Kerala with Ladakh

Day 01: Arrive Cochin

Arrive Cochin, after a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in. Cochin always had a very popular & historical sea trade connection with Middle East, Mediterranean Europe & Dutch. It has one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coastline. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings & structures representing different regions of the world.

Overnight Hotel - on"Cochin.

Day 02: Cochin Full Day Tour

Today we visit St. Francis' Church, built in the year 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars & known to be the oldest European church in on"India. It was restored in the year 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 & later moved to Lisbon, Portugal. We also visit Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese. Later in 17th century they modified it & presented it to the Raja (King) of Kochi (Cochin). The Palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from Hindu epics, Mahabharata & Ramayana.

Later we visit on"Jew Town, synagogue, built in the year 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles & Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. Also visit the spice market, where the air is filled with the pungent smell of spices & history that brought the world to its doorstep. Chinese fishing nets, (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to on"Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.

In the evening see Kerala's most popular classical dance, Kathakali.

Overnight Hotel - on"Cochin (B)

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Day 03: on"Cochin - Munnar (150 km - 04 hr)

Later we drive to Munnar, most popular hill stations in South India, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni & Kundala. It was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British officers in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book town, winding lanes, trekking & holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.

Overnight Hotel - Munnar (B)

Day 04: Munnar

Today we take a tour of Munnar, visiting the world's highest tea estates spread like a green carpet over a large area. Later we visit Eravikulam National Park (Closed - January & February), the best place to see the rare Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat). This sanctuary was set up for the preservation of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Evening game viewing at the sanctuary by boat on on"Lake Periyar

Overnight Hotel - Munnar (B)

Day 05 Munnar - Periyar (160 km - 04 hr)

Today we explore one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in India, the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Set on an attractive lakeside, it is South India's most popular Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar is a place to cruise on the lake & gives an opportunity to see wildlife. It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, antelopes, sambhar, wild boar, monkey, a wide variety of birds.

Next we explore the sanctuary to experience the beauty & ecological pattern.

Evening Spice on"Plantation

Overnight Hotel - Periyar (B)

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Day 06: Periyar - Kumarakom (135 km - 04 hr)

Today we take Elephant ride at Periyar.
Later we drive to Kumarakom, known for backwaters, huge on"Vembanad Lake & famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Overnight Hotel - Kumarakom (B)

Day 07: Kumarakom - Thothaopali (Overnight Houseboat)

Today we visit Kumarakom Bird sanctuary. There are two seasons for birds: between October & February there are cormorants, teals, & other ducks & from February to July there are darters (snake birds), night herons, egrets, & Siberian storks. It also has golden backed woodpecker, crow pheasant, white-breasted water hen, tree pie etc.

Later we board the houseboat, locally called Kettuvallam, cruise around beautiful backwaters of Kumarakom to Thothapalli to observe & experience the daily life of the villagers along the backwaters.

Overnight Houseboat (B, L, D)

Day 08: Arrive Thothapalli Thothapalli - Kovalam (175 kms - 05 hr)

Today morning we disembark houseboat & drive straight for Kovalam, South of Trivandrum. There are two main beaches at Kovalam, separated by a high cliff. It is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, & recuperation & regeneration resorts which provide a slew of Ayurvedic.

Overnight Hotel - Kovalam (B)

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Day 09: Kovalam

Day at leisure,

Overnight Hotel - Kovalam (B)

Day 10: Kovalam

Day at leisure,

Overnight Hotel - Kovalam (B)

Day 11: Kovalam

Day at leisure,

Overnight Hotel - Kovalam (B)

Day 12: Kovalam - Trivandrum Airport (16 Km - 30 mins) Trivendrum - Delhi (By flight)

Today we will transfer you to Trivendrum airport to board flight for Delhi, arrive Delhi receive by our representative & transfer to hotel.

Overnight Hotel - Delhi

Day 13 Delhi - Leh (3500m) (Flt IT 3341 / 0610-0740 hrs)

Morning transfer to Delhi airport to board flight for Leh.  Arrive Leh receive upon arrival and drive to hotel. Afternoon at leisure in Leh, where we can take a walk to the colorful bazaar.

Overnight Hotel - Leh.

Day 14: Leh Monasteries

After breakfast we leave on a full day tour of the monasteries around Leh and visit  Shankar, Spituk and Phyang monasteries. Later in the afternoon we walk around Leh town and visit Leh Market, Leh Palace ruins, Leh Gompa & Shanti Stupa.

Overnight Hotel - Leh.

Day 15 Leh

Excursion to Shey, Thiksey, Hemis

Today we proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. We start with a visit to Shey the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue.

