Meet our local representative (holding a placard for 'Mrs Bharti Prakesh & Friends') at the arrival gate; transfer coordination and luggage assistance. This service is included in your package and gets you started smoothly.
A popular Fort Kochi spot for relaxed breakfasts with local and continental options; great for a fresh start before sightseeing. Most cafes in Fort Kochi open around 8:00–9:00am.
Explore colonial-era Fort Kochi, iconic Chinese fishing nets on the shore, the Portuguese-era Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace museum and the historic Jew Town with spice shops and antiques. Mattancherry Palace is typically open ~10:00–17:00 (confirm locally); Jew Town shops usually open 9:00–18:00.
Evening at leisure along the Vembanad backwaters — optional canoe, motorboat or short houseboat cruise to enjoy the sunset and village life. Boat/houseboat options are typically available till sunset; houseboat half-day or sunset cruises are popular.
Enjoy traditional Kerala and seafood specialities at the resort restaurant — convenient and relaxing after your travel day. Dinner service typically runs 7:00–10:00pm at the hotel.
Buffet breakfast at the hotel with regional and continental choices to fuel an easy day of birdwatching and relaxation. Hotel breakfast service generally 7:00–10:00am and is often included with stay.
Explore the famed bird sanctuary on the Vembanad Lake shoreline — great for spotting waterfowl, herons, egrets and seasonal migratory birds (Siberian cranes in season). The reserve is best early morning; general visiting hours are roughly 6:00am–6:00pm, with guided boat safaris at sunrise.
Savour Kerala-style fish curry, appam or vegetable stews at a nearby lakefront eatery or the hotel restaurant. Many local restaurants are open 12:00–15:00 for lunch.
Relax at the resort or book a traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage at the hotel spa — excellent for unwinding and experiencing local wellness traditions. Spa and massage services are by appointment; typical sessions are 60–90 minutes and cost extra.
Visit the famous snake temple in Haripad noted for its thousands of serpent images and the curative turmeric paste. Temple timings: 5:30am–12:00pm and 5:30pm–7:30pm; strict traditional dress code (men: dhoti/shirt; women: saree or salwar kameez).
Continue the scenic drive to Kollam; expected arrival and hotel check-in around 2:00pm at Fragrant Nature Kollam (Confirmation No. 5911). Use this time for light lunch en route if preferred.
Enjoy a complimentary or hotel-arranged boat cruise on Ashtamudi Lake to view mangroves, backwater life and lakeside villages. Late afternoon cruises are ideal for photography and cool breezes.
Stroll the sandy Mahatma Gandhi Beach and, if open, visit Thangassery Lighthouse for coastal views. Note: Thangassery Lighthouse typically has daytime visiting hours (often ~8:30am–4:00pm) and may be closed at dusk — please check locally.
Try fresh Malabar-style seafood at a recommended Kollam restaurant or at the hotel. Local eateries usually serve dinner from 7:00–10:00pm; ask the hotel for the best nearby seafood spot.
Drive to Jatayu Earth’s Center, home to the world’s largest bird sculpture and cable car experience; the centre is a striking cultural and photographic stop on the way to the hills.
Explore the Jatayu sculpture, museum and take the Swiss-made cable car for panoramic views — the park celebrates the Ramayana legend and offers unique photo opportunities. Visiting hours are 10:00am–5:00pm daily; cable car and entry tickets apply.
A convenient local restaurant recommendation near Jatayu Earth’s Center for Kerala-style lunch before continuing to Ponmudi; most roadside restaurants serve lunch from noon–3:00pm.
Reach the cool hill station of Ponmudi and check in at Golden Peak (KTDC); enjoy hill views and a relaxed evening. Check-in times generally mid-afternoon; confirmation No. 33830-2526.
Visit the main viewpoints in Ponmudi for sweeping valley and tea garden views, and explore nearby Kallar for easy walks and river scenery. Ponmudi roads and viewpoints are accessible during daylight (approx 6:00am–5:30pm); local drives/walks take a few hours.
Short drive and walk to Meenmutty Waterfall — a pleasant waterfall setting (not to be confused with larger Meenmutty falls in Wayanad). Wear comfortable shoes and visit in daylight (typically open 6:00am–5:00pm).
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out to begin the drive to Trivandrum for last-day sightseeing and airport transfer. Hotel breakfast typically 7:30–9:00am.
Scenic drive down to Trivandrum — plan arrival time to allow a visit to the city’s key temple and timely airport transfer. Travel time varies with traffic; leave margin for city travel.
Visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the heart of Trivandrum; note strict dress code (men: dhoti; women: saree/long skirt) and that temple visiting hours are generally morning and evening (check current darshan rules and non-Hindu access restrictions before arrival).
Enjoy a final Kerala meal in Trivandrum — hotel or a recommended city restaurant will offer seafood and local specialties. Confirm kitchen hours (lunch service ~12:00–15:00).
Drop at Trivandrum International Airport for your onward flight. Please plan departure time with recommended airport check-in times (domestic 1.5–2 hours; international 3 hours prior).