Fabulous Nature of South India (10 days / 09 nights)
Itinerary: Cochin-Allepey-Houseboat-Kumarakom-Munnar-Periyar-Kovalam-Trivendrum
Day 1 France / Cochin
Flight from France to Cochin. Arrival at Cochin International Airport. On arrival, you will be greeted with a flower necklace and transferred to your hotel. Check-in at your hotel. Lunch and afternoon at leisure to relax after your trip or take a stroll in the city. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 Cochin
After breakfast you will discover the historic city, the gateway to the West in South India, founded in the 16th century by Vasco da Gama, and long a hub of the spice trade. You will also visit the colonial quarters on the seafront, the fishermen's houses with their strange Chinese nets, and the San Francisco church. Lunch during the visits. In the evening, you will be treated to a performance of traditional Kerala Kathakali dances. Seafood dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 Cochin / Allepey / Houseboat cruise
After breakfast, departure for Allepey where you will board a traditional "Kettuvallam". Lunch on board. Afternoon sailing along the labyrinth of coconut tree-lined canals. A relaxing cruise through tranquil landscapes and scenes of rural life, during which you will have the opportunity to take some lovely strolls through the villages. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 4 Houseboat cruise / Kumarakom
After breakfast, disembark at Kumarakom in the morning and check into your hotel. Situated on the shores of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom is a village full of charm and serenity, set in an enchanting landscape. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the lush natural surroundings. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 Kumarakom / Munnar
After lunch, departure through the mountains to Munnar. Arrive in Munnar and check into hotel. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon you will discover the flora and fauna of this magnificent place in the heart of the mountains. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 Munnar
After breakfast, excursion to Ervikulam National Park, home to the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat. Then lunch. In the afternoon, you will discover the immense tea plantations grown in the region. This will also be an opportunity to discover the manual labour that is of vital importance to the villagers. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 Munnar / Thekkady (Lake Periyar)
After breakfast, departure for Thekkady. Arrive and check into your hotel. The Periyar Reserve is one of India's largest nature reserves, covering an area of over 700 sq. km. You will explore the spice gardens and if you wish you can embark on a boat safari on the Periyar Lake (not included). You will be able to observe a multitude of wild animals such as antelopes, monkeys, deer and, if you are lucky, the elephants that come to drink the water from the lake. Lunch during the visits. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 Thekkady (Lake Periyar) / Trivendrum (Kovalam Beach)
After breakfast, departure for Kovalam on the Maton coast in southern Kerala. Once a small fishing village, Kovalam is now known for its heavenly beaches. Lunch en route. Arrive in Kovalam and check into hotel. Afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the beach or Ayurvedic massages. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 Trivendrum (Kovalam Beach)
After breakfast, the day is free for you to relax after your journey. You can take advantage of the hotel's facilities and the surrounding area: beaches, swimming pool, spa, ayurvedic massages. Lunch, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 Trivendrum (Kovalamn Beach) / France
After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, transfer to Trivendrum airport for an international flight to France. End of our services. Arrival in France.
