Cultural Tour in India and Sri Lanka

Arrival in Kochi / Kochi – Munnar (127 Km, 3 Hours and 40 Minutes)

Arrival at Kochi International Airport.

Once you have completed the immigration procedures and collected your luggage, our representative will be waiting for you outside the terminal for the transfer to Munnar.

Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Standard check-in time: 14:00 / check-out time: 12:00.

Upon arrival, start of the sightseeing tour.

Pothamedu Viewpoint: Experience the magnificent panoramas of Munnar! Visit Pothamedu, a hilltop site from where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mist-covered hills and lush green valleys caressed by cool breezes.

Pallivasal Waterfalls: The Pallivasal Falls in Munnar are a secluded yet scenic tourist attraction. These waterfalls are formed by the Muthirappuzhayar River and are among the most popular in the region.

Blossom Park: This park is located in one of the most beautiful areas of the region. It offers numerous activities, including boating, skating, and cycling. If you prefer a more peaceful visit, you can admire the trees and a wide variety of beautiful flowers.

Tea Factory: The plantations have significantly contributed to attracting visitors to the area. Tata Tea established the Tea Museum in 2005, where photographs and machinery showcasing the history of tea production in the region are displayed.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

Munnar

After breakfast, the day begins.

Trekking: Munnar is one of the best destinations in Kerala for soft trekking through tea plantations, green hills, and breathtaking landscapes.

Echo Point: Located about 15 km from Munnar, Echo Point is famous for its natural echo phenomenon. It remains a popular attraction visited by numerous tourists throughout the year.

Mattupetty: Mattupetty is among the most visited destinations in the Munnar tourist region. It is a beautiful picnic spot that regularly attracts visitors.

Photo Point: Although much of Munnar is highly photogenic, Photo Point stands out even more. Located just 3 km from the town’s main market, this site is especially popular among photographers.

Carmelagiri Elephant Park: Carmelagiri Elephant Park offers an authentic and immersive experience with elephants in the heart of Kerala’s tropical nature. Visitors can observe these magnificent animals up close and discover the local traditions and culture of the region.

Kathakali Performance: Kathakali is one of the major forms of Indian classical dance. It is a narrative theatrical art form characterized by elaborate makeup, colorful costumes, and vibrant masks traditionally worn by male actor-dancers.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

Munnar – Madurai (160 Km, 3 Hours and 55 Minutes)

After breakfast, depart for Madurai.

Flower Market: In addition to the impressive temples of Madurai, the city’s flower market, located between the central market and the Maatuthavani bus station, is a vibrant representation of local life that travelers should not miss. This enormous market, one of the largest in India, exports various species of flowers, including the exclusive and fragrant Madurai Malli (jasmine).

Thirumalai Nayakar Palace: Thirumalai Nayakar Palace was built in 1636 AD in the city of Madurai by King Thirumalai Nayak. It represents a perfect blend of Dravidian and Rajput architectural styles.

Banana Market: Madurai’s banana market is a wholesale market located in Rukmanipalayam. Sixteen varieties of bananas are traded here, making it one of the most popular commercial centers in the city.

Pudhu Mandapam – Traditional Handicrafts: A lively market situated in the heart of Madurai. This historic bazaar is famous for its traditional handicrafts, fine silk sarees, and intricately designed jewelry.

Meenakshi Temple: Built in the 14th century, it features four imposing towers called gopurams, with the tallest reaching approximately 170 feet. More than 33,000 sculptures adorn the temple, and the roof is covered with intricate designs. Among its most remarkable features are the Hall of 1,000 Pillars and the famous musical pillars.

Overnight stay in Madurai.

Madurai – Thekkady (141 Km, 3 Hours and 30 Minutes)

After breakfast, depart for Thekkady.

Upon arrival, visit the Spice Plantation: Spice plantations are a unique attraction in Thekkady, Kerala, and most visitors do not miss this interesting experience.

Elephant Junction: Located near Kumily, Thekkady is an excellent place to learn about elephants, enjoy elephant rides, and experience bathing and showering with them. It is a fun and enjoyable activity for both children and adults.

Boat Ride at Periyar National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary: The park is widely known for Lake Periyar. Managed by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department, the lake attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Kalaripayattu Performance: Considered one of the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world, Kalaripayattu was developed in Kerala. Praised as the pride of Kerala, the training begins with a full-body oil massage to make the body agile and flexible. Techniques such as chattom (jumping), ottam (running), and marichil (somersaulting) are also integral parts of this art form.

Later, return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Thekkady – Alleppey (141 Km, 3 Hours and 30 Minutes) (Full Board)

After breakfast, depart for Alleppey.

Arrival in Alleppey and transfer to the hotel; the rest of the day is dedicated to the boat ride.

Alleppey: Popularly known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey (Alappuzha) is famous for its tranquil backwaters and exceptionally scenic landscapes. A houseboat cruise is undoubtedly one of the best ways to admire the extraordinary natural beauty of this picturesque destination and is considered one of the most fascinating experiences to enjoy in Alleppey.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a Boat Excursion: Disembark from the houseboat and board a smaller boat to observe the daily life of the local inhabitants. These shores seem untouched by time, surrounded by vast paddy fields and coconut palms gently swaying in the breeze.

Dinner and overnight stay in Alleppey.

Alleppey – Kumarakom – Kochi (81 Km, 2 Hours and 20 Minutes)

After breakfast, depart for Kochi.

