Beauty of Nature with Periyar Wildlife and Cochin Tour (04 Days)
Day 01:- Arrive Cochin / Pick up from Cochin Hotel. "God Own Country" Arrive at Cochin International Airport/ Pick up from Cochin Hotel, our representative will meet you at your suggested pick up point with holding a Pla card of your name and he will assist you to check - in at the hotel. After freshen up relax at the hotel after your long travel journey. Later proceed for Cochin Sightseeing, Visit the historic Fort Kochi area, including the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and Santa Cruz Basilica. Visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) to admire its exquisite murals. Stroll through Jew Town and visit the Pardesi Synagogue. Enjoy an evening Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of Kerala classical dance. Overnight stay in Cochin Day 02:- Cochin to Periyar Morning enjoy your delicious breakfast at the hotel after breakfast proceed to Periyar (Thekkady). En-route enjoy and explore the nature beauty with tea and Cardamom Plantation. Periyar, also known as Thekkady, is a region in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, renowned for its wildlife sanctuary and scenic beauty. On arrival Periyar, check -in at the hotel, after freshen up relax at the hotel. Later proceed for Elephant Bath Activity (Like elephant bath, elephant feeding and photoshoot etc.) Evening you can explore the Kumily spice market, The Kumily Spice Market, located in the town of Kumily near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is a bustling marketplace renowned for its wide array of spices, herbs, and other local products. Overnight stay in Periyar Day 03:- Periyar Sightseeing Start your day with an early morning boat ride on Periyar Lake within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and various bird species. After Boat ride return to the hotel and enjoy your delicious breakfast at the hotel. Take a guided tour of a spice plantation to learn about the cultivation and processing of spices. Enjoy a nature walk or trek in the lush forests of the Western Ghats. (Optional – Ticket is not included). In the evening, attend a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance. Overnight stay in Periyar Day 04:- Periyar to Cochin Airport Departure Morning enjoy your delicious breakfast at the hotel with Periyar Nature beauty. Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time to explore Periyar town. Later drive back to Cochin, on arrival Cochin, our driver will assist you to transfer to the airport for your flight to onward journey with lots of sweet unforgettable memories.
Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. Spread over 925 square kilometers, the park is centered around the beautiful Periyar Lake, offering scenic boat rides that provide glimpses of wildlife along the water's edge. Home to majestic elephants, tigers, leopards, and a variety of deer and bird species, it is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s dense forests, rolling hills, and spice plantations create a serene atmosphere ideal for eco-tourism. Activities like bamboo rafting, jungle trekking, and guided nature walks enhance the immersive experience. Periyar is not just a wildlife destination but also a cultural escape, reflecting Kerala’s deep-rooted connection to nature and conservation.
St. Francis CSI Church, Fort Kochi
St. Francis Church, located in Fort Kochi, is one of the oldest European churches in India, originally built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars. This iconic church has witnessed the colonial history of Kochi under the Portuguese, Dutch, and British rulers. Its simple yet elegant architecture reflects a blend of European styles, and it holds a special historical significance as the original burial site of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524. Although his remains were later moved to Lisbon, a gravestone still marks the spot inside the church. Today, St. Francis Church is part of the Church of South India (CSI) and continues to be a peaceful place of worship and a major tourist attraction.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), Kochi
Mattancherry Palace, popularly known as the Dutch Palace, is a fine example of Kerala’s traditional architecture with colonial influences. Built by the Portuguese in 1555 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi, the palace was later renovated by the Dutch in the 17th century, hence the name. The palace is famed for its stunning murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other Puranic legends, which are considered masterpieces of Kerala mural art. The palace also houses royal artifacts, palanquins, swords, and portraits of the Cochin Rajas, offering a fascinating glimpse into Kerala’s royal history and culture. Set around a beautiful central courtyard, the Mattancherry Palace is a must-visit heritage site in Kochi.
Itinerary :
Day 1 : Hotel Pickup in Kochi
Begin with a pickup from your Kochi hotel in a private AC car, settling in with bottled water as your guide previews the day, checking into the same hotel later.
Fort Kochi Sightseeing
Explore Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue (~2-3 km walking) with your guide, soaking in colonial history and spice trade tales.
Lunch
Pre-arranged lunch at a local eatery (if option chosen), savoring Kerala fish curry and rice.
Chinese Fishing Nets and Beach
Visit the iconic nets and stroll along Fort Kochi Beach (~1-2 km walking), capturing the coastal vibe.
Day 2 : Breakfast
Enjoy a pre-arranged breakfast at the hotel ( if option chosen) , then depart for Thekkady, checking into Shalimar Spice Garden.
Drive to Thekkady
Travel via NH544 and NH185 with a road snack , winding through spice-laden hills.
Check-In and Lunch
Settle into hotel with a pre-arranged lunch (if option chosen), recharging for the afternoon.
Periyar Lake Boat Safari
Embark on a 1.5-hour boat safari (~5-10 km on water) in Periyar National Park with your guide, spotting elephants and bison.
Overnight: Leisure
Rest at the hotel, soaking in Thekkady’s jungle calm.
Day 3 : Breakfast
Return to the hotel for a pre-arranged breakfast (if option chosen), recharging post-trek.
Guided Nature Walk in Periyar
Rise early for a 3-hour guided nature walk (~3-5 km) in Periyar’s buffer zone with your guide, tracking birds and rare flora.
Spice Plantation Visit
Drive (~5 km) to a spice garden for a 2-hour guided walk (~1-2 km), exploring cardamom and pepper cultivation.
Lunch
Pre-arranged lunch at the hotel (if option chosen), relaxing after the morning’s adventures.
Overnight: Leisure
Resting in Thekkady’s serenity.
Day 4 : Breakfast
Enjoy a pre-arranged breakfast at the hotel (if option chosen), then prepare to return to Kochi.
Drive Back to Kochi
Travel via NH185 and NH544 with a road snack, arriving by midday.
Lunch
Pre-arranged lunch at a Kochi eatery (if option chosen), refueling post-journey.
Hotel Drop-Off in Kochi
Conclude with a drop-off at your Kochi hotel or preferred point, wrapping up by early afternoon.