-
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.
At 1700 hrs , proceed to a local theatre where you can witness live performance Kathakaly dance and other performing Arts of Kerala. Overnight at Cochin
Overnight at Cochin.
Test Content -
At Cochin – Being local
Today is a different day , this morning you will explore Cochin with your guide by being a localite. There is no car today. You will walk , take the TUK TUK through the narrow streets of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry , climb on a local bus in the busy hours to the city , walk along thousands of people exploring the local market , know the spices , visit the railway station when thousands of people return to their nearby village after the day’s work , take the local ferry from the mainland to return to the island of Fort Cochin. By evening you will experience everything what is happening in a day at Cochin.
During the course, you will also visit the monuments at Fort Cochin and Mattancherry - The St Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India ,where Vasco de Gama the first European traveller to India was originally buried here. 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.
This evening you will have Sea food dining experience with Mr Francis and his wife Mrs Rosy at their residence and experience the traditional flavours and preparations of Kerala Cuisine. They serve closely guarded secret recipes sourced from the old families of Cochin flavourful dishes generously spiced with fresh cinnamon, pepper, red chilli, coriander, green chilly, curry leaves, vanilla, ginger. Freshly caught fish and crustaceans grilled or cooked the way you fancy with a fusion of Indian condiments. Mrs Rosy will also teach you a favourite sea food dish of Fort Cochin.
Overnight at Cochin.
Test Content -
From Cochin to Munnar
Morning , drive to Munnar 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
Test Content -
At Munnar
Kolukkumalai Tea Factory Visit
Morning proceed by Jeep to Kolukkumalai tea Factory . At Kolukkumalai, tea is grown at an altitude of around 8000ft and this is world's highest grown tea. Once inside, visitors can get a glimpse into the process of tea making. It must be noted that Kolukkumalai follows the older and slower orthodox method of tea processing instead of the newer Crush-Tear-Curl method so one can get the traditional feel of how tea used to be made in the days of the East India Company. After the guided tour through the factory, you can walk into the tea-tasting centre of the factory and be treated to a variety of teas on offer. Buy packets of tea, sold as per the grade, such as Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP), Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP). The assistants at the shop will also gladly describe the best way to make each of the teas, including iced-tea.Packed Lunch will be served. Later return back to Munnar.
Overnight at Munnar
Test Content -
From Munnar to Rajakkad Estate, Manjalparappu
Morning , drive to Rajakkad Estate at Manjalparappu near Dindigul (145 kms , 04 hrs)
It is a world to be found in the lush forests, the coffee estates and the grandeur of the Palani Hills. Pallam Palace is the house that sits at the heart of the old Rajakkad plantation. A small garden hotel with 7 unique bedrooms within an 18th century wooden structure that perfectly expresses its rich architectural heritage. At 1000 meters above sea level and set in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Rajakkad Estate offers a sense of serenity and tranquillity. For the traveller seeking a world apart or for the explorer in search of adventure there can be no better setting. As for those in search of peace, look no further.
Lunch , dinner and overnight at Rajakkad Estate.
Test Content -
At Rajakkad Estate
Day at leisure to enjoy the nature or there are a number of excursions - accompanied by the estate guide: walks up the river through rocky gorges, beneath the spreading canopy of the trees and over escarpments with views in all directions; visits the nearby coffee plantation and the surrounding hills with waterfalls and quiet pools where one can swim and enjoy total peace.
Lunch, dinner and overnight at Rajakkad Estate.
Test Content -
From Rajakkad Estate to Madurai
Morning drive to Madurai (90 km , 02 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.
Overnight at Madurai.
Test Content -
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.Later afternoon , proceed for a spice plantation visit with a naturalist to obtain first hand information on various spices like Cardamom, Pepper , Cinnamon , Clove and Nutmeg.
Evening witness Kalaripayattu performance (Martial Arts) at a local theatre
Over night at Periyar.
