Day 07: Cardamom House / Munnar (140 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we drive to Munnar, through the scenically vibrant valley of the Cardamom Hills of the Western. We would stop a few times to interact with locals as well as walk through the countryside to explore traditional and ethnic lifestyles. It’s a journey through extensive tea and spice plantations and for most part of our journey; the air is rendered with the fragrance of tea and spices.
Munnar, a hill station on the Western Ghats and with its lakes, reservoirs, forests and tea estates is the Nature-Lovers's Paradise. It is beautifully situated at the confluence of three rivers - the Muthirappuzh, Nallathanni and Kundala. Munnar is a major center of Kerala's tea industry.
Overnight at Spice Tree Resort (Classic Room with Jacuzzi)
We have two days at leisure to explore the virgin beauty of the place and its several possibilities at your own pace. Anaimudi (2694 m), the highest peak in the southern India, is nearby and the views from here are incredible. Munnar offers some great possibility for nature walks and visits to nearby tribal villages where people, though poor are extremely friendly, charming and hospitable. The ethnic lifestyles, traditional homes and the traditional occupation with ethnic tools and implements provides an incredible experience. The forests that surround Munnar are still rich in wildlife. The hills surrounding Munnar are home for one of the world's rarest mountain goats, Nilgiri tahr. The tropical forests are inhabited by elephants, tigers, deer and gaur (bison) Munnar is a birdwatcher delight with a variety of birds that are supported by the evergreen vegetation of the region. If one seek a sense of peace, a desire to communicate with nature and most importantly participate in a journey through a living museum, Munnar is the place that seeks to provide all this in a heavenly setting.
Overnight at Spice Tree Resort (Classic Room With Jacuzzi)
Day 08: Munnar
Following breakfast we proceed on a tour of Munnar. Our major highlights would be as below :
1. Mattupetty dam- Mattupetty Dam, located near Munnar in Idukki District, is One of the most visited tourist spots of Munnar. The dam will definitely enthrall you by its lush green trees, magnum views, and, crystal clear water. A cruise here is an exhilarating experience, offering occasional sightings of elephant, gaur and sambar.
2. Eravikulam National Park- In 97 Sq. Kms of high rolling plateau at a base elevation of 2000 mts, the park is home to the largest population of endangered Nilgiri Tahars along with other wildlife and 120 species of birds. It is also an ideal place for trekking and other adventure activities.
3.Tea Museum – The Tea Museum was inaugurated by Tata Tea a major producer of packaged tea so as to keep the history of tea plantation in India intact. The Munnar Tea Museum houses some of the exclusive artifacts like the 'Pelton Wheel' used in the power generation plant, the original Tea roller, and, an ancient rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley that shuttled men and material between Munnar. Besides this Museum is a tribute to the efforts of all the unsung heroes who were determined to make Munnar a major tea plantation center in Kerala, India.
4. Top Station- If you have a long persistent desire to feel the clouds and fly all along with them, make sure you don’t miss on this amazing destination. Top Station is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. It also offers a panoramic view of the majestic Western Ghats and the valley of Theni district.
5. Echo Point- Echo Point is located at a distance of 13 km from Munnar town. If one desires to scream and hear their voices being echoed till far out and wide then Echo Point is the place to be. The moist, mouldy acres of mountains spread out here are hitherto beautiful and call for one to let their spirits out, quite literally. Some of the popular activities of this destination are trekking, and, nature walks.
Overnight at Spice Tree Resort (Classic Room With Jacuzzi)
Day 09: Munnar / Kumarakom (157 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
Following breakfast, we will drive to Kumarakom
Upon arrival check into Lake Song Resort
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
Overnight at Lake Song Resort (Punnamada Room)
Day 10: Kumarakom
Day is free for independent activities. You can also enjoy the optional ayurvedic body massage at the resort. You could also choose to explore the surrounding tribal villages, visit the nearby water bird sanctuary or ride through the narrow backwater channels through back of beyond Kerala.
Overnight at Lake Song Resort (Punnamada Room)
Day 11: Kumarakom / Houseboat
Morning, we will check out from the resort & board the houseboat
The materials that go into the making of houseboat are all local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjali ". The Houseboat provides all comforts - Beds, a kitchen, western toilets and an upper deck. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. The cuisine is of traditional Kerala flavour along with the local Specialities - delicious fish and prawns.
We spend rest of the day Cruising on our boat through remote tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala is a superb experience. Sensational in its own silent way, the cruise takes you along snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers, coir (Jute) making communities, toddy (local spirit) shops, fishing nets pitched for the day's catch, bunded paddy fields and manual canoes of different sizes criss-crossing each other. The experience enables you to reach beautiful untouched areas.
Overnight Spice Coast Cruise (Single Cabin Houseboat)
Day 12: Houseboat / Alleppey / Cochin (70 Kms) (01 ½ Hrs Drive) Cochin / Departure
After breakfast, we will disembark at Alleppey & transfer to the airport to board your onward flight.
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India
‘Please come back soon”
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
Tour Cost for 02 People Traveling Together Sharing on Twin Sharing Basis
NOTE: - Upgrades for 05 star hotels available depending upon exact date of travel.
*T & C Apply
Includes: Accommodation on twin share basis; daily American breakfast; air-conditioned private car for all journeys and tours; local guides; Jungle trek & Spice Plantation in Periyar; Kathakali Dance in Cochin, GST, Driver expenses
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