Ten days around Cochin - what do to?

Hi,

We'll arrive in Cochin on 27 Jan and leave on Feb 6. We'd like some suggestions on an itinerary. Our main interest is photography.

We definitely would like to visit Munnar and we'll go on some backwater tours - no overnight though (my wife want to sleep in a hotel, not on a boat ).

How many days are reasonable to stay in Cochin? And in Munnar? We’re thinking about Periyar wildlife sanctuary – is it worth it? What kind of animals do you spot on a trip there? I’ve been on safari in South Africa so I guess I’m a bit spoiled on wildlife .

Where else would you suggest going around Cochin and Munnar?

Hope you can help, cheers.

John

Anyone have suggestions? hmm... this seems like a really slow forum.

I hadn't replied to your questions because I have not yet been to India. But since you are getting so few responses, here goes:
My husband and I are going to South India for 7 weeks, arriving in Cochin on January 23. Since you have 10 days, I think that it would be nice to divide them between Cochin, Alleppy, Munnar, and possibly Periyar (depending on how much you want to move around). Some Indiamikers have said they did not Alleppy very much, but I think the cheap day trips on the ferries from Alleppy sound great (see other threads for details on this). I'm also looking forward to a day on a houseboat. Everyone seems to like Munnar, but some people are less enthused about Periyar.

Scrappydog, there is a lot of information about Kerala here on IM: searching and browsing should provide you with all the information you require.

10 days in Kerala.... Hmmm, Nice. Enjoy

Thank you, our plan is forming slowly. I've done a lot of searching here and on Internet. Amazing what google can do four you. I typed in following searchwords: "Cochin, Munnar, Periyar, Itinerary" and got more than I needed.

Merry christmas all!

Scrappydog: In addition to Periyar, the house-boat at Allepey/Alapuzha and Munnar, you could consider the following:
a) Marari Beach (about couple of hours drive from Cochin)
b) Kumarakom - stay at the Resort
Would recommend that you not give up on staying overnight on the house-boat - it is very much like a hotel room, but different.

Scrappydog , I was for 2 days in Cochin. I had very short time in my hand. But still there I went to see the oldest church, (St. Francis Church) established probably around the beginning of 15 th century. This is the place where Vasco da gama was originally buried.

Matyancheru Palace : A palace built by Portuguese during the mid 16th century.

The Jewish Synagogue is also unique.

Here all are good to see. But please remember one thing that the temple is closed on Saturday. In Cochin all shops remains closed on Sunday, this gave me a bit trouble, so arrange accordingly.
It may help u.

scrappydog,cochin (kochi) is one of the most interesting cities in sth india,
places to see in and around cochin,visit the following,willingdon island - lunch
at the taj mallabar is great,gin & tonics in surrounding gardens finishes off a
nice afternoon, visit to fort cochin a must for photography,chinese fishing
nets around dusk for photos,spend afternoon exploring fort cochin & then
finish off with fishing nets,not been to the next 2 islands I suggest but they
are definetly on my list next time I visit cochin, 1) vypeen island & 2)bolgatty
island,munnar sounds great for a few days,houseboats are a must,suggestion
backwater cruise (full - day,get lunch included and drop off for 1 or 2 nights
at taj garden retreat,kumarakom,depends on your budget,or just call in there
for a few very cold drinks on front verandah,kumarakom also has bird santuary which might interest your photography passion,you can catch car
back to cochin at reasonable cost,some houseboat cruises include return
car journey back to cochin,another spot which may take your fancy is
varkala which is further on down the coast,or you can also check out
more hills areas such as periyar,kumily(spice town near periyar wildlife park.

hope have given you some ideas,happy travelling.

rgds,paul vandy

ps;try and get a Kochi City Tourist Map & Information brochure,most of the
bigger hotels have them at their tourist travel desks,good info & map.
theres also a company called indo world tours & travel which are involved in
production of this brochure so they should be able to get you one.