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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.
Overnight at Cochin.
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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.
Overnight at Fort Cochin
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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
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At Munnar - half day trek
Chokkanmudi Peak – Half day trek
You will start trekking to Chokanmudi Mountain, third highest mountains in the lush and sprawling lands of Munnar. At the beginning of the trek, you pass through beautiful tea plantations, which leads to beautiful ridges covered with grasslands as well as rocky terrain. The magnificent mountain slopes, the rocky mountainside and the patches of beautiful Shola forest make for a breathtaking visual delight.
Overnight at Munnar
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From Munnar to Periyar
Morning , Drive to Periyar (125 kms , 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; Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Thekkady is also the home for the best of spices.
Late afternoon proceed for a 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 proceed to witness Kalaripayattu performance (Martial Arts) at a local theatre
Over night at Periyar
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Periyar/Kambam Village/Periyar
Today you will experience a tamil village and then later lunch at a farm house. In the beginning you can also cycle for 10 kms through Tamilnadu lowlands. You will pass through vegetable farm lands , stop at vine yards. The local life in Tamilnadu highly depends on agriculture and the produce is sold to other states, Including Kerala.
You will then Stop at a Typical Tamil Restaurant for breakfast have a go on the local delicacy. You will walk to the farmers market ,Enjoy the sight of fair trade and understand the magnitude of the business. Pick up vegetables from the market to cook your salad for Lunch. You will now jump on a bullock cart to take you to the farm house. Prepare your own salad with your cook and enjoy a typical Tamil lunch at the farm house. The care taker will take you around the farm to get a first hand information on the growing of crops like pomegranate, Banana , grapes , papaya. By late afternoon , you will drive back to Periyar.
Overnight at Periyar.
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From Periyar to Kumarakom
Morning, drive to Kumarakom (125 km , 04 hr)
Kumarakom , The legendary backwaters of Kumarakom have brought visitors from far and wide to its shores. An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake.
The resorts offers comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage,boating, fishing, angling and swimming.
Over night at Kumarakom.
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From Kumarakom to House boat
Morning at leisure. At 1200 hours , board an house boat for overnight cruise around the backwaters of Kumarakom and 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.
Overnight on board House boat
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From House boat to Marari Beach
At 0930 hrs , disembark from House boat and drive to Marari beach (40 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
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Marari
Full day relax at the beach. Overnight at Marari
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Departure from Marari to Cochin airport
In time transfer to Cochin airport (90 km , 02 hrs) to connect flight back home
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Duration | Description | Stay |
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Day 1: | Arrival in Cochin | Old Harbour/ Eighth Bastion |
Day 2: | Explore Cochin | Old Harbour/Eighth Bastion |
Day 3: | From Cochin to Munnar | Windermere Estate/Ecotones Camps |
Day 4: | Trekking at Munnar | Windermere Estate/Ecotones Camps |
Day 5: | From Munnar to Periyar | Spice Village / Hills & Hues |
Day 6: | Activities at Periyar | Spice Village / Hills & Hues |
Day 7: | From Periyar to Kumarakom | Coconut Lagoon / Aveda resorts&Spa |
Day 8: | From Kumarakom to House boat | Air-conditioned House boat |
Day 9: | From House boat to Marari Beach | Marari Beach / A beach symphony |
Day 10: | Relax at Marari beach | Marari Beach / A beach symphony |
Day 11: | Departure from Cochin |
INCLUDED
- Hotel accommodation bed & breakfast basis except House boat 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 & 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