Arrive in Cochin and drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations. En route, visit the Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. Check into your hotel in Munnar and relax for a while. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and process of tea production. In the evening, you have the option to visit the Blossom International Park and explore the local markets. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls:

The Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls are among the best trekking locations in Idukki district. Many people come across these waterfalls on the way to Munnar and it is slowly turning into a tourist hotbed. There is a dense growth of trees all around and several rare species of plants and animals can be seen in the vicinity. The Cheeyappara Waterfalls gush down in seven tiers and area truly spectacular sight to behold. Valara Waterfalls are known for the lush greenery surrounding it and is a lovely picnic location.

Tea Museum:

Munnar, Kerala’s best-known hill-resort, is synonymous with lush tea plantations.   The unique tea museum run by the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company Private Limited, the first of its kind in the country showcases the history of tea cultivation in Munnar since 1876 when tea was first planted in this tea plantation district. On display are several rare artefacts and curios as well as evocative photographs from an era long forgotten and of which few are aware. From the granite sundial made in 1913 by the Art Industrial School at Nazareth in Tamil Nadu that greets visitors at the entrance to the museum, the memorabilia preserved inside include an iron-age burial urn from the 2nd century BC that was exhumed in the 1970s, the original tea roller of 1905, the rotor vane (the old-time CTC type tea processing machine), the Pelton wheel used in the power generation plant that existed in the 1920’s and a rail engine wheel of the Kundaly Valley Light Railway that transported men and material between Munnar and Top Station during the early part of the last century.

Blossom International Park:

Blossom International Park in Munnar is a place to relax and refresh after a busy day around the town. Colourful landscapes, scenic views and loads of activities make it the perfect place to spend an evening with your friends and family. Green lawns, ornamental flower gardens and a serene lake can keep you engaged for hours. They also make this place a splendid location for some candid photos. The park houses various trees and many flowery bushes, some of which are rare. And different recreational activities like boating, cycling and roller-skating are available here.

After breakfast, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy a short trek inside the park and witness the breath-taking views of the surrounding hills. Afternoon enjoy a stroll through the tea gardens and visit the Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park:

The park also boasts of hosting South India's highest peak, Anamudi (2695 m), in its southern area. This park is spread over an area of 97 square kilometers and packs tons of fun spots for people to have a good time in. One can see the crowds around the Echo Point, where the natural view and unique setting adds to the eponymous phenomenon. The Rajamalai region of the park is open to the public and from here; the exotic Nilgiri Tahr can be viewed. The Rajamalai region falls under the tourism zone of the area. The other two are the Core area and Buffer area which are both not open to the public. There is a host of trekking options as well in the area.

Nilgiri Tahr:

The Nilgiri tahr is the only mountain ungulate in southern India amongst the 12 species present in India. It is also the state animal of Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri tahr, which used to be found along the entire stretch of Western Ghats, is presently found only in small fragmented pockets. A large part of its population has been wiped out from its historical range. The existing populations are under severe stress due to habitat loss and hunting. This endemic species of the Western Ghats is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.

Mattupetty Dam:

Nestled inside the hills of Munnar and very near to the Anamudi peak lies Mattupetty, the hill station at a height of 1,700 m. Mattupetty is located 13 km away from Munnar. Here you can enjoy the greenish valleys and feel the fabulous climate around. The main attraction of Mattupetty is the dam and the lake here. The dam of Mattupetty is a storage concrete gravity dam. The dam was constructed under the Pallivasal Hydro-electric project in the late 1940s, for the purpose of water conservation and power generation. Now the dam is a vital source of electricity generation in Munnar and also a haven for many wild animals and birds due to its constant water availability.

Kundala Lake:

When the beautiful sun rays fall on the Kundala Lake, it creates a glittering effect to give tourist heaven like experience and help them enjoy the beauty of Kundala in absolute serenity. The picturesque Kundala lake is surrounded by green valleys and majestic landscapes, that almost every photographer would like to capture in their lenses. To get the most amazing pictures, one must reach this spot early in the morning and see how a blanket of cloud surfaces the lake, when the first few rays of sun makes the atmosphere magical.

