Overview
A fascinating journey through India's tropical south, do experience the diversity in scenery, architecture, culture and most importantly the people.
Flanked by the Arabian Sea in the West, the towering Western Ghats in the East and networked by 44 interconnected rivers, Kerala is blessed with a unique set of geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. A long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, are just a few of the wonders that await you once you crossover to the other side. And what's more, each of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other - a singular advantage no other place on the planet can offer.
Trip Duration - 9 Days
Grade - Premium
Accommodation - 8 Nights Hotel Stay
Category - Photography
Upon arrival at Cochin airport, meet our office representative, followed by transfer to Kochi Hotel. Check in to hotel. Leisurely walk in the heritage town and Sunset Photography: at Chinese Fishing Nets Later in the evening, discover the famous dance drama of Kerala, the "Kathakali". This dance can be characterized by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and very extensive make-up. The stories are mostly taken from the epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Photography opportunities during Make up and the play. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Sunrise Photography: Jew Street, Thopumpady Fish Harbour After breakfast experience the real local life of Cochin during a half-day guided Ethnic tour start with the visit of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets of Cochin. The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that droop towards the waters like over-sized hammocks have become a hallmark that represents Fort Kochi on every postcard... Next visit is at the St.Francis CSI Church, the oldest European church in India built in 1503, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried and pass by the finest Santa cruz Basilica. Continue through the small streets of Mattanchery, and arrive at the Fruit market on Palace road where locals get a variety of fresh and organic produces at bargains prices. Make a pause and have one meter tea at one of the tea stall. Don't miss a stop at the Spice Market, where exotic odors of the finest ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric and pepper emanate from the spice warehouses lining the street. Later Go Visit the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century and finally stop at the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, and enjoy some spice or local cotton Shopping while wandering in the small streets . Afternoon Explore through the Kumbalangi backwater Village, with a population of over 1 lakh, Kumbalangi is home to farmers, labourers, fishermen, coir spinners and toddy tappers. The main occupation of the villagers is fishing and there are over 100 Chinese fishing nets dotting the backwaters facing the village. Overnight stay at Hotel.
After breakfast, Proceed to Munnar - "Nature lovers paradise" drive through the picturesque countryside of Munnar, a popular getaway retreat. Surrounded by lush green tea estates, this picturesque hill station boosts of exotic flora and fauna. En-route visit to Echo Point and Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Popular for its natural echo phenomenon, one can always see the area full of eager visitors throughout the year. At an altitude of about 600 ft, people love taking a walk in the lush greenery surrounding the place. Proceed to hotel, Check-in. Sunset Photography: at Aanairangal Dam view point and Tea Plantations, Overnight stay at Hotel.
Sunrise Photography: at Aanairangal Dam view point and Tea Plantations After early breakfast, drive through the beautiful valleys of tea plantations and Lock hart gap, to reach village of Suryanelli. From here a Jeep ride through an off beaten track to the World highest organic tea growing estate Kolukumalai. It is situated in the eastern slope of Western Ghats which makes the tea very special. One can enjoy the spectacular scenic views of Meesapulimala the second highest peak in South India and view neighbouring state Tamil Nadu, Followed by a visit to the Tea factory and a tea tour. After the factory visit we will have the picnic lunch and head back. We can also experience the spectacular country side and the rural Tamil people who are working in the tea plantations. Back to hotel. Overnight stay at your hotel.
Sunrise Photography: at Nearby Locations After breakfast proceed to Kuttikkanam, en-route experience the boating at Periyar Tiger reserve, visitors stand a better chance of viewing wildlife as the animals come to the lake frequently for drinking water. You may be able to spot herds of Gaur, Sambar and wild boars in the grasslands adjacent to the shores. A variety of avian fauna such as darters, egrets and kingfishers can be seen resting on dead tree trunks that stick out over the lake. Continue drive to Misty Mountain, is located in a sprawling, 600-acre estate, and while many of our technological processes are in step with the latest in tea production, a large part of our estate still remains quaint, and stuck in a time that had different priorities. Check-in, explore the plantations and Photography Opportunities in the evening. Overnight stay.
Sunrise Photography: at Nearby Locations After breakfast enjoy a morning Jeep safari through the plantations, Discover the naturalist in you. The jeep safari allows you to explore the magnificent, rich biodiversity of the western ghats. Hills and valleys, breathtaking viewpoints, rich birdlife, pristine waterfalls and a variety of plantation crops including tea, spices and several fruits are all a part of this sumptuous experience. You might spot the barking deer, and learn to discern its unique prosody. Explore Photography opportunities in Panjalimedu or Parunthumpara View Point in the evening. Overnight stay at Hotel.
After breakfast Check-out and proceed to Alleppey, Check-in at your backwater resort Purity, is a lakefront villa hotel overlooking the peaceful waters of Vembanad lake. Explore the local village and temple Ceremonies during your Evening Photography Expedition. Overnight stay at hotel.
Sunrise Photography of Backwaters and nearby village At Purity, Join on a yoga and meditation session. By noon board your traditional House boat to explore and enjoy the beauty of rural village life and backwaters, a tour through the backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. The populations whole life takes place here on the water. The people sail, fish, swim and bathe here. They do their washing and their washing up. They are so adapted to the water that you can see people talking for an hour, while they are up to their necks in water. Peddlers take care of the supplies and the public transport goes on the water. Countless water birds wait for their chance to catch a fish. The trip goes through a wonderful area of the lush green vegetation of Kerala backwater land. Capture the life moments during your cruise through the Backwater. Have experience the Kerala traditional lunch on board. Evening disembark at Alleppey and back to Purity. Overnight stay at Purity.
Time to say good bye. After breakfast transfer to the Kochi International airport to connect your flight back home.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Photography Trail
- Heritage tour of Fort Kochi
- Hills & Plantations
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Backwaters of Kerala
- House Boat Cruise experience
- South Indian Cuisine