Day 1 : Calicut

Arrive Calicut – ‘the Malabar gateway'. Kozhikode , formerly called Calicut was the traditional capital of Northern Kerala under the Samuthiri rule. Calicut , the most important city of Malabar region of Kerala, was a leading trading centre for spices on the West Coast of India during the medieval period.

Assistance on arrival at domestic airport & transfer to the hotel. Later evening free for rest/leisure OR one can opt for a boat ride in the backwaters of Calicut . Overnight stay at Calicut.

Day 2 : Sightseeing tour of Calicut

Morning sightseeing tour of Calicut visiting the Tusharagiri waterfalls, Tali Temple, Pazhassiraja museum and art gallery, Kappad beach , Dolphin point, Velliyamkallu & Thikkoti lighthouse . Overnight stay at Calicut.

Day 3 : Calicut to Vythiri – 65 Kms (approx 2 Hrs drive)

Morning depart for Vythiri – dreamland destination, which is located in the Wayanad District in North Kerala , India . Wayanad is rich in coffee and spice plantations. Spices such as cardamom and pepper grow abundantly in the perfect cool climate and fertile terrain. Coffee is the major export commodity. Wayanad is steeped in history and traditions which historians claim date as far back as 10 centuries before Christ. They refer to the Edakkal Caves as evidence where ancient carvings have been traced to a highly civilized people from the pre-historic stone ages. Wayanad is also home to proud indigenous tribesmen. Numerous tribal communities co-exist with a well-settled planter population.

On arrival transfer to the Eco-friendly serene ‘Vythiri Resort'. Afternoon visit the Pookot Lake - This natural lake surrounded by hills and meadows provides an excellent picnic spot or opportunity for a relaxing boat ride or fishing expedition (4km - ½ hr drive) & Lakkidi - Picturesque hills, cascading streams and dense vegetation makes Lakkidi one of the greatest attractions of Wayanad and is one of the highest points at 700mts above sea level and only a short distance from Vythiri. (10km - ½ hr drive). Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Vythiri.

Day 4 : Excursions around Vythiri

Morning after breakfast, visit the Soojipara Falls - These waterfalls are an endless natural splendour amidst dark and deep woods (38kms - 1½hr), The Chain Tree - Even today, a chain still hangs from a Banyan tree to mark the spot where a British Colonialist murdered an Adivasi tribesman (and thus, the name) (9kms - 20mins drive) & After a tiring day full of short excursions, evening sit back & relax into the lap of nature at the resort. Overnight stay at Vythiri.

Day 5 : Orcha to Gwalior (120 KMS – 3 HRS drive)

After breakfast, depart for Wayanad – ‘The Green Paradise'……..Home to fascinating legends, mysterious mountain caves, hidden treasures, aborigine tribes, treehouses, jungle trails and exotic wild life, this little known district of Kerala is the perfect setting for a hundred great adventures!

On arrival transfer to the hotel. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary - The main attraction is with no doubt the elephant rides through the jungle. This sanctuary allows you to have a peek into the natural lives of all the wild animals within the area (55kms - 2hr drive), Edakkal Caves - 1000mts above sea level, this ancient natural cave exhibits ancient carvings, paintings and inscriptions dating back to the stone ages (53 kms - 1½ hr drive) & Sultan's Battery (pronounced in Malayalam as ‘Sul-than Ba-the-ry'), was formerly known as Ganapathivattom. It derivers its present name from Tippu Sultan of Mysore who built a fort here in the 18th century. Overnight stay at Wayanad.

Day 6 : Wayanad to Cochin (308 Kms – 7 ½ Hrs drive)

Early morning after breakfast depart for Cochin . Enroute visit the Adi Shankaracharya Temple at Kaladi - Shankaracharya is the first among the three acharyas (Holy Saints) who reformed Hindu religion by giving their own interpretation to the ancient sacred texts. Later proceed to Cochin – ‘Queen of Arabian Sea'. Assistance on arrival & transfer to Hotel. Evening free at leisure or shopping in Cochin . One can also opt for an evening harbour cruise. Overnight stay at Cochin.

Day 7 : Sightseeing tour of Cochin

Full day sightseeing tour visiting the MATTANCHERRY PALACE : It is also known as Dutch Palace , built the Portuguese and presented to the King of Kochi in 1555 AD. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace. At no time did the Portuguese or Dutch stay here. Its interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are some lively displays of royal costumes and palanquins. Jewish Synagogue: is in Mattancherry. Synagogue was built in 1568 AD. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testment, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest. ST. Francis Church: Fort Kochi The Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India . It is here the remains of the inveterate traveller, Vasco da Gamma were initially buried and 14 years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal . Chinese Fishing Nets: Fort Kochi The Chinese Fishing net that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi . Said to have been brought from China by traders of Kubalai Khan's Court, they are used at high tide & Bolghatty Palace : Bolghatty Palace is situated in Boghatty Island a narrow palmfringed Island easily accessible from the mainland. The Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Later, it became the seat of the British Resident. and today this has been converted into a hotel run by KTDC. Overnight stay at Cochin.