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, famous for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. Check into your hotel and relax for a while. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spot wildlife, including elephants, deer, and various bird species. Visit the spice plantations and learn about the various spices grown in the region. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Wildlife Sanctuary:

The Periyar Tiger Reserve, named after the Periyar river, is one of Kerala's prestigious possessions on the High Ranges of the Western Ghats. Falling in the Idukki district of Kerala, this forest Reserve surrounds the Periyar Lake, which was created in 1895 by building a dam across the Periyar river (to divert the water to Tamil Nadu for irrigation). The forests around the lake were declared as Reserved Forests in 1899.

 The Maharaja of Travancore, realising the significance of conservation, appointed Mr. S.C.H. Robinson as the First Game Warden. Based on his recommendations the forests around the lake were turned into a sanctuary in 1934 and christened Nellikkampetty sanctuary. The sanctuary which was a game reserve merged with the Forest Department in 1966. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger scheme. In 1982 the core area of the reserve (350 sq. km.) was notified as National Park. The Reserve covers hills and verdant forests extending over an area of 777 sq. km. The Periyar lake, the nucleus of the sanctuary is about 26 sq. km. in extent. The elevation ranges varies from 900 M to 2019 M.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. Check in to the hotel. After a short rest enjoy a boating through the backwaters (cost extra). Enjoy the serene surroundings as you sail through the backwaters, passing by lush paddy fields and coconut groves. Spend the evening in Alleppey beach. Overnight at Alleppey.

Alleppey:

Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha Beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends out to the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which greatly intrigues all visitors. Another delightful experience while in Alappuzha is the houseboat cruise. The houseboats you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact a reworked version of the Kettuvallams of olden times. Kettuvallam is a Malayalam word, ‘Kettu’, refers to dwelling structures and ‘Vallom’ means boat. In the olden days, kettuvallam or boat with thatched roof that covers over wooden hulls was used to carry tons of rice and spices.

After breakfast, drive to Kovalam and check into your beachside resort. Spend the day relaxing on the golden sands, taking dips in the clear waters, and indulging in water sports like surfing and parasailing. Enjoy mesmerizing sunsets over the Arabian Sea and savour delicious seafood at beachside shacks. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

After breakfast, travel to Trivandrum and visit the renowned Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Later visit Kuthiramalika Museum and Napier Museum. Explore the city, visit local markets, and savour the flavours of Kerala cuisine. Enjoy the evening at leisure, soaking in the beauty and tranquillity of Kovalam. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple:

The origin of the Temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is lost in antiquity. It is not possible to determine with any exactitude, from any reliable historical documents or other sources as to when and by whom the original idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy was consecrated. The Temple has references in Epics and Puranas. Srimad Bhagavatha says that Balarama visited this Temple, bathed in Padmatheertham and made several offerings. Nammalwar, 9th century poet and one among the 12 Vaishnavite saints of the Alvar tradition, has composed ten hymns in praise of Lord Padmanabha. Some well known scholars, writers and historians, like the late Dr. L.A.Ravi Varma of Travancore, have expressed the view that this Temple was established on the first day of Kali Yuga (which is over 5000 years ago).

Kuthiramalika Museum:

When you visit a city rich in traditions and culture, you will come across many iconic buildings that make the destination special. Thiruvananthapuram has many of these monumental structures that reflect the old-world charm and beauty of traditional Kerala and Dravidian architecture. Standing tall among these is the Kuthiramalika Palace, also known as the Puthenmalika. Located on the eastern side of the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple inside East Fort, Kuthiramalika is a two-storeyed palace which has been converted into a museum.

Napier Museum:

In the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city lies the great Napier Museum and the Natural History Museum in the Museum compound. The museum complex also houses the Zoological Park, Art Museum, Art Gallery, Sree Chithra Enclave, KCS Panicker Gallery, Aquarium and 3D Theatre. Built in the 19th century, it has its own natural air-conditioning system. It contains a host of historical artefacts including bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. People are especially impressed by the Japanese shadow-play leather that is used to depict the epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and conclude your trip and drop off at Trivandrum for departure.