Arrive at Cochin Airport; your local representative will meet you at 08:00 holding a placard for 'Mrs Bharti Prakesh & Friends' and assist with luggage and transfer plans.
A relaxed breakfast in Fort Kochi — specialty coffees, Kerala-style breakfast items and light sandwiches. Popular café with a pleasant courtyard atmosphere; good for an introduction to Kochi flavours.
Explore the iconic Chinese fishing nets on the Fort Kochi waterfront — photogenic and a working fishing tradition unique to Kochi. Visit times are flexible (open outdoors all day).
A historic Portuguese-built palace (now museum) displaying murals and royal paraphernalia of the Kochi rajas; important for history and art lovers. Typical opening hours ~10:00–17:00; check locally.
Stroll the antique shops and spice boutiques of Jew Town and, time permitting, visit the Paradesi Synagogue and nearby shops selling antiques, spices and handicrafts. Typical synagogue hours approx 10:00–17:00 but can vary; confirm on-site.
Drive from Kochi to Kumarakom (approx 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic) along backwater-side roads; enjoy early glimpses of Kerala village life en route.
Evening at leisure in Kumarakom or choose an optional short canoe/motor boat/houseboat trip on Vembanad Lake to enjoy sunset and birdlife. Boat / houseboat options run from short 1–2 hour rides to full-day experiences.
Visit the reserve to spot waterfowl, herons, egrets and seasonal migratory birds — a must for bird lovers. Typical visiting window daylight hours (commonly 6:00–17:00); guided walks offer the best sightings.
Afternoon free to enjoy resort amenities (pool, lakeside walks) or book a traditional Kerala massage / Ayurveda therapy for a pampering experience (advance booking recommended).
Drive from Kumarakom to Mannarasala (approx 1h20m). The temple is famous as a snake temple with thousands of serpent images and a spiritual atmosphere.
A revered snake temple noted for its many serpent idols and rituals; devotees often collect turmeric paste here believed to have curative properties. Temple timings: 5:30 AM–12:00 PM and 5:30 PM–7:30 PM. Strict dress code: men dhoti/shirt; women saree or salwar kameez.
Take a hotel-arranged complimentary boat ride on Ashtamudi Lake to enjoy the expansive freshwater backwaters and scenic views; great for photos and local life observation.
Relax on Mahatma Gandhi Beach and, if open, climb Thangassery Lighthouse for coastal views. Lighthouse typical visiting hours 10:00–16:00 — confirm on arrival; if closed, enjoy the beach and promenade instead.
Explore the giant Jatayu sculpture, mythic displays from the Ramayana and take the Swiss-made cable car for aerial views. Park timing: typically 10:00–17:00 daily; cable car runs during park hours.
Lunch at a local restaurant recommended near Jatayu — try Kerala homestyle meals and seafood; the restaurant is approximately 15 km from the Jatayu Centre.
Visit Ponmudi viewpoints including Golden Valley and nearby tea plantations; short, easy walks offer panoramic views and birding opportunities. Daylight visiting hours; best enjoyed in the morning and late afternoon.
Short drive/trek to Kallar and Meenmutty (smaller waterfall) for scenic natural beauty and gentle trekking; wear good shoes and carry water. Waterfalls are best visited during daylight hours and may be seasonal — check local conditions.
Visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu — a must-see for architectural and cultural importance. Typical darshan / visiting windows include early morning and evening (common timings approximately 3:00–11:00 and 5:00–8:00) — confirm exact windows on arrival; strict dress code applies: men dhoti/angavastram, women saree or churidar.
Transfer to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for your onward flight. Timing will be adjusted to match your flight schedule — please share flight details for precise pickup time.