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Kerala, the God s own country, is a land of tranquil palm groves
dotted with brilliant green paddy fields, tea, coffee and rubber
plantations, pungent spices and miles of narrow canals and
waterways. Here is a journey that takes you through varied
attractions of Kerala. Stay at the hill resort of Munar amidst
tea and cardamom plantations. The Houseboat cruise in the
palm-shaded waterways is both rewarding and relaxing.
Destination Covered:-
Cochin ~ Munnar ~ Periyar ~ Kumarakum Houseboat ~ Alappuzha ~
Kovalam
Duration:-
13 Nights 14 Days
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Day
1 Cochin
Arrive Cochin and transfer to the hotel. Set amidst lagoons
and backwaters on the Malabar Coast, Cochin is also known as
the ‘Venice of the East’. Over the centuries Europeans have
been trading here for ivory, spices and teak. The British,
Dutch and Portuguese left their influence on this great
city. Afternoon a Sunset harbor cruise to see the Bolgahtty
Island and the Chinese fishing nets. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 2 Cochin
Morning city tour visiting
the Dutch Palace, with its 17th Century murals of Ramayana.
Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568, contains Grand Scroll of
the Old Testament. Also visit Fort Cochin and St France’s
Church, the oldest European church in India. Vasco de Gama,
who discovered India, was first buried here. Afternoon see
the famous Kathakali dance performance (optional), a
traditional folk dance of Kerala, enacting stories from the
Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabhartha.
Day 3 Cochin to Munnar
Morning leave by road to
Munnar, a hill resort in the midst of Cardamom and tea
plantations, on the Western Ghats. Situated on the
confluence of three mountain streams, this British summer
retreat of Raj has lakes, reservoirs and lush green forests.
Munnar is a major centre for tea industryin Kerala.
Afternoon explore the town. Overnight at the Hotel .
Day 4 Munnar
Morning visit to tea and
spice plantations and see the crops grown. Afternoon free.
Munnar is close to Anaimudi (2695m), the highest peak in
South India and offers plenty of natural walks. Optional
visit to the nearby Mattupetty Dam and Evarikulam National
park to see the Nilgiri Thar (wild goat). This park is also
rich in variety of bird life.
Day 5 Munnar to Periyar
Drive to Periyar National
Park, noted for its elephant herds and a rich variety of
bird life. Afternoon game viewing by boat. Overnight at the
Hotel.
Day 6 Periyar
Morning and afternoon boat
ride in the lake Periyar in search of more game.
Day 7 Periyar to Kumarakum
After breakfast drive to
Chengnacherry and take a boat Cruise. The cruise takes over
3 hours passing along most picturesque narrow canals.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 8 Kumarakum
A day at leisure to relax on the shores of the Vembanad
Lake. At your leisure visit the nearby bird sanctuary or a
local village.
Day 9 Kumarakum to Backwaters
After breakfast join the
Riceboat and cruise slowly through the palm-fringed
waterways of the Vembanad Lake. Your captain and cook will
cruise with you. See the life in the backwaters as you pass
through various villages. Overnight on board the Houseboat.
Day 10 Backwaters to Alappuzha
Morning leave the houseboat
in Alappuzha (Alleppey), an enchanting backwater destination
famous for coir and carpet products, fish and lakes. Every
year a boat race is held here and features the gigantic
snake-boats of Kerala. Afternoon tour of the town includes
visit to a coir factory. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 11 Alappuzha to Kovalam
Morning train to Trivandrum and transfer to Kovalam, an
uncluttered beach of silver sands with rows and rows of tall
palm. Remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight a the beach
resort for 3 nights.
Days 12 & 13 Kovalam
At leisure. During your stay you will be provided
with a day excursion to Kannikumari (Cape Cemorin) ‘The
Lands End of India’ where India Ocean, Arabian Sea and the
Bay of Bengal meet, visiting Padmanabhapuram Palace and
Suchindram en route. Sunset at the Lands End is spectacular.
Day 14 Depart Kovalam
Transfer to the Trivandrum
airport for your onward flight
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Cochin - Beach |
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Munnar |
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Periyar National Park |
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Kumarakum |
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