Kerala’s Beach & Bay Tour offers travelers a captivating exploration of the state’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Beginning in the historic city of Cochin, visitors can marvel at iconic sights like the Chinese Fishing Nets before venturing into the lush tea plantations of Munnar. The journey continues through Thekkady’s wildlife sanctuary and the serene backwaters of Alleppey, culminating on the sun-kissed shores of Kovalam. But what awaits in Trivandrum, the final destination, promises to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this remarkable journey.
Good To Know
- Explore Cochin’s rich cultural heritage, including the Chinese Fishing Nets, colonial churches, and diverse communities.
- Immerse in Munnar’s natural wonders, such as tea plantations, Shola forests, and scenic reservoirs.
- Discover the diverse flora and fauna of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.
- Experience the tranquility of Kerala’s backwaters through a traditional houseboat cruise in Alleppey.
- Relax on the sun-kissed beaches of Kovalam and visit the renowned temples and palaces in Trivandrum.
Arrival in Cochin
Upon arrival in Cochin, travelers will have the opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.
They’ll visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, a unique fishing method dating back to the 14th century. Next, they’ll discover the historic St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica, both stunning examples of colonial architecture.
The Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace will provide insights into Cochin’s diverse communities.
With a dedicated driver and English-speaking guide, travelers can enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of this coastal city before settling into their hotel for the night.
Cochin to Munnar
The journey from Cochin to Munnar takes approximately 3 hours, covering a distance of 130 km.
Along the way, visitors will get to see the picturesque Cheeyappara Waterfalls, a cascading series of falls surrounded by lush greenery.
The Blossom Garden, a flower garden with a variety of blooms, is another highlight.
Munnar, a hill station in the Western Ghats, is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations, pristine Shola forests, and serene Mattupetty Dam.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore the unique ecosystem and learn about the tea-making process during their overnight stay in Munnar.
Munnar Sightseeing
On the third day, the tour explores the diverse attractions of Munnar.
Visitors will visit Mattupetty Dam, a picturesque reservoir surrounded by lush hills.
Next, they’ll discover the Shola forests, a unique ecosystem of stunted trees and shrubs.
The tour then heads to the Echo Point, where voices echo back, delighting visitors.
Finally, guests will enjoy the region’s renowned tea gardens, learning about the tea-making process and sampling the fragrant brews.
With its serene landscapes and captivating natural wonders, Munnar offers a tranquil respite from the bustling cities.
Munnar to Thekkady
After exploring the beauty of Munnar, the tour now ventures to the next destination – Thekkady.
The journey takes about 2 hours, covering a distance of 90 km. In Thekkady, the group will visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Guests can expect to see a range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and other endangered species. The sanctuary offers various activities, such as nature walks, boat rides, and wildlife viewing.
After a day of immersing in the wilderness, the tour group will spend the night at a hotel or resort in Thekkady, preparing for the next leg of the journey.
Thekkady to Alleppey
Departing Thekkady, the tour group embarks on a journey to the serene backwaters of Alleppey, a scenic 2.5-hour drive covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometers.
Upon arrival, they’ll experience the tranquility of the Kerala backwaters by boarding a traditional houseboat.
Cruising through the interconnected canals, lakes, and rivers, they’ll witness the picturesque rural life unfolding along the banks.
The houseboat provides a comfortable and unique overnight stay, allowing the travelers to enjoy the natural beauty and serene ambiance of the region.
This backwater experience is undoubtedly a highlight of the Kerala Beach & Bay Tour.
Alleppey to Kovalam
Bidding farewell to the serene backwaters of Alleppey, the tour group embarks on the next leg of their journey – the drive to the renowned Kovalam beach.
The 222-kilometer, 5-hour journey takes them through scenic landscapes, offering glimpses of Kerala’s diverse terrain.
Arriving in Kovalam, the travelers are greeted by the sun-kissed shores and the gentle waves of the Arabian Sea.
They’ve the opportunity to explore the sweeping crescent beaches, relax on the soft sand, and enjoy the laidback coastal atmosphere.
The day concludes with an overnight stay at a hotel, as the group prepares for the next adventure on their Kerala odyssey.
Kovalam to Trivandrum
The tour group spends the day exploring Kovalam, visiting the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum and the renowned Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum.
At Kuthiramalika, they admire the ornate wooden palace and learn about the region’s royal heritage.
The highlight is the awe-inspiring Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the wealthiest temples in the world. They marvel at the intricate architecture and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere.
After a fulfilling day, the group returns to their hotel or resort in Kovalam, resting and preparing for the next day’s journey to Kanyakumari.
Kanyakumari to Trivandrum
On the final day, the tour group embarks on the scenic drive from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum.
They explore the Amman Temples, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, and the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari.
After browsing the local market, the group continues to Trivandrum.
They visit the opulent Kuthiramalika Palace Museum and the ancient Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple before transferring to the airport for their departure.
Throughout the journey, the dedicated driver and English-speaking guide ensure a comfortable and informative experience.
With a final stop in Trivandrum, the Kerala Beach & Bay Tour comes to a close, leaving the travelers with unforgettable memories of the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The Sum Up
The Kerala Beach & Bay Tour offers a captivating exploration of the state’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Travelers will marvel at Cochin’s iconic sights, enjoy Munnar’s tea plantations, encounter Thekkady’s wildlife, sail through Alleppey’s tranquil backwaters, unwind on Kovalam’s sun-kissed shores, and culminate their journey with a spiritual experience in Trivandrum, forming an unforgettable exploration of Kerala’s diverse wonders.