Southern delight

In the evening visit the cultural centre to see Kathakali Dance Show. Kathakali is the classical dance form of Kerala, the word Kathakali means ‘story play‘, it is a combination of dance and drama, the performers wear make-up and colorful costumes. This dance form showcases themes derived from Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Hindu epics, mythologies and legends.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, which owe their origin to China. These fishing nets were introduced in Cochin by Chinese traveler Zheng He. These nets were set up in the Cochin Harbor sometime in the 14^th century and have been in use ever since. The singularity of these nets lies in the fact that they are suspended in mid-air resembling hammocks. The nets hang by poles that are prepared from bamboo or teak woods. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.

Visit the Jewish Synagogue, situated at one end of the Jew Street in the Jew Town enclave of Mattancherry in Fort Kochi. This synagogue was built in 1568 by Cochin Jewish community. Synagogue is adorned with Belgian glass chandeliers and Chinese hand-painted porcelain tiles laid on the floor. Also of interest are the Scrolls of the Law housed here and the several gold crowns received as gifts and the brass-railed pulpit.

Visit the Mattancherry Palace, it is one of the oldest examples of the Portuguese architecture, the palace was built around 1545 AD. It underwent major repairs at the hands of Dutch and hence the palace is also known as ‘Dutch Palace’. This two-storied quadrangular building has long and spacious halls. The palace represents the blending of the European and indigenous styles of architecture. The upper story of the palace where the present museum is housed consists of a coronation hall, bed chamber, ladies chamber, dining hall and other rooms. Mural paintings are on display inside the palace, the themes depict scenes from Ramayana. The themes from contemporary literature of Kerala are also depicted here. The present museum was established in May 1985 housing a variety of exhibits such as portraits of the Cochin Kings, Palanquins, Dresses, Weapons, Stamps and Coins.

Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight stay at House Boat.

On the southern bank of Kavanar river, is a small bird sanctuary where numerous species of birds including - Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy Kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Evening at leisure for independent activities.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Devikulam: The quaint hill station of Devikulam rests like a celestial beauty in the midst of luxurious velvet green hills, located at a distance of 16 kms at an altitude of 1700 mt. Famous for its crystal-clear lake of Sita Devi. Legend connects Devikulam to the ancient Hindu epic of Ramayana. It is believed that during their exile, Sita Devi - the consort of Lord Rama took a bath in this lake. The water in the lake is considered to contain minerals and is acclaimed for its healing powers.

Mattupetty: The town of Mattupetty though small in geographical area is a treasure trove of natures abounding glories. The town is located at a distance of about 13 kms at an altitude of 1700 mt. Mattupetty is renowned for its dairy farm; the Indo-Swiss livestock project. A large variety of high yielding cattle are reared in Mattupetty.

Pothamedu: This amazing viewpoint is located at a distance of 6 kms from Munnar. This vantage point offers astounding views of breathtaking grandeur of the nearby tea, coffee and spice plantations. You can feast your eyes on the misty hills, green meadows and ravines crisscrossed with white streaks of gurgling rivulets. This is also an ideal spot to enjoy a casual ramble through the green mountains.

Nyayamakad: This picturesque location is at a distance of about 10 kms from Munnar en route to Rajamala. The place is teaming with natural brilliance and splendid waterfalls. The gorgeous waterfall with sparkling silver water cascading down from a rocky cliff at a height of 1600 meters is sure to hold you mesmerized in its captivating grandeur.

Chithirapuram: Lying at a distance of 10 kms from Munnar is the idyllic town of Chithirapuram. The place is steeped in its rich colonial past with numerous English cottages, grand colonial bungalows, old playgrounds etc dotting the landscape. This less explored land of timeless beauty is a true trump card for experiencing colonial remnants preserved in its original splendor. This town is home to a number of tea plantations.

Echo Point: This is an amazing vantage point located at a distance of about 15 km from Munnar. The place derives its name from the natural echo phenomenon of the point. Spectacular views of the surrounding mist-clad blue hills and plantations could be enjoyed from this point.

Return to hotel for overnight stay.

In the afternoon take a boat cruise in the Periyar Lake which lies at the heart of the sanctuary which is a veritable paradise for all wildlife lovers. One can view the animals in their natural surrounding while cruising on the lake, or better still come within a few feet of a herd wild Elephants. The majestic Gaur, Deer, Wild Boar and the distinctive Nilgiri Langur are often spotted along the lake.

Periyar’s wildlife variety includes the Tiger, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Dog, Porcupine, Lion tailed Macaque, Malabar Squirrel and the Sloth Bear. The reserve also has attractions for the bird watcher as varieties of birds like the Hornbill, Blue Winged Parakeet, Whistling Thrush, Flycatcher and water birds are to be seen here.

Day at leisure to relax or take a walk on the sands in the evening.

Overnight stay at hotel / beach resort.