Kerala Backwaters - Luxury Tour of India

(Total Tour - 8 Days)

Kochi - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Marari

Day 03

Kochi - Periyar (THEKKADY):

By Road 160 km in 4 hr

Proceed for Thekkady after breakfast.

Drive through the plantations and small Kerala villages. The whole of Kerala, its towns and villages are full of scenic beauty.

Reach Thekkady. (This place is also known as Periyar because of the Lake Periyar) Check in at the resort.

The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram, 'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc much has been said about this mighty river, formerly known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi'. A land route existed in the Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud and sand which created an Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar, which is now known as the Vyppin Islands. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and many more species of animals.

In the evening visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available. Overnight will be at Thekkady.

Day 04

Periyar:

Breakfast will be at the resort.

Enjoy the boatride through Periyar Lake - Wildlife sanctuary. You can observe the rare species of plants and animals.

Afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. You can in the afternoon go for a short trek in the forests with a trained guide for some adventure.

Overnight stay will be at Periyar.