Kerala is a tropical bliss with an idyllic coastline and lush tropical hills. Rightly Dubbed as God’s Own Country Kerala boasts of its Rich Flora, Fauna and The harmonious mixture of communities. Hills, Backwaters & Beaches – all at short travelling distances in between – combined with Wellness. She also keeps her Colonial Charm in even less known areas within her. This vintage exploration is a discovery of travelling back in Time.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Flora and Fauna at Valparai
Tea and Trek in Munnar Hills
Ethnic Vintage tour of Cochin
Stay at the Plantation/Heritage Bungalows
Valparai (originally known as Poonaachimalai) is a hill station in Tamilnadu bordering with Kerala. It consists of Anamalai Tiger Resrve (earlier known as Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary). Valparai is located 3,500 feet (1,100 m) above sea level on the Anamalai Hill range of the Western Ghats. The foothill starts exactly from the Monkey Falls which is at a distance of 38 kilometres (24 mi) to Valparai. The route to Valparai from the foothills consists of 40 hair pin bends!!! The Kerala state border town of Malakkappara is at a distance of 26 from Valparai. While major portions of the land are owned by private tea companies, large forest areas continue to be out of bounds. Check in at the Sinna Durai Bungalow. Rest of the free to familiarise with the bungalow and enjoy the fine weather. Dinner and overnight stay.
Chat with the local conversation experts and visit their impressive information center close by. The Anamalais are home to abundance of wild life – Bison, lion tailed macaques, wild boar, Malabar squirrels and even the big cats. Set out bird watching, some of the other popular destinations include Balaji Temple, Sholayar Dam and grass hills. You will be amazed at the unspoilt history of the locality.
Breakfast at the Bungalow. Drive around the Anamalai Tiger Resrve, sand forests and panoramic views to Munnar –a breathtakingly beautiful haven of peace and tranquillity. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favoured summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. On arrival check into Tata High Range Club. Later the day Enjoy a stroll through the old town – Unending expanse of tea plantations – pristine valleys and mountains –aroma of spice scented cool air. Visit Mattupetty lake and Dam. Dinner and overnight stay.
Early start. Proceed to the trek point. Go on a Half-day trekking passing through the rolling hills and sculpted Tea gardens of Munnar . Gradual trek and hike through the tea plantations. View from top of the hill is spectacular. Trek duration is around 3-4 hrs. (medium pace-) Savor the Picnic hamper. On the way back visit the Tea factory at Lock hardt estate and enjoy tea tasting. Early Evening head to Srishti TATA project for a visit. This project is a venture of Tata Global Beverages for the rehabilitation of the differently abled. Enjoy some shopping time in this community center and get some Strawberry jam (handmade), handmade paper or clothing naturally dyed on site. If time permits, also visit Tea Museum which explains the history of Tea in Munnar – a good opportunity to get authentic tea dust and related products. Overnight stay.
Breakfast, Drive downhill to Cochin, Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a city in southwest India’s coastal Kerala state. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbour and opened it to Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Cantilevered Chinese fishing
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed on an Ethnic Tour of Cochin. Enjoy riding in in a Tuk Tuk to Mattanchery– en route visit the Dhobi Khana (laundry station), once throbbing with activity, and now a picture of slow extinction. Continue through the small streets of Mattanchery, and arrive at the Fruit market on Palace road where locals get a variety of fresh and organic produces at bargaining prices. Stop for a refreshing tea at one of the tea shops where you get the “one meter” tea. There is now an opportunity to interact with a Brahmin Family. The Brahmin are the highest of the four Hindu castes, made up of priests and scholars of Vedic literature and their traditional occupation is to conduct rites at marriages, births, deaths and other auspicious occasions. Then visit the Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town, and finally the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century. Back to hotel. Witness Kathakali in the Evening Overnight stay.
