Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival / Cochin
Secret Garden
A well appointed and an eco-friendly Homestay. As you negotiate the winding bylanes of Fort Kochi to reach Secret Garden, it strikes you how apt the name is. The small lane gives no indication of the oasis of charm that lies at the end. The original house is 100 years old with two floors typical of the 19th century style, where, many windows were built to allow cross-ventilation. A small pool shimmers blue in front of the house. At the back, the serene garden has a circular yoga area around an old mango tree. You will also enjoy the wholesome breakfast with homemade bread, organic jams from the mountains, along with strong hot coffee. For the weary minds and bodies rejuvenation is to be had at Secret Garden where you could attend morning Yoga sessions, and, undertake Ayurvedic massage treatments at the healing center close by. A place big enough to ensure privacy, but, small enough to feel at home. This is what would make your stay at Secret Garden a truly memorable experience.
Late night arrival, Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Secret Garden (Standard Room)
Day 2 : Cochin (Mattancherry Palace is closed on Friday and Jew Town is closed on Friday and Saturday)
guided tour of Cochin
A cluster of islands and peninsulas where ancient Phoenician, Arab, Jewish, Chinese, and European traders came from afar in search of prized spices, tea, and hardwoods. Here these influences merged with the traditional culture to create a Hindu Renaissance reflected in the town’s fine architecture and its perfection of art and dance forms that are a focus of your stay in Cochin. Visit the ancient Jewish Town, the historic Mattanchery “Dutch Palace” and Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India. Photograph the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and other indelible marks of early traders.
Secret Garden
A well appointed and an eco-friendly Homestay. As you negotiate the winding bylanes of Fort Kochi to reach Secret Garden, it strikes you how apt the name is. The small lane gives no indication of the oasis of charm that lies at the end. The original house is 100 years old with two floors typical of the 19th century style, where, many windows were built to allow cross-ventilation. A small pool shimmers blue in front of the house. At the back, the serene garden has a circular yoga area around an old mango tree. You will also enjoy the wholesome breakfast with homemade bread, organic jams from the mountains, along with strong hot coffee. For the weary minds and bodies rejuvenation is to be had at Secret Garden where you could attend morning Yoga sessions, and, undertake Ayurvedic massage treatments at the healing center close by. A place big enough to ensure privacy, but, small enough to feel at home. This is what would make your stay at Secret Garden a truly memorable experience.
After breakfast, we will proceed on a guided tour of Cochin
Overnight at Secret Garden (Standard Room) (B)
Day 3 : Cochin / Rhodo Valley (150 Kms) (04 ½ Hrs Drive)
Rhodo Valley
The name Rhodo Valley is derived from the name of a tree Rhodendrum which is spotted widely in this area with deep red flowers. Rhodo valley is the home to numerous endemic species, many of which are facing annihilation. Various walking trails have been introduced by the Kerala Forest Department where you may feel the pulse of raw nature at its best. Accompanying your trek will be experienced guides enlightening you with information about this beautiful unexplored valley. Moreover, another highlight of the tour would be your stay at Rhodo Mansion, where you can indulge in a number of outdoor activities like sightseeing, and, a campfire can also be arranged for you. The calming effect of the lit fire will help you to relax and reminisce about the eventful day you had. The water from the natural springs, light from the clear sky, the storage lanterns, instant cooked local cuisine, etc. Surely, your stay stay will make you wonder as to how much on earth – just for making your stay memorable!!
Morning, start your jeep (trek) expedition at the Tourist Facilitation Center in Munaar, proceeding through the base camp and reaching Rhodo Valley by noon.
Overnight at Rhodo Mansion
Day 4 : Rhodo Valley (Meesapulimala Peak)
Meesapulimala Peak
The peak is considered as a hotspot of biodiversity and has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. The trail will take you through a variety of habitats like meadows, Shola forests, and, Pine plantations. The area is also widely known for its rich wildlife – notably elephants, sambar (deer), sloth bear and the Nilgiri Tahr (mountains goats) – the latter being endemic and endangered.
Meesapulimala Peak is situated in the high ranges of Western Ghats in the Idukki District of Kerala.
Overnight at Rhodo Mansion
Day 5 : Rhodo Valley / Munnar (35 Kms) (01 ½ Hrs Drive)
Munnar
On the journey, we would stop a few times to interact with locals as well as walk through the countryside to explore the traditional and ethnic lifestyles. It’s a travel through extensive tea and spice plantations and for the most part of our trip; the air is rendered with the fragrance of tea and spices. Munnar, a hill station on the Western Ghats and with its lakes, reservoirs, forests and tea estates is the Nature-Lovers's Paradise. It is beautifully situated at the confluence of three rivers - the Muthirappuzh, Nallathanni, and Kundala. Munnar is a major center of Kerala's tea industry.
Spice Tree
The SpiceTree is a luxury boutique Resort and Spa center. This beautiful resort is the perfect destination for those wanting to get away from it all. At SpiceTree, you have everything that you expect from Munnar, but much more by way of peace, freshness, tranquility, and, total privacy. Each room of the resort is just wonderful and offers a soothing feel with energy saving warm lights, wooden floor, a sofa cum bed by the window, a balcony with a coffee table; all add up to make for a cozy warm experience.
Anayirangal Dam
Surrounded by the Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests - the view of this imposing dam can also be enjoyed by taking a boat trip. The scenic beauty of this place is simply astounding. Lots of wading birds can also be seen here.
remnants of the stone-age
These Dolmens are believed to be the dwelling places of the inhabitants of this area during the stone-age. These now stand as the monumental witness of a pre- historic era. Little is known about them through written history, but they were apparently the rulers of this beautiful land. Ideal for photography, one can experience some great views of the mountains covered in lush green vegetation from here.
Following breakfast, we will go for a mild trek around the Rhodo valley.
Later we drive to Munnar through the scenically vibrant valley of the Cardamom Hills of the Western.
On arrival check into Spice Tree Resort, a luxury boutique Resort and Spa center.
Afternoon we will visit the Anayirangal Dam - Surrounded by the Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests.
Later, we will visit the remnants of the stone-age, just to the right of the Resort.
Overnight at Spice Tree Resort (Classic Room with Jacuzzi)
