For many travelers, Kerala is South India’s most serenely beautiful state. This slender coastal strip is defined by its layered landscape: almost 373 miles (600km) of glorious Arabian Sea coast and beaches; a languid network of glistening backwaters; and the spice- and tea-covered hills of the Western Ghats, dotted with fiercely protected wildlife reserves and cool hill stations such as Munnar. Just setting foot on this swathe of soul-soothing, palm-shaded green will slow your subcontinental stride to a blissed-out amble. Kerala is a world away from the hectic action of the rest of India, its long, fascinating backstory illuminated by historically evocative cities like Kochi (Cochin) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).
Besides the famous backwaters, elegant houseboats, ayurvedic treatments and delicately spiced, taste-bud-tingling cuisine, Kerala is home to wild elephants, exotic birds and the odd tiger, while vibrant traditions such as Kathakali, theyyam (a trance-induced ritual), temple festivals and snake-boat races frequently bring even the smallest villages to life. (Courtesy: kerala-trip.in)
If we talk about the Kerala trip and their tanneries, we can divide the complete tour in 6 days stay. We are very sure that in this 6 days your trip will be most memorable for your entire life.
Day 1: Arrive in Cochin, transfer to Munnar
Your arrival in Cochin in the morning and try to go directly to Munnar. It is appx 130 kms away from Cochin by road. Cabs are available from Ernakulam Railway Station as well as the Prepaid Taxi Counter in Cochin International Airport. The fastest way to travel from Cochin to Munnar is via National Highway 85 with a cab. Kochi to Munnar distance is 123.7 kilometres travelling through NH 85. There are no direct trains from Kochi to Munnar.
Day 2: Sightseen Tour of Munnar
On the second day you can spend Sightseen tour of Munnar. Munnar is famous for the Virgin forests, savannah, rolling hills, scenic valleys, numerous streams, huge splashy waterfalls, sprawling tea plantations and winding walkways are all part of the great holiday experience on offer for a traveler to Munnar. Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji, a rare plant which flowers only once in twelve years. On the same day you can visit Eco Point, Mattupetty Dam and Eravikulam National Park. You have to stay night in Munnar. There are so many hotels and cottages in different budget.
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady & Jungle Safari
Next day you have to move for Thekkady and the Jungle safari. It is appx 93 kms and 3 hours run from Munnar. If we talk about the road conditions from Munnar to Thekkady, you will find very narrow roads and broken in some places too. This generally happens during the monsoon season. Moreover, many buses, cars, and trucks will travel in the opposite direction, and you might find it difficult to give way to other vehicles.
You have lot of options available for the Jungle safari, Jeep Safari and adventures in the Thekkady. Thekkady is ideally a two to three nights destination. To truly experience Thekkady at its best, and to enjoy all the activities in the Periyar Tiger Reserve along with the various eco-tourism initiatives, one must opt for a two night stay at Thekkady. Thekkady is located 4 km away from Kumily, a plantation town in Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. Stay safe at Thekkady for the whole night and take complete rest to be ready for the next destination next day.
Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey & the household stay
Thekkady to Alleppey is a four hour journey by road with appx 140 kms. There is lot of other options available to go their including road, train, fairy, bus or air. These are two of the most famous and beautiful tourist destinations in all of Kerala. And while they’re both famous for their natural beauty, culture, food, and weather, all of these aspects are totally unique in both these cities. Thekkady is famous for the Periyar National Park and Periyar Lake where you can go boating and indulge in a chance to spot wild beasts like tigers, elephants, bears, jackals, and the Malabar Giant Squirrel.
Alleppey, on the other hand, is famous for its peaceful and stunning backwaters. When you’re here, you can simply rent a pretty houseboat and go sailing on that narrow amber-coloured river under the canopy of swaying palms. All in all, your trip to Thekkady, followed by a journey from Thekkady to Alleppey, and then a holiday in Alleppey will be nothing less than magical! The most ideal time to visit Alleppey in Kerala is the winter season, that is, between October and February.
Day 5: Head back to Cochin City
Now it is time to return to Cochin city to spend some time with your family members. Cochin popularly known as ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, it is a flourishing port city showcasing a rich blend of mesmerising natural beauty and vibrant culture. Serving as Kerala’s commercial, industrial and financial capital, it is the crowning jewel of the state’s tourism landscape. Cochin is the best place to buy something for your near and dears.
Departure day
In this way your journey of seeing Kerala in 6 days is complete. During this whole 6 days, you got a chance to see very astonishing waterfalls, mountains, boats, jungles, the Jungle safari, Jeep Safari and adventures, Periyar Tiger Reserve, elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs, adventure filled scenes which you cannot forget for whole life. By the way, the more time you give to the whole of Kerala, the more you will get to see something different, but with limited time and limited resources, you can enjoy a lot in these 6 days in Kerala.
