Day 1-2: Kumarakom

Arrival at the airport and transfer to Kumarakom.  Check into the hotel.  Proceed to Kumarakom and check into the hotel.

Kumarakom, the queen of Vembanad,  is a ‘resort’ destination. This tiny village on the edge of Vembanad Lake was practically unknown till one Henry Baker purchased land from the erstwhile King of Travancore to build himself a grand home. Kumarakom, today is a maze of modern resorts and heritage-homes-cum-hotels spilling over the island’s bank. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit with its numerous beautiful rivulets and waterways.

The scenic Vembanad Lake surrounded by mangrove forests and paddy fields is one of the best places for bird viewing inside the sanctuary. A large population of feathered species along with a pleasant climate make it a great picnic spot.  As Kumarakom is a popular backwater destination in Kerala, a houseboat cruise is a must-do activity for visitors. A boat cruise on the beautiful Vembanad lake is one of the best ways to enjoy birdwatching in the park.

One can also enjoy wildlife photography at Pathiramanal - a small island on the lake. A little ahead of Kumarakom, you can visit the backwater town of Kottayam – packed with rubber plantations and majestic old churches.

Day 3: Thekkady

Proceed to Thekkady and check into the hotel. Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and clove.  The main attraction in thekkady is boating on the lake and the Mullai Periyar Dam. Boating will take approximate 2 hours and you can also get rare glimpses of wild animals. Dont forgot to take photos. Bring a digital camera with Optical zoom to take the closer shots of the animals.

Thekkady has immense possibilities for Adventure Tourism. The Forest Department offers many programs including Periyar Tiger Trail, Nature walk, Bamboo Rafting, etc. There are private organizations as well as government agencies (e.g.KTDC), who promote adventure tourism in Thekkady. Plantation tourism also is promoted by these agencies, so that the tourists can see and learn the cultivation of various spices of Kerala.

Day 4: Cochin

Departure from Cochin airport.