Destinations Covered: Cochin - Periyar - Alleppy - Kumarakom - Cochin
DAY 01: ARRIVE IN COCHIN
Meeting, assistance on arrival at the airport & transfer to hotel.
If Kerala is India’s most beautiful state, which many tourists believe, then the lovely port of Cochin is its jewel. It has been variously hailed as Queen of the Arabian Sea, Venice of Orient, etc. Some choose to call it simply a museum city for its rich past and colourful present. Cochin displays a blend of peoples and architecture. It is one place where you can see a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, Dutch architecture, a couple of mosques, Hindu temples and Chinese fishing nets all in one day.
Overnight Stay at Cochin.
DAY 02: IN COCHIN
Morning: After breakfast sightseeing tour of Kochi. Visit the Dutch Palace (Friday closed), the Jewish Synagogue - (which remains closed on Friday & Saturday) St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. While driving along the coastline, at the Harbour’ s mouth, one can also view the unique and still-in-use "Chinese Fishing Nets" which were introduced by the Chinese traders in the 14th Century. The tour ends in the Fort Kochi area where you can walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. Some parts of this nearly 500-year-old Fort are still amazingly well preserved.
Evening witness Kathakali dance performance.
Enjoy India's most spectacular Dance Drama based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The dancers are elaborately made up with paint and masks, accompanied with drummers and musicians.
Later will back to hotel.
Overnight Stay at Cochin.
DAY 03: DRIVE FROM COCHIN TO PERIYAR (145 KMS / 04 HRS)
Morning post breakfast will check-out and drive to Periyar.
Periyar has a lot to offer you in sightseeing. The name Thekkady, for those who have already visited this place, brings to mind images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. Moreover, the flora and fauna of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is absolutely thrilling. The wildlife sanctuary here is the natural habitat of a wide variety of animal species.
Upon arrival in Periyar check in at hotel.
Afternoon take Nature Walk in Periyar wildlife sanctuary with naturalist Periyar has a lot to offer you in sightseeing. The flora and fauna of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is absolutely thrilling. Learn more about the local flora & fauna as you walk through the dense forest trails. The dense forests of Periyar are home to many species of plants and you will be amused by the rich biodiversity of this region. You will also walk through the Periyar Lake where, if Lucky, you will have chance to see herds of wild Elephants & Baisons who visit the lake to drink water. This water body is also home to many species of local & migratory birds.
Overnight stay at the Periyar.
DAY 04: DRIVE FROM PERIYAR TO ALLEPPEY (HOUSEBOAT) (4.5 HRS DRIVE)
Morning post breakfast will proceed for visit to a Spice Plantation to watch different varieties of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, peeper, clove, vanilla, ginger, tea and coffee growing in their natural environment. Periyar is on 1000 meters above the sea level and is rich in spice growing. 95% pepper in India is produced from here. Vasco de Gama was the first European to land at the Malabar Coast in 1498 A.D. in search of spices. Pepper in those days was exported against the equal weight of gold, so in the beginning of 15th century pepper was called black gold.
Later drive to Alleppey to embark the houseboat (between 1330 – 1400 hrs)
Lunch on board.
Afternoon: Enjoy the houseboat cruising through narrow canals and watch the village like of Kerala.
Evening On-board tea and cookies served (NO ALCOHOL AVAILABLE in HOUSEBOAT)
Later boat is anchored by a local village (since after dark fisherman put the fishing net in the canal to catch the fish for their livelihood)
Onboard dinner
Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay on the houseboat.
DAY 05: HOUSEBOAT KUMARAKOM JETTY TO KUMARAKOM RESORT
This morning: Disembark the houseboat after breakfast (by 9 AM ) in Kumarakom jetty and check in at back water resort.
Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets.
On arrival check-in at the hotel.
Relax in the back water resort and enjoy Ayurveda massage & spa (Direct payment).
Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
DAY 06: KUMARAKOM
Morning post breakfast proceed for village walk tour.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live There in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
Kumarakom, located on the Southern coast of India enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. Nature has composed its magic to perfection here. A million verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. Everywhere, nature is at its best. Blooming forth in perfumes of flowers. In the riot of colors of multi-hued birds. In the fresh, succulent and bountiful freshwater fishes.
(Winner of UNWTO ULYSEES Award)
The Experience
Kumarakom is a cluster of small picturesque islands around the Vembanad Lake. The village is well acclaimed for its backwaters, delicious cuisines and greenery. This tourist destination, over the years, is one of the most-visited in Kerala. Our journey will begin at Kavanatinkara after a briefing session. You will be accompanied by a guide who will familiarize you to the picturesque landscapes and the lush green surroundings of Kumarakom and whole program takes about 2.5-3 hrs.
STOPOVER 1 :SHIKHARA BOAT
Your journey begins in a Shikhara boat. Proceed over a lake flanked by greens, to the manjira village. Get a grand reception from villagers .
STOPOVER 2: AT THE TOP OF A COCONUT TREE
Learn how the times changed, as Ajeesh shows you two ways of climbing a coconut tree-the laborious traditional way using a thalappu and the modern way using latest instruments. Celebrate the end of class by treating yourself to fresh tender coconut
STOPOVER 3 : TASTE OF TENDER COCONUT
Enjoy the beauty of lush green paddy fields at Sabu’s house. In his coconut grove, you will get to taste some sweet coconut water and tender coconut. Then you head to Ajeesh’s home.
STOPOVER 4 ; TODDY TAPPING
Proceed across paddy fields to reach the next stopover-a coconut grove. Taste the famed Kerala beverages, toddy, and fresh out of the pot. Watch toddy being nearby, and learn about unique plants and spices.
STOPOVER 5 ; GOWRI’S HOME
Gowri takes you through the art of weaving coconut leaves. Then she lets you try your hand at it.
STOPOVER 6 : NET FISHING
Suresh a skilled fisherman of manjira, will teach you some tried-and-true fishing tips. Watch in awe as he casts a net and catches a few with ease. We then proceed to Latha’s home in a little boat.
STOPOVER 7 : LATHA’S HOUSE
Latha’s home is where you get to watch the fascinating process of coir-making. Check out the various steps involved and try your hand at coir spinning.
STOPOVER 8 : WORLD OF SCREW PINES
Learn from omana how screw pine products are made. Don’t forget to buy the one or two that catch your fancy.
Later in the afternoon back to hotel.
Relax in the back water resort and enjoy Ayurveda massage & spa (Direct payment).
Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
DAY 07: KUMARAKOM – KOCHI (50 KMs / 02 HRS) AND DEPARTURE
Morning post breakfast and drive to Cochin Airport to board your flight for next destination.
“End of our services”
