Overview:

Enjoy a 2 week holiday that take you amidst cool Tea plantations and then onto a wildlife expedition on this Tea & Wildlife Trails through some of the unexplored and offbeat destinations in Kerala & Tamil Nadu. Encounter an itinerary that promises a breath taking canvas of nature with waterfalls, verdant mountains, endangered species of flora & fauna, tea & spice plantations, tribal village visits and many more. Indulge in a diverse experience that leaves you with a feeling of wanting more...

Day 01

Cochin

On arrival in Cochin, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Fort Cochin. Stay at Fragrant Nature Fort Cochin for 02 nights. In the evening, enjoy a private sunset cruise along the harbour.

Day 02

Cochin

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin &Mattancherry in the morning. Visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, Spice Markets, Chinese Fishing Nets and the local fish market. In the evening, witness Kathakali dance performance, the traditional dance drama of Kerala based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Accompanied by a gong, drums and cymbals, Kathakali performers combine dance and theatre in a ritualistic portrayal of gods and demons.

Day 03

Cochin – Athirapally

This morning, drive to Athirappally water falls. Stay at Rainforest resort for the night. Late afternoon, trek to the base of Athirappally water falls.

Day 04

Athirapally - Valparai

After breakfast, drive through the reserve forests of Sholayar to arrive in Valparai, set at an altitude around 1,065m/3,500ft in the Anamalai Hills. Stay at Stamoore Plantation Bungalow for 02 nights. A haven for elephants, wild boar, leopards and indigenous Nilgiri Tahr, a species of wild goat.

Day 05

Valparai

Day to explore the countryside of Valparai on foot. Your walk will take you through the tea estate, where you’ll see the plantation workers tending and picking the tea, to the unspoilt countryside of the hills above. There are numerous waterfalls in this area as well as attractive reservoirs such as Sholayar Dam – a magnet for birdlife such as Great Indian Hornbill. Three herds of elephants roam within the area covered by the plantation and you’re also likely to see Barking deer, wild Gaurs (bison) and even the endangered Lion Tailed Macaque.

Day 06

Chinnar

After breakfast, drive to Manupatti on the plains bordering the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the famous Coconut belt of Tamil Nadu. Stay at Chinnar Eco Living for 02 nights, an eco-friendly boutique resort on the foothills of Annamalai hills.

Day 07

Chinnar

Enjoy a trek at the nearby Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in the morning. Evening, take a stroll through the nearby village areas and coconut plantations surrounding the resort.

Day 08

Rajakkad Estate

Later in the morning, drive Rajakkad, nestled in the forests of the Palani Hills, an hours drive through the majestic mountains of Dindigul district, the nearest market town. Stay at Rajakkad Estate for 02 nights. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the plantation.

Day 09

Rajakkad Estate

Spend the day relaxing beneath the shade of the garden trees in a hammock, reading and looking for birds or exploring the estate paths, visiting the farm with its animals and coffee drying yard and to the village beyond. Enjoy short river walks through rocky gorges beneath the tree canopy; over escarpments of craggy pink granite with panoramic views; through coffee plantations and on into the surrounding hills, where waterfalls and isolated swimming pools offer a glimpse of undisturbed peace.

Day 10

Megamalai

This morning, you will drive to Megamalai, also called as Highwavy. Stay at Cloud Mountain Bungalow for 02 nights. The untouched evergreen forest surrounding Megamalai makes it so breathtakingly alluring and unpolluted. Many people call it the ‘hidden paradise’ and it’s truly not an exaggeration. The winding dam nestles all around the Briar Tea Bungalow and is a fascinating sight as on moves around the place.

Day 11

Meghamalai

Unlike Valparai, which is entirely covered by the bed of green tea plantation, Megamalai is much more of natural shades of many colours and uneven bushes and patches of evergreen forest, plantation and water stream which greets the eye anywhere we go around.The rest of today is set aside for you to relax or to explore the area on foot.

Day 12

Periyar

After breakfast, you drive southwards to the 777 square kms/485 square miles of Southern India’s best known nature Reserve, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Cardamom Hills. Stay at Spice Village for 02 nights. In the evening, enjoy a walk in the plantations to learn more about the spice grown in this area.

Day 13

Periyar

Today, enjoy a day long rafting cum trekking program through some of the richest forest tracks of Periyar Tiger Reserve. This offers a memorable navigating experience across the famous Periyar Lake. Apart from the rafting experience, one can travel through a mosaic of pristine habitats. You will get an opportunity to spot wild Elephants, Sambar Deers, Indian Bisons etc.

Day 14

Periyar - Alleppey

This morning, drive to the famous backwaters of Alleppey. On arrival, check-in to the Emerald Isle Heritage Homestay for the night. Evening, enjoy a small country boat cruise through the narrow canals to see the life along the backwaters. You stop to look at paddy cultivation, watch local fishing, and see historic churches and local temples.

Day 15

Backwaters

Morning, enjoy a walk through the narrow village roads visiting local markets and paddy fields. Afternoon, board your private houseboat (Kettuvallom) for an overnight cruise through the famous Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the tranquil backwaters and narrow canals enjoying the village life. Your lunch, evening tea and dinner will be served on board the houseboat. Overnight on houseboat.

Day 16

Alleppey – Mararikulam

After a leisurely breakfast, you disembark from the houseboat at Alleppey, where you’ll be met by the driver and transferred to Mararikulam Beach. Stay at Xandari Pearl Marari for 02 nights. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 17

Mararikulam

Day at leisure to relax by the beach or to experience some authentic ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurveda Spa.

Day 18

Cochin Airport Drop

In good time, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport to connect your flight home.