PLACES: COCHIN | ATHIRAPILLY | MUNNAR | ALLEPPEY | MARARI | COCHIN We, at LGT INDIA JOURNEZ will help unfold the tropical paradise – Kerala. Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country” for its lush green landscapes, pristine beaches, serene backwaters, and rich culture. It is a perfect destination for honeymooners, offering a variety of experiences to create romantic memories that will last a lifetime. Imagine waking up to the misty hills of Munnar, sipping a cup of tea while gazing at the rolling tea plantations. Or, cruising through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey on a houseboat, enjoying the sunset with your loved one. Or, simply relaxing on the pristine beaches of Marari, listening to the waves crash on the shore. Kerala also offers a variety of cultural experiences for honeymooners. Enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, visit a spice plantation, or indulge in a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. Upon arrival at Cochin airport you will be met and transferred to Athirappilly, famous for its cascading waterfalls. The scenic beauty of Athirapilly waterfalls presents a spectacular visual extravagance to visitors. A very popular picnic spot, Athirapilly is located close to Chalakudy in Kerala. The falls are located amidst dense forests and the entire region looks ‘picture-perfect’ in every way. Athirapilly-Vazhachal waterfalls are situated on the edge Sholayar forest ranges, just 5 kms apart. This sparkling cascade of silvery water, falls from a height of approximately 80 mts to join the Chalakudy river below. You can have a spectacular view from the top of the waterfalls when you walk through the rock pathway that leads from the main entrance. And for those with an adventurous streak, there is a fantastic view from the bottom of the waterfalls which can be reached with a little bit of trekking on slippery mountain trails. It’s a beautiful trail and you can relish the water from the falls sprinkling all over you. The view of the entire landscape is amazing. Evening return to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. Overnight at Hotel/ resort. Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure to enjoy the waterfall and relax. Overnight at hotel/ resort. After breakfast, drive to Munnar. Surrounded by lush green-carpeted tea and coffee plantations, Munnar is a picturesque hill station situated in the eastern part of Kerala. The town is located at the confluence of three mountain streams — Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kudala—and is known for its clean, neat, and brightly painted ambience. The beautiful landscapes, cozy weather, and the smell of tealeaves make Munnar one of the most sought-after destinations in South India. Precisely these were the reason why the British always retreated to Munnar when the heat and humidity was on its peak in other parts of Kerala. Munnar is situated near the Anaimudi Peak, the highest peak in the Western Ghats. The hills here are covered with a carpet of flowers in bloom. Also found here is an exotic plant called Neelakurunji that flowers just once in a 12-year period. Upon arrival at Munnar, Check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Munnar, which includes visit to Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake, and Echo point. You will also visit the Rajamalai were the rarest species of mountain goat, ‘Nilgiri Thars’, can be spotted, and the Tea Museum which has been built in the Nallathanni estate of Tata Tea. Its collection of memorabilia and artefacts takes you back in time when the tea industry had just begun to make its presence felt in Munnar in 1880s. Browse the museum for its array of curios, photographs and machineries, each depicting important events that contributed to a flourishing tea industry. Munnar is a real hill resort having absolute green cover under misty scent of tealeaves all around, with crisp fresh air and the weather delightfully cool all the year round. Stroll in any direction and the whole world of tranquility and serenity entices you. Return to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel/ Resort. After breakfast, you will leave for Kumarakom, which is a peaceful retreat, which takes you to the world of tranquility. Sprawled across a vast landscaped leisure land with many water bodies, it offers you umpteen reasons to soak in the myriad hues of nature. Kumarakom is a charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake. It will take you into the heart of the scenic lake where you will come across plenty of traditional country barges, boats, and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals, and waterways. This backwater is a haven for countless varieties of species of both fauna and flora. When you need to find a solace from the monotonous daily routine then Kumarakom is undoubtedly the best choice in the fascinating paradise on Kerala. The slender coconut palms swaying to the cool winds here, there and everywhere, the never-ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a thousand varieties, can calm and energize your soul and body. Check in at hotel upon arrival. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel / Resort. Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure. Optional: (Extra chargeable) 1. Go for a short cruise through few of the intricate canals of Kumarakom, in a canopy. 2. Go for a Ayurvedic message. All resorts in Kumarakom, have authentic certified Ayurvedic centres, which are managed by a well qualified and highly experienced doctors, assisted by a team of skilled therapists. And they offers several result-oriented therapies designed to unwind, tone up and rejuvenate within a realistic timeframe. Overnight at Hotel / Resort. Afternoon, board a Kettuvallam (houseboat) and proceed for an unforgettable overnight cruise, through the mesmerizing unique backwaters of Kerala. You will have an exclusive houseboat which cruises till sunset, and then it anchors for the night. Your boat has a private balcony with comfortable chairs. The rooms are well furnished with attached bathrooms and air conditioning which functions during sleeping hours. The boat has a fully equipped kitchen and an experienced cook to prepare authentic Kerala cuisine with seafood specialties and fresh vegetables. This is your chance to pick up some fabulous cooking tips! The waterways of Kerala play a major role in the economy of the state as they link remote villages and islands with the mainland. It is an incredibly different experience to cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala’s villages. Houseboats, also known as kettuvallam or rice boats, are today one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, but these boats were used to carry rice bags in their earlier days. These houseboats are uniquely designed using local materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. and are a fabulous way to enjoy exploring the fascinating beauties of backwaters. With their languid grace and quaint design adding another dimension to your cruise in the shimmering blue waters. Lunch, evening tea with snacks and dinner served on board. Overnight onboard the HOUSEBOAT (Air-conditioning will be functional during sleeping hours only) After breakfast, disembark and drive to Marari Beach, the calm and serene beach of central Kerala located in Alleppey district. A unique beach with coconut palm fringed shore line with fisher men village nearby. An ideal choice for tourists seeking calm and serene settings. Check in to your resort at Mararikulam and explore the wonders of nature. Day free to relax at the resort or venture into the nearby fishermen village and interact with the locals. Tickle your taste buds with the local sea food specialties which comes fresh from the fishermens nets around. Optional (extra chargeable) try out a traditional Ayurveda massage which will take away all the fatigue of travel and keeps you rejuvenated. Overnight at hotel/ resort. Breakfast at the beach. Day at leisure. Overnight at Marari. Today you will be dropped at Cochin airport on time for your departure flight. Itinerary