Arrival at Trivandrum airport and transfer to Kovalam. Located around 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kovalam is a beach town on the Arabian Sea in Kerala. Kovalam has three crescent shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. The shallow waters stretching for hundreds of metres are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services. Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel. Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.
Proceed to Alleppey and check into the house boat. Alleppey is known as "Venice of the East". It was here that traders from across the seven seas came in search of black gold and souvenirs. Alleppey’s beauty is not merely in its backwaters, but in the man-made islands that you will find amidst the waters. These islands are hedged by mud walls, a haven for migratory birds, with paddy fields inundated with water throughout the year. These fields stand below sea level. R Block is especially famous for the fresh toddy served to guests.
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.
Departure from Cochin airport.