Enchanting Kerala with Wildlife

After breakfast, go for Cochin sightseeing tour that begins with a visit to Fort Kochi located on the western coast of India amidst the pristine waters of the Arabian Sea. On visiting this fort, soak in the mesmerizing specimens of the bygone era. The architecture of this gorgeous fort uncovers the layers of colonial influence ingrained in the landscape of this city. Visit the St. Francis Church (Closed on Sundays from 08.00 to 11.00 hrs.) within the middle of the fort’s complex. Built-in the year 1503, it is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. The lofty architecture of this Church is impressive in every way and has managed to retain its ancient charm, over the years.

Also, visit the Jewish Synagogue located close to Fort Kochi, which is more than 100-years old. It was built in 1568 and is a showpiece displaying hand-painted floor tiles, Belgium-imported glass chandeliers, rare antiques and an exclusive gallery. Your Kochi sightseeing tour ends with a visit to Chinese Fishing Nets. They are a hallmark, visible from Fort Kochi. The concept of fishing nets is said to be introduced by Zheng He (a Chinese explorer). Here the fishing nets are made of bamboo and teak wood poles and practice the principle of balance. Almost every visitor visits here - especially during sunset - to click a few pictures. End your day watching the traditional Kathakali Dance Show.

After early morning breakfast at the hotel, you will head towards Athirapally. It’s a 2-hour drive from Cochin to Athirapally spilling with amazing waterfalls and lush sceneries. But do not miss the small town of Guruvayoor near Thrissur, famous for its Sree Krishna Temple which draws an uncountable stretch of devotees to it. As a hallowed town and a major pilgrim centre of Kerala, it has visitors throughout the year. Though non-Hindus are denied entry, most of them do not miss the stroll around the streets that leads to the temple. The beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal cascading from the top of Sholayar Forest Range are a sight to behold. Succumb to nature.

Morning breakfast at the hotel will be followed by a quarter day’s drive to Wayanad from Athirapally which lies cuddled amidst the jagged mountains of Western Ghats. Its beauty makes your jaw drop. The landscapes of rolling paddy fields and virgin forests are intermittently hewn with tea estates and spice gardens. The name Wayanad itself means ‘land of paddies’. The ancient rock-shelter, Edakkal Caves and Jain shrines are worth a visit.

After breakfast at the hotel get ready for a fun-packed jungle safari. A jungle safari along the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary where elephants, deer, sloth bears, tigers, and panthers roam free and numerous rare birds chirp through the skies. Set off towards the Kuruwa Island, a bunch of desolate islets sprinkled in the middle of the vast Kabini River. Now it is a soaring hub of ecotourism supported by the locals as well as forest administration. Crossing the dangerous-looking and rock-strewn waters is an experience to cherish. 

Embark on an adventurous hike with an escort in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary after breakfast at the hotel. Pay your respects at the Thirunelly Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is more than 3000 years old and is on the banks of Papanashini stream.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will leave for your next destination – Tellicherry. Lively and quiet at the same time, it is the first settlement of the British in Kerala and famous across the nation for its so-called 3 C’s (Cakes, Cricket and Circus) as well as quaint fish markets. Its rich heritage and culture are often shadowed by other regions of Kerala. Check into the 19th-century imperial mansion, Ayesha Manzil that rests peacefully by the crashing sea, reminding us of the long-gone colonial years.

Morning breakfast at the hotel will energize you for the day-long excitement at Tellicherry. Amble along with the boisterous fish markets of Tellicherry and visit the colonial fortress while at it. Drive along soft white sands of the sole drive-in beach of Kerala, the picturesque Muzhipillangad beach. Have a laid-back time on the beach.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Calicut. You will reach the historic town of Kozhikode hugging the Malabar Coast, which was once the reign-land of the mighty Zamorins. As a momentous port for trade for centuries, Calicut is the city that marked the imperial history of India. Hometown of the superior cotton, Calico, it's the cotton industry is renowned. Ayurveda treatment is available at the resorts here. Evening enjoys a ‘Kalaripayattu’ martial arts performance.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Calicut airport by our representative for your onward journey.