Day 8 : Cochin to Munnar – 135 Kms (Approx 3 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast, depart for Munnar – serene hill station amongst tea gardens. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening free for exploring the local markets. Overnight stay at Munnar.

Day 9 : Sightseeing tour of Munnar

Morning visit The old Christ Church in the town centre is small, cosy and charming with wonderful stained glass panels, T ea gardens which are the last bastion of the Raj. Several still preserve customs like ‘chhota hazari'-an early morning cuppa' hot chocolate before a round of work. Most TEA-ESTATE managers would be happy to let you take a stroll among the small bushes. Top Station (41 km, 2200 meters) has some of the highest tea plantations in India . At the edge of the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, you can look over across at the hills ebbing into plains in the other state. Come here for breathtaking views of rolling hills awash with greenery, and crisp air. Eravikulam Park (16 km) is where you can find the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (IBEX). Docile and friendly, it is hard to imagine that this is a rare animal when you see the numbers in this area. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary – established by Dr. Salim Ali in 1983, has a resident population of Malabar gray hornbills, woodpeckers, and rare species like the rose-billed roller, and the Sri Lankan frogmouth. Visit early in the mornings, as the day comes alive so do the birdsongs. The colder months from October to March are the best time to be at the park. Anamudi Peak (2695 meters) - The highest peak of the ranges, can be sighted from many places in Munnar. This is protected forest area and off bounds for everyone except those involved in serious research. Overnight stay at Munnar.

Day 10 : Munnar to Thekkady - 110 Kms (Approx 2 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast, depart for Thekkady – land of wilds. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening free for shopping of spices at the Kumily market or one can also opt for a spice plantation visit. Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Day 11 : Thekkady to Kumarakom - 165 Kms (Approx 4 ½ hrs drive)

Morning visit the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Take a boat ride in the Periyar lake to spot the rare wildlife. Later, depart for Kumarakom – ‘ Venice of the east'…. On the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake , 14 km from Kottayam, lies Kumarakom a small-town. The most interesting area in the backwaters is the "Kuttanad region" called the rice bowl of Kerala. Kumarakom is just one little village in this region on the banks of the beautiful Vembanad Lake.The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake . The bird sanctuary in Kumarakom is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks, in Kumarakom, are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available in Kumarakom.

On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening free at leisure or rest. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

Day 12 : Kumarakom backwaters (option of staying on houseboat)

Morning take a boat ride in the famous backwaters of Kumarakom to enjoy the village life of Kerala. Evening free to explore the local market. Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

Day 13 : Kumarakom to Kovalam – 185 Kms (Approx 5 hrs drive)

Early morning check out & proceed for Kovalam – ‘beach land with blue waters'….. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort. It is a dreamy place for tourists all over the world. Today Kovalam beach is known as the " Paradise of the South".

On arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening free at leisure or one can take stroll on the golden sands of Kovalam beach. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Day 14 : Sightseeing tour of Kovalam

Morning after breakfast, sightseeing of Trivandrum city visiting the Padmanabhswamy temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace - This palace was the capital of Travancore before it was shifted to Trivandrum . The wooden palace contains some interesting murals of the 17 th & 18 th century, Kuthiramalika palace museum, Chitbra Art gallery, Napier museum & the Shanghumugham beach. Evening free. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Day 15 : Kanyakumari Excursion (80 Kms – 3 Hrs drive)

After b'fast depart for a full day excursion to Kanyakumari comprising of Kanyakumari Temple , Gandhi Memorial, Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial - This memorial to Swami Vivekananda was built in 1970. Vivekananda was a social reformer and saint of modern India . He is supposed to have meditated on the rock where the memorial stands, The Sangam - Sangam is the meeting point of the three major bodies of water, the Bay of Bengal , the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean . It is a bathing ghat, with steps leading into the water and a sort of lagoon formed between land by a series of rocks. People bathe and jump around, getting lightly battered by the remains of waves, which are washing over the rocks. The Lighthouse - From here you can get a panoramic view of the beauty around….Evening enjoy the beautiful sunset. Return back to Kovalam in the evening. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Day 16 : Kovalam to Trivandrum airport (22 Kms – 1 Hr drive)

Morning after breakfast check out & proceed to Trivandrum airport to depart for onward destination.