Then we visit Thiksey Gompa an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa founded in 1630's by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyall.

Hemis is one of the largest and richest gompas of Ladakh.The two-day festival of monastic dance in June-July has raised the reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha and responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world.

Later in the evening we drive back to hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Overnight Hotel - Leh

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Day 16: Leh - Lamayuru(124 km / 4 hrs) - Alchi (50 km/2 hr)

After breakfast some time at leisure and then we drive to Alchi Visit Lamayuru Monastery and back to Alchi. Lamayuru Monastery is one of the most popular and magnificent monasteries of Ladakh. It is known to be the oldest monestic establishment in Ladakh and was founded by Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century. This Monastery is located amidst the massive mountains. The spectacular setting of this Monastery and its renowned collection of carpets, thangkas and frescoes has been attracting many people all over the world over a long time. We will also be part of the prayer ceremony inside the prayer hall among the monks. It is a very soothing and spiritual experience to be there among these warm and friendly monks. Further drive towards Alchi (50 km from Lamayuru). Just before Alchi we drive across the mighty River Indus over the bridge and reach Ladakh's most loved Alchi Monastery. Over a century old, its wall paintings are very similar to those of the Tabo gompa in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Unlike other monasteries, which are usually on a cliff top or cling to a mountainside, Alchi is at ground level and is nestled in the shade of a garden.

Overnight Hotel - Alchi

Day17: Alchi - Likir - Basgo - Leh (124 km / 4 hr)

After breakfast we drive to Likir (16 km) and visit Likir Monastery, situated atop a windy cliff overlooking the beautiful village of Likir. It was founded in the 12th Century although the present construction dates back to the 18th century as the original one was destroyed by fire. In its courtyard is a yellow colored 3 storey high mammoth statue of the Buddha, which was constructed by a resident monk. The top floor has an impressive museum containing old thangkas and weapons used many centuries back.

From Likir we drive 9 km to   Basgo. It was an important centre in the old days, having been the capital of lower Ladakh when the kingdom was divided in the 15th & 16th centuries. We visit the ruins of the Royal Palace at Basgo, Ser Zung Temple, which is known for its great frescoes and finally the temple with an enormous gold and copper statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Later we drive to Leh (3521 m), capital of Ladakh and check-in the Hotel. Evening at leisure.

Overnight Hotel - Leh.

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Day 18: Leh - Khardungla - Leh  (85Kms.)

After breakfast take a full day excursion to Khardongla pass, highest motorable pass in the 5602Mtrs & been recorded in Guinness Book of World Records. At the top enjoy the nature beauty of snow capped mountain. In the evening drive back to the Leh.

Overnight Hotel - Leh (B, L, D)

Day 19: Leh - Pangong Lake - Leh  (290Kms.)

Leave early morning with packed breakfast & lunch to Pangong Lake, Ascend Changla Pass (5486 m), enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the villages below the Pass. After crossing the Pass we reach Tsoltak, known for its yaks. Arrive Durbuk, from there a short drive to the western shore of the Pangong lake. Enjoy the landscape in the backdrop of the Lake. This famous blue & brackish Lake is 5-6 Km wide & over 144 Km long with 2/3rd of it running the other side of INDO-TIBETAN BORDER & 1/3rd in India. One rarely feels so close to nature & the scenery is unforgettable. Late afternoon drive back to Leh.

Overnight Hotel - Leh (B, L, D)

Day 20: Leh - Indus Valley Monasteries

After breakfast proceed for Indus Valley monastery tour. Start with a visit to Shey, the ancient capital of Ladakh. The monastery here has a huge gold-gilded statue of Buddha, with a large silver lamp burning in front of the statue. Then visit Thiksey Monastery (Gompa), an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village. The monastery has a beautiful 30 m high gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. Drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa, founded in the year 1630 by Stag-tsang-ras-pa under the royal patronage of Sengge Namgyal. Hemis is one of the largest & richest monasteries of Ladakh. Later visit the Stok Palace, the Royal residence of the King of Stok & the Museum that has a rich collection of Ancient Ladakhi artefacts including old Thangkas, precious stones, arms & armoury, the Queen's necklace & crown of the King of Ladakh among others.

The two-day festival of monastic dance in July/August has raised the reputation of Hemis particularly high. The festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as second Buddha & responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world

Overnight Hotel - Leh (B, L D)

Day 21: Leh - Delhi (Flt: 9W-610 / 0735 hrs - 850 hrs)

Transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight across the main chain of the Himalaya to Delhi. 

Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future.