Kerala Backwater with Wildlife Tour
Duration
Tour Type
Cochin: 1 Nights, Munnar: 2 Nights, Thekkady: 1 Nights, Alleppey: 1 Nights
Combining the serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters with its rich wildlife can make for a truly unforgettable experience. Here’s how you can explore Kerala’s backwaters while also enjoying its wildlife:
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Thekkady Backwaters: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Thekkady, is one of Kerala’s most renowned wildlife reserves. It’s famous for its population of elephants, as well as other wildlife such as tigers, sambar deer, wild boars, and various bird species. You can enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake, which offers a unique opportunity to spot wildlife while cruising through the tranquil waters surrounded by dense forests.
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Vembanad Lake: Kumarakom is another backwater destination in Kerala known for its serene beauty and abundant birdlife. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, is home to a variety of migratory birds, including egrets, herons, kingfishers, and more. You can explore the sanctuary by boat, gliding through the calm backwaters while observing the avian inhabitants in their natural habitat.
- Backwater Houseboat Cruises: Many backwater destinations in Kerala, such as Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kumarakom, offer houseboat cruises that allow you to leisurely navigate through the intricate network of canals, lakes, and rivers. While cruising, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including lush greenery, paddy fields, and quaint villages. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the banks, such as water birds, turtles, and occasionally even otters.
- Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Neyyar Dam: Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Thiruvananthapuram, is home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, deer, wild boars, and various bird species. While exploring the sanctuary, you can also visit Neyyar Dam, which forms a reservoir surrounded by scenic beauty. Boat rides on Neyyar Lake offer a chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
- Backwater Homestays: Opting for a homestay along the backwaters can provide a more intimate experience of Kerala’s wildlife and local life. Many homestays are located in close proximity to wildlife reserves or bird sanctuaries, allowing you to explore the natural surroundings on foot or by traditional country boats, with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Combining backwater experiences with wildlife exploration in Kerala offers a unique blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and wildlife encounters, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary
Arrival at Cochin and transfer to hotel. Check in at Hotel. In Cochin Visit the Dutch Palace-built by the Portuguese in 1557 and subsequently renovated by the Dutch after 1663. The murals are perhaps the best in India. Jewish Synagogue - built in 1568 and the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth are at Mattancherry. St. Francis Church - built in 1510 and the oldest European church in India, Chinese Fishing Nets- introduced by the court of Kublai Khan can be seen in Fort Cochin. Fort Cochin Beach etc. Overnight stay at Cochin
Morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Munnar. Munnar is 1800 mts above sea level and also the place of South India's highest peak (Anamudi - 2695 mts). On the way visit Valara, Cheeyappara waterfalls & Tea Plantations. Check in to Hotel. Afternoon visit Rajamala (Eravikulam National Park - open as per the directions by the forest authorities ), the best place to see Nilgiri Tahr (Hermitragus Hilarious) - the mountain goat of South India & Tea Museum. Evening have a short visit at Munnar town. You can see the beautiful tea estates like a green paradise. Overnight stay at Munnar
Breakfast at the Hotel At Wood Resort/Tea Village Munnar, Sightseeing Day 02 - Munnar Sightseeing , Morning after breakfast proceed to enjoy full day sight seeing tour of, Munnar. Rose Garden, Tea Garden, Photo Point, Madupetty Dam/Lake, Echo Point & Kundala Dam/Lake. Overnight stay at hotel/resort.
Breakfast at the Hotel Tea Village MunnaTransfers - Munnar Thekkady
Morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Thekkady .Thekkady is a world famous wildlife sanctuary and it is also called as Periyar. On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon visit wildlife sanctuary & enjoy the boating ( tickets charges are extra and subject to availability ). Visit spice plantations. Apart from being enjoyable these plantation tours gives tourists an insight into the growing, harvesting and processing of spices. Evening will be free for Cultural show ( Kathakali & Kalaripayattu on direct payment ) & local shopping. Overnight stay at Thekkady.
Breakfast at the Hotel Periyar Meadows Leisure Hotels
Transfers - Thekkady to Alleppey
Morning after breakfast leave for Alleppey, Allappuza famous for its backwaters. Visit Alleppey beach, sunset and enjoy shopping if staying in Alleppey. Visit Alleppey Beach and Backwaters. Enjoy all the amenities of this hotel/resort for a day which includes fishing in the backwaters (depends on the hotel/resort selected) Overnight stay at same hotel/resort"
Breakfast at the Hotel Pagoda Resort/The World Backwater Resort, Departure Transfer - Cochin to Cochin Departure Morning have breakfast at resort later check out from the Hotel and drive to Airport / Railway Station for departure