7 Nights Itinerary Covering: Coimbatore - Pollachi - Shembaga Vilasam - Valapari - Athirapally – Cochin (Kochi)
Kerala surely is one of the best destinations of India, which is visited by a crazy number of tourists from all around the world. In spite of owning some very popular attractions, Kerala still has some hidden treasures, which are a part of this offbeat tour of Kerala. During the span of 7 nights and 8 days, this well-planned tour takes you on a journey to some lesser-known places of Kerala including Pollachi and Valapari along with popular places like Athirapally and Cochin. Wildlife viewing, guided nature walks, visit to tribal colonies are some of the interesting parts of the package.
Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.
As you arrive at the Coimbatore railway station/airport, our tour representative helps you with an assisted transfer to Pollachi, placed 40 km southwards of Coimbatore. As Pollachi is close to the Western Ghats,this place has been blessed with a wonderful climate that stays all around the year. Pollachi is also well-known for its markets selling freshest vegetables, cattle as well as jaggery of good quality. While the cattle market of Pollachi is the biggest one in South India, the jaggery market of Pollachi is the largest one in Asia.
As you arrive at Shenbaga Vilasam, enjoy a traditional welcome. After completing the check-in formalities, get all set to explore this serene village, dotted with simple homes. If you want, you can also visit the village temple or the house of local craftsman. Back to your accommodation where you savor vegetarian delicacies. Please take note that alcohol is prohibited here.
Overnight stay.
Spend day 2 in getting first- hand knowledge on the agriculture practices of Pollachi. One can opt for a spiritual journey during your stay at Shenbaga Vilasam, has this residence has been a place where several saints have stayed and preached. Soak-in the wonderful positive energy. Later on, you can also pay a visit to the 700-yearold ancient temple of Lord Choleshwara and Goddess Shenbagavalli, which is located in Samathur village.
Stay overnight at Shembaga Vilasam.
The day is going to be an exciting one. Begin climbing the height of 3000 feet. The whole stretch comprises of around 49 hairpin turns. The road journey to Valaparai crosses through the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. This wildlife reserve is home to vast variety of animalssuch aselephants, boars, lion-tailed macaques, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, and Giant Squirrels. The place is also quite popular for bird watching. On the way, halt at Monkey falls and Aliyar Dam.
Arrive at Valparai, which is a mid-elevation hill town. This place was developed byan English gentleman, Carwer Marsh who developed the area for harvestinggood-quality tea. On reaching Valparai, check-in at one of the 3 bungalows that were named after their former British owners. The rest of the day is at leisure. Explore the surroundings on your own.
Overnight stay at Valparai.
Spend the day by embarking on a leisure walk through the lush aromatic tea plantation, interacting with the workers. You can also get first- hand information on the process of tea production. Later, you can visit the largest tea factory of Valparai area.You might also gain some knowledge about making your very own tea. Explore the local attractions such as water bodies, temples, and forests. Enjoy the green views, the lovely weather and the fresh air.
Overnight stay.
On the 5th day of the tour, begin driving through a stunning stretch that has absolutely no human settlement. You can get a chance to spot animals like elephants and bison on the road here and there. Try to avoid night driving. This is the sole region in the Western Ghats where four kinds of endangered Hornbills can be seen. Athirapally is best known for its waterfalls that have the same name. As you reach, check into the resort that is placed amid the Sholayar ranges of virgin rainforest. Later on, explore the area and the rainforest spotting a variety of animals and birds of the region. Next, visit the perennial Athirapally falls. After cascading from the height of 80 feet merges into River Chalakudy. Treat your eyes to the lush surroundings. You can also opt for trekking.
Overnight is in Athirappally.
The untouched rainforest of Athirapally is an amazing attraction for nature lovers, which they can explore with great interest. You can opt for a guided jungle trek for whichprior approval of the Forest Department is required.You might have rendezvous with some exotic as well as endangered animals, birds, plants and trees of the Athirapally forest. The expert guide is going to share all their knowledge of the forest with you. Spotting herds of elephants and deer is one of the most common things here. The forest is home to more than 1000 species of wildlife including snakes, bears, leopards as well as wolves. Keep your cameras ready at all times.
Tribal Colony visit
These forests are also home to tribesmen of Sholayar ranges who stay amid nature with bare minimum needs. Having the simplest lifestyle, there are 4 tribes who live together peacefully-the Mannaan, the Muthuvar, the Kadar, and the Malayar. The people of these tribes though follow traditional natural lifestyle but are very warm. You can enjoy camping with them to have an insight into their style of living.
Stay overnight in Athirapally.
A visit to South India surely is incomplete without a visit to Cochin. Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats on the east, Cochin has been a popular port city of Kerala that has been visited by a huge number of seafarers, explorers and traders. During the course of its history, it was welcomes people from all around the world includingthe Arabs, the British, the Chinese, the Dutch, and the Portuguese. On arrival in Cochin, check -in at the hotel.
You can now continue with your city tour of Fort Cochin area including the St.Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, the very-popular Chinese fishing nets,and the Jew town with its the four-century old synagogue. Next in line is the Mattancherry Palace or Dutch Palace, the erstwhile home of the Verma kings, which now has been turned intoa museum.
Overnight stay in Cochin.
From Cochin airport or railway station, depart for your onward destination.
