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Arrive Cochin
Arrive Cochin. You will be transferred to your hotel in the heritage town of Fort Cochin (01 hour)
The spice trade first bought Chinese and Arabian traders to Kerala’ shores and later the Portuguese, Dutch and British thus making Fort Cochin a cultural melting point. Wander through its old streets, the synagogue, the ancient churches, colonial houses and the picturesque Chinese fishing nets.
This afternoon proceed for a guided tour of Cochin including the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (Friday closed)is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue (Saturday closed) at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica, originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets believed to be brought to Kochi by the Chinese Traders.
Overnight at Cochin.
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From Cochin to Munnar
Morning , drive to Munnar (140 kms, 4 hrs)
Located at an altitude of 1600 meters above the sea level, Munnar offers an ideal escapade from the heat and buzzing of urban life into the tranquil laps of nature. The mist covered rolling hills, sprawling tea plantations, colonial remnants, panoramic views, and pristine wilderness all add to the exquisite beauty of this hill station
In the evening visit the Tea museum and walk through the tea plantations.
Overnight at Munnar
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From Munnar to Madurai
Morning drive to Madurai (165km, 4.5 hrs)
Madurai
Over 2500 years old, Madurai is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu. A metropolis that traded with ancient Rome and was a great capital long before Chennai was even dreamt of. Tourists - Indian and foreign, usually come here to see the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a labyrinthine structure ranking among the greatest temples of India. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the city of Madurai and is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature. Though most of the present structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE , It is said that the temple was originally built in the 6th century BC, dedicated to the deity Meenakshi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, and her consort Sundareswarar, Lord Shiva.Visit the TiruparaKundram rock temple and Tirumalanayak palace.
At 21 00 Hrs. Witness the “Palli Arai” ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. The ritual would include a procession by the deities around the inner corridors of the temple with great pomp and music. At the end of the pooja , the goddess Parvati is typically escorted to the residing place of her divine husband, Lord Shiva.
Over night at Madurai.
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From Madurai to Periyar
Morning , drive to Periyar (150 km, 3.5 hrs )
Thekkady
Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompassing an area of 777 sq km. Set on the attractive man-made Periyar Lake; it attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Though the sanctuary was made a part of Project Tiger in 1973, it is better known for its elephants.Late afternoon Boat ride in Lake Periyar, and see the wildlife around the lake as you cruise along its banks. Apart from elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, otter and flying squirrel are common. There are also 246 species of birds and 112 species of butterfly.
Evening witness Kalaripayattu (martial arts) performance at a local theatre
Over night at Periyar.
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From Periyar to Backwaters
After early breakfast drive to Pallathuruthy in the backwaters. On arrival , board a houseboat for a three night cruise through the less travelled backwaters of Kerala.
HOUSEBOATS, popularly known as “Kettuvalam” is converted from a traditional rice barge. While cruising to Alleppey you will see the glimpses of village life of the people living around the backwater area. You may watch palm-lined bank and narrow stips of land that separate the waterways and the constant quiet traffic of valam (small boats) are typical.
Mouth watering Kerala Dishes are served on the Plantain Leaves awaiting you in the Boat. There are ample opportunities to do nothing, just relaxing embraced by the natural wind. In the evening wait for the romance of birds displayed seasonally in the vast canvas of the reddish sky. Then enjoy the delight of royal dinner under million stars. Listen the lullaby of waves and weeds of the Lake and have a sound sleep.
Step down into yet another backwater village - Champakulam to visit the renowned Champakulam Snake Boat and the ancient St. Mary’s Church. Let your palates to explore another rich meal of Kerala. By now you must be expert in using your fingers instead of fork and knife. You are passing through Kuttanad Region, lies below the sea level. The coconut trees gave a chance to rice fields too, to exhibit their charm. Later cruise towards Thottappally
Overnight in House boat.
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On board House boat
After the Breakfast visit the Thottapally Fishing village, see the fighting waves of Arabian Sea and the Holy Pamba River at the Estuary. Later TUK TUK ride to the Snake Temple at Mannarasala, 10 Kms away from the Backwaters. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient and internationally known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods. (Non hindus are not permitted to go inside the main temple).
Continue cruise to Trikkunnappuzha. Visit the Coir Village after the lunch-break. Wonder at the skill of yarn making with the help of fingers. You will cruise towards Ayiramthengu. By car drive for the 18th Century Krishnapuram Palace, 6 Kms away and the unique Ochira Santorum-less Temple. You will anchor and spend the night at Ayirathengu backwaters.
Overnight in House boat
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On board House boat
Morning, cruise towards Kayamkulam Lake, where the Backwaters mingle with waves of Arabian Sea. After lunch , cruise towards Kozhikode “Kettuvallam” boatyard where the country boats are being made from time to time.
You will further cruise to Vattakayal .Anchor the House boat on the middle of the lake for spending your last night in the backwaters. Watch the spectacular sunset in company of seagulls and fishing kites, through the web of Chinese Fishing Nets.
Overnight in House boat
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From House boat to Kovalam
Early morning cruise towards Alumkadavu Jetty. After breakfast, you will bid farewell to the crew and the accompanying escort in the House boat.
Drive to Kovalam (105 km,2.5 hrs)
Adorned with breath-taking views, serene beaches and refreshing atmosphere, Kovalam is an ideal leisure getaway. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans since long.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.
Overnight at Kovalam
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At Kovalam
Full day relax at kovalam beach
Overnight at Kovalam
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Departure from Trivandrum airport
In time transfer to Trivandrum airport (16 km, 35 mts) to connect flight back home
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| Duration | Description | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: | Arrival in Cochin | Tea Bungalow |
| Day 2: | From Cochin to Munnar | The Leaf |
| Day 3: | From Munnar to Madurai | GRT Regency |
| Day 4: | From Madurai to Periyar | Forest Canopy |
| Day 5: | From Periyar to Backwaters | House boat |
| Day 6: | In Backwaters | House boat |
| Day 7: | In Backwaters | House boat |
| Day 8: | From Backwaters to Kovalam | Uday Samudra |
| Day 9: | At Kovalam Beach | Uday Samudra |
| Day 10: | Departure from Trivandrum |
INCLUDED
- Hotel accommodation on breakfast basis except House boat on full board basis
- Transfers, sightseeing by an air conditioned vehicle
- Accompanying escort during three days on board house boat
- Meeting and assistance on arrivals and departures
- Entrance fees to all monuments as per program
- Private & exclusive sightseeing tours & activities as per program with services of an English speaking local guide
- 24 hour emergency contact
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Any meals other than that mentioned in the program.
- Camera/video fees at various monuments
- Tips and gratuities
