats and host species restricted to such ecotones. The area has the most endemic birds of the Western Ghats, Malabar Parakeet, White-bellied Treepie, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, etc. A good number of mammal species are also found here, both during the day and at night such as Asiatic Elephants, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Sambar, Red Muntjac are a few to name.
Munnar is a hilly town located in the Kannan Devan Hill ranges, the picturesque landscapes and the pleasant weather throughout the year are incomparable. The tea plantations in the rolling hills are an amazing sight that cannot be portrayed on a single canvas. The area was originally occupied by the indigenous people known as Muthuvans. The British arrived here in the late 1800s and started tea plantations. Walking in the tea plantations, hiking the montane forests, visiting the small town and market of Munnar, Eravikulam National park to see the endemic Tahr; there’s plenty to do in this beautiful hill station.
Located on the banks of Vaigai river, Madurai is one of the oldest cities in the state of Tamil Nadu. Madurai has its trading connection with ancient Rome and has been mentioned by many historians like Pliny, Ptolemy and Greek geographer Strabo. Madurai was famed in the ancient period for its literary society called Sangam. The town is constructed around the renowned Meenakshi Amman Temple, built in the Dravidian style architecture. Tourists, Indian and foreign, come here for the celebrated Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the most visited protected areas in India. This wild paradise is known for its unique and diverse flora and fauna; the population of tigers is just over 40!! Periyar Tiger Reserve bares its boundary with the Cardamom hill range, the finest aroma of the spices arose from the merchants yards fills this small hilly town, the town also shared an equal share of space with wild wanderers coming in, such as Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Indian Wild Boar (wild pig) and the Malabar Giant Squirrel.
One of the important tourist destinations and the hub of Kerala’s backwaters, the land has its vast waterways, the traditional houseboats, beautiful paddy fields, beaches,traditional homestays and mouth watering local delicacies.
Overnight stay on houseboats gets a closer look into the life of people and their livelihood,
enjoy the most relaxing cruise.
Serine and beautiful, Marari beach is away from all the hustle. Walk along the broad beach and see the fish auction and meet the fishermen and the vendors.
Kochi has played a remarkable role in the history of Kerala. It was the center of Indian spice trades for many centuries, Arabians, Jews and Chinese were the first to arrive and began the trade followed by Portuguese, Dutch and the English. The lifestyle of the people here are influenced by the many merchants that visited this region.
Chinese fishing nets, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch & Portuguese buildings and street names remind the era of British Raj; It’s a delightful place to be around and explore.
You will be accompanied by a history guide during the exploration of this beautiful tropical Malabar coast It’s also an important center for Keralan arts and a standout place to see Kathakali and Kalaripayattu.
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