Test Content -
At Periyar
After early breakfast proceed for full day border hiking in Periyar National Park
The Programme
This is a conservation oriented hard trek taking up a full day. The trekking starts at 8 o’ clock in the morning and ends in the evening. The route passes through undulating terrains. Altitudinal ranges of 900 meters to 1300 meters will be covered and the trekkers could glimpse the lofty escarpments bordering the park watershed and the vast plains down below. Gaur, sloth bear, elephant, etc. are often sighted along this route apart from birds and butterflies. The trekkers will go with two guides and an armed forest guard. Vegetarian refreshments will be provided en- route.Overnight at Periyar
Test Content -
From Periyar to Backwaters
After early breakfast , you will drive to the village of Pallathuruthy (150 km , 04 hrs) . On arrival board the house boat for an overnight cruise around the backwaters of Alleppey.
HOUSEBOATS, popularly known as “Kettuvalam” is converted from a traditional rice barge. Exploring backwaters in a houseboat is the best way to experience the Kerala’s beauty through the palm-fringed backwaters – a chain of lakes, canals and lagoons. .The islands and paddy farms on the either side are separated by lagoons, brooks and small gushing streams.
Lunch , Dinner and overnight on board House boat
Test Content -
From Backwaters to Alleppey
At 0930 hrs , disembark from House boat and drive to your home stay at Alleppey (30 mts)
Your host at Elsa’s home stay , Tomy & Elsamma will await to welcome you. The couple together are natural talents combined to ensure guests friendly service and unforgettable feasts. You will experience the Keralan hospitality , culture , history and cuisine. Lunch with the family. Later Elsamma will tell you about the dishes planned for Dinner and about the required ingredients. Tomy will escort you to the local market to purchase vegetables and fish. After return from the local market, you will assemble at your hostess’ Kitchen for a cooking lesson on how to prepare ‘Appam’ , (Milk Hopper) a kerala speciality that owes its origin to Jews. You will prepare the Appam to be served for dinner.
Overnight at Alleppey
Test Content -
From Alleppey to Marari beach
Early morning, Tomy will take you for a walk around the small town and give you an insight into the once famous port town of Alleppey.
You will say farewell to Tomy & Elsamma and by mid morning you will drive to Marari (30 mts)
The Marari beach is among one of the 5 Hammock beaches in the world rated by National Geographic survey. Mararikulam is a fishing hamlet where small wooden boats rest on the sea shore. The beach is relatively undiscovered, hence not too many resorts. The beach is quiet, only the local fishermen, their traditional colourful wooden boats and the abundant wildlife share the beach, so you are virtually alone to enjoy the endless crisp white sand under your bare feet, the vibrant green coconut palms, the cool sea breeze and the azure ocean.
Relax at the beach resort. Overnight at Marari
Test Content -
Marari
Full day relax at the beach.
Overnight at Marari
Test Content -
Departure from Marari to Cochin airport
In time transfer to Cochin airport (90 km , 02 hrs) to connect flight back home
Test Content
Duration | Description | Stay |
---|---|---|
Day 1: | Arrival in Cochin | Spice Fort |
Day 2: | Explore Cochin | Spice Fort |
Day 3: | From Cochin to Munnar | Ecotones Camps |
Day 4: | At Munnar - activities | Ecotones Camps |
Day 5: | From Munnar to Manjalparappu | Rajakkad Estate |
Day 6: | At Manjalparappu | Rajakkad Estate |
Day 7: | From Manjalparappu to Madurai | GRT Regency |
Day 8: | From Madurai to Periyar | Forest Canopy |
Day 9: | At Periyar – activities | Forest Canopy |
Day 10: | From Periyar to backwaters | House boat |
Day 11: | From Backwaters to Alleppey | Elsa’s home stay |
Day 12: | From Alleppey to Marari beach | Marari Sands |
Day 13: | Relax at Marari beach | Marari Sands |
Day 14: | Departure from Cochin |
INCLUDED
- Hotel accommodation bed & breakfast basis except Thalasserry , House boat and Calicut on full board
- Transfers, sightseeing by an air conditioned vehicle
- Meeting and assistance on arrivals and departures
- Entrance fees to all monuments as per program
- Private & exclusive sightseeing tours & Train Tickets , 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