7-Day Mountain - Wildlife - Backwater Tour Day 1     Arrival at Cochin International Airport     Transfer to Munnar, 132 kilometres (82 mi)     Visit Munnar Town (everything closes by 9pm)     Overnight stay in Munnar Day 2     Chosen activities in the Munnar area     Overnight stay in Munnar Munnar is a hill station in the Western Ghats, a range of mountains in the Idukki district in the southwestern state of Kerala. Because of its 5,000 to 9,000 elevation, the highest temperatures are in the upper 70's in the summer. Munnar is surrounded by tea plantations that have existed for eons, with a myriad of recreational choices nearby. The town is a typical Indian town with many shops, places to eat, and a wide array of places to stay. Munnar was named by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as one of ten paradises on the planet. Visit a plantation, choose from many trekking trails with breathtaking mountain views and wildlife up close, tour a wildlife preserve, visit scenic waterfalls, ride an elephant. Visit the highest point above the clouds, visit botanical gardens, visit a bird sanctuary, visit a national park with endangered species, well maintained trekking trails, and waterfalls. Munnar is located at the conjunction of three rivers, which is the literal translation of its name, with nearby lakes. Day 3     Transfer to Thekkady / Kumily, 105 kilometres (65 mi)     Boat excursion on Thekkady Lake, or guided nature trail trek, or elephant ride,     or tour a spice plantation, or relax and enjoy a fabulous show of Kathakali     dance-drama in full makeup and costume.     Overnight stay in Kumily Day 4     Boat excursion on Thekkady Lake, or guided nature trail trek, or elephant ride,     or tour a spice plantation, or drive through Tiger Preserve at Gavi.     Overnight stay in Kumily Thekkady is surrounded by lush spice and tea plantations and thick jungles full of exotic wildlife. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife preserves in India and can be viewed up close from tour boats on the lake adjacent to the preserve. Spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns. Gavi, 14 km away, is part of the Periyar Tiger reserve, and the route can be covered by car or a rented jeep, driver, and English-speaking guide. Day 5     Transfer to Alappuzha – 145 km (90 miles) On the Arabian Sea, Alappuzha is a town with picturesque canals, beaches, lagoons, and a network of freshwater rivers and backwaters. It has been known for ages as the "Venice of the East". Here, you will enjoy a houseboat cruise in the backwaters to an anchor point and there you will stay overnight on the houseboat- all meals are provided on the boat. Cruise back the next morning to depart for Cochin. Day 6     Transfer to Cochin - 53 km (32 miles)     Choose from many attractions to visit- A fort, museums, cultural plays, beaches,     temples, palaces, churches, galleries, shopping, etc.     Overnight stay in Cochin Day 7     Farewell Breakfast     Transfer to Airport