En route, visit Aymanam: Hidden on the outskirts of the city of Kottayam, the small village of Aymanam has a special story to tell. Famous for its extraordinary natural beauty and rich cultural diversity, it represents one of the lesser-explored treasures of “God’s Own Country.” Bordered by the magnificent Vembanad Lake on the west and the Meenachil River on the other side, this place has been generously blessed by nature. Visitors can enjoy relaxing cruises through these picturesque waters.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: It is one of the most famous birdwatching destinations in the country. Spread across approximately 14 hectares, it is home to numerous rare species of birds. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake near Kottayam, visitors can observe a wide variety of migratory birds arriving from regions such as the Himalayas and Siberia.

Upon arrival in Kochi, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Kochi.

Kochi – Colombo (Flight) / Arrival in Colombo / Colombo – Negombo (35 Km, 1 Hour)

After breakfast.

Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule to Colombo.

Arrival at Colombo International Airport.

Once you have completed the immigration procedures and collected your luggage, our representative will be waiting for you outside the terminal for the transfer.

Arrival at the hotel and check-in. Standard check-in time: 14:00 / check-out time: 12:00.

Overnight stay in Negombo.

Negombo – Sigiriya (146 Km, 3 Hours and 50 Minutes)

After breakfast, departure for Sigiriya.

Along the way, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Usually there are between 40 and 60 orphaned elephants, and visitors can safely observe them being fed from a viewing platform located about 8 meters away, during one of the four daily feeding sessions held every three hours from 09:00 to 18:00.

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple: The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country, consisting of five main caves, each containing numerous statues of Lord Buddha, as well as figures of kings and statues of Lord Vishnu.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Sigiriya

After breakfast, visit:

Sigiriya Village Tour: The tour begins with a bullock cart ride near the lake, followed by a catamaran ride to the opposite side of the village. After a short walk through the rice fields and vegetable gardens, you will arrive at the village. At a village house, a local woman will demonstrate traditional Sri Lankan cooking.

Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park: Enjoy an exciting jeep safari in the park, famous for its large gatherings of wild elephants. Observe a variety of wildlife, including deer, monkeys, and exotic birds, in their natural habitat.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Sigiriya – Kandy (90 Km, 2 Hours and 20 Minutes)

After breakfast, visit:

Sigiriya Lion Rock: Sigiriya Rock, also known as Lion Rock, is the ancient fortress for which Sigiriya is famous. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of a citadel featuring palace ruins, the Lion Gate, gardens, moats, the Mirror Wall, and many beautiful frescoes (paintings created on wet plaster walls).

Departure for Kandy.

Along the way, visit Spice Garden Matale: The Spice Garden of Inamaluwa is home to a wide variety of spices such as cardamom, black pepper, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom. Visitors can discover how these spices are cultivated on such a large scale.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in the world. It is located within the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy. The temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, enshrined in a golden chamber within the royal palace complex.

Cultural Dance Show: The Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show is an exciting performance of Sri Lankan art, dance, and cultural heritage that is absolutely worth seeing for every visitor to the historic city of Kandy.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (95 Km, 2 Hours and 50 Minutes)

After breakfast, departure for Nuwara Eliya.

Damro Tea Factory and Plantation: Stop at the Damro Tea Factory to witness the tea production process firsthand. Walk through the lush tea plantations, enjoy the fresh aroma of the tea leaves, and savor a complimentary cup of Ceylon tea.

Ramboda Falls: Ramboda Falls is located in the Pussellawa area of Kandy District. The region is known for its beautiful landscapes of highlands, ridges, plains, streams, and rolling hills.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya – Ella (60 Km, 1 Hour and 50 Minutes)

After breakfast, departure for Ella.

Sitha Amman Temple: According to the Indian epic Ramayana, the Seetha Amman Temple is believed to be the place where Sita Devi was held captive by King Ravana, where she prayed daily to Lord Rama to come and rescue her. The temple is also believed to be the place where Lord Hanuman delivered a message to Sita Devi. The temple now features footprints believed to belong to Lord Hanuman, suggesting his presence there.

Nine Arches Bridge by Tuk Tuk: Also known as “The Bridge in the Sky,” it is an iconic architectural structure in the mountainous region of Ella. It is a magnificent stone bridge built amidst lush green tea plantations, with beautiful mountains in the background.

In the evening, visit Ella Town.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Ella.

Ella – Yala (61 Km, 1 Hour and 30 Minutes)

After breakfast, departure for Yala.

Upon arrival, visit Ravana Falls: The Ravana Caves are located 2 km from the town of Ella, at the base of a cliff, and are believed to be around 4,000 years old. You can drive up the hill to reach the Ravana Ella Temple (which is about 2,500 years old), and from there follow a path of 800 steps leading to the Ravana Caves.

Upon arrival in Yala, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Yala.

Yala – Colombo (90 Km, 2 Hours)

After breakfast, depart for Colombo.

Enjoy a safari in Yala National Park:- Covering an area of 979 square kilometres, Yala National Park, located in southeastern Sri Lanka, is the country’s largest and most visited wildlife conservation area. It is home to the highest density of leopards in the world, along with Sri Lankan elephants, crocodiles, and more than 400 species of birds.

Galle Dutch Fort:- Galle Fort, Sri Lanka, is an extraordinary example of ancient architecture and heritage combined with breathtaking natural beauty. The fort is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Colombo.