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| With so much to offer, there is something for all tastes. India takes pride in its rich cultural heritage characterised by its magnificent temples and the historic forts and palaces |
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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.
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Cochin ~ Munnar ~ Periyar ~ Kumarakum Houseboat ~ Alappuzha ~ Kovalam |
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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 Trident Hilton.
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.
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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 Club Mahendra Lake View.
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.
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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 Taj Garden Retreat/Spice Village.
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 Taj Garden Retreat/Coconut Lagoon.
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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.
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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 Lake Palace 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 Taj Green Cove/Leela Kovalam for 3 nights.
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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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| International Flights: We would be pleased to assist you in arranging very competitive flights from the UK including regional airports. |
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