|
Kerala Holidays
Duration of Kerala holiday package – 8 Days
Destinations -
Cochin,
Kumarakom,
Kerala Backwaters,
and Marari beach.
An 8 day Kerala holiday, taking in a number of Kerala’s highlights. The holiday begins in Cochin, Kerala’s gateway city famous for it’s Anglo – Dutch architecture, goes on to Kumarakom, the gateway to the Kerala backwaters, includes a night spent on an Houseboat cruising an experience the backwaters, before going on to the unspoilt Marari beach.
Day 01: - Arrive Cochin, India
Your Kerala holiday will begin with an arrival into Cochin International Airport.
Cochin: - Cochin means harbour and even before the building of Ancient Rome, spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood were traded here. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is also one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port. It is its charm and a relatively good infrastructure that make it the ideal gateway to the state. This has been the case since 1341, the year nature carved out Cochin's harbor with a massive flood. As a result, Cochin became the first port of call for Arabs and came to be known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This city offers visitors Forts, palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters; palm fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a contemporary metro.
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our representative who will present you with a welcome pack including all necessary documentation and arrange for your transfer to the Brunton Boatyard hotel. A spacious and elegant hotel, built on the site of a boatyard, with expansive views over the Cochin waterfront – the Brunton is excellently located – right in the heart of Fort Cochin, within walking distance to most of Fort Cochins attractions. The old-world charm and well appointed rooms are complemented by a large sparkling pool, courteous staff and excellent Keralan cooking. Most of its rooms are sea facing. Most travelers find the location of the Brunton Boatyard as an excellent starting point for holiday in Kerala.
No activity is scheduled today, since most of the International flights arrive into India close to midnight only.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Send a Query
Day 02: - Cochin
This tour includes a visit to Fort Cochin – a home to a unique community of Eurasians, commonly known as "Anglo-Indians". The architecture of the quiet streets in this enclave is very definitely, European with fine houses built by wealthy British traders, and Dutch cottages with split farmhouse doors.
Mattancherry Palace -locally known as the Dutch Palace, the two storey building was actually erected by the Portuguese, as a gift to the Cochin Raja.
St. Francis Church - this Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. It is considered to be India's oldest European church. Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Vasco Da Gama was buried here before his remains were taken back to Portugal 14 years later.
Jewish synagogue - dates from 1568 and is adorned with fine glass lamps and floor tiles.
Bolghatty Island - This is a beautiful island lying close to Ernakulam. Built by the Dutch in 1774, Bolghatty Palace, the home of the former British Resident of Kochi is situated here. At the end of your tour visit the harbor near Vasco da Gama Square, where you can watch fishermen hoisting their catch from the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that line the shore.
Your evening tour includes a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted to depict various characters of the se epics. This dance has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet articulate body movements.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Send a Query
Day 03: - Cochin - Kumarakom - Houseboat
This morning you drive to Kumarakom (70 kms/1 ½ hrs.) and upon arrival in Kumarakom transfer to jetty to board Houseboat.
House Boat – A highlight of any holiday in Kerala, is a night spent on the Kerala backwaters, onboard a houseboat, or a rice barge. These converted rice barges or "Kettuvallams" sail along shallow, palm-fringed lakes and narrow canals where coconut and cashew is loaded onto dugouts. While cruising the Kerala backwaters, you pass villages built on narrow spits of land, stopping to visit local markets, or to marvel at craftsmen engaged in centuries-old boat-making tradition. The boats offer one or two cabins with a small sitting room and a crew of 2 staff and a chef. The food is authentic Kerala cuisine, purchased fresh along the way. Although the accommodation on board is basic, this is an unforgettable experience.
Overnight onboard Houseboat.
Send a Query
Day 04: - Houseboat - Kumarakom
After breakfast disembark the Houseboat in Kumarakom.
Kumarakom: The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerela. Kumarkom strengthens Kerala’s reputation for being God’s own country with its unbelievably beautiful mangrove forests, coconut groves and emerald green paddy fields interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies. The Kumarakom Bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres, is any ornithologist's paradise. Kumarakom is perfect for a lazy and laid back holiday, with it’s picturesque views of the Kerala Backwaters, it’s famous Ayurvedic Spa’s, it’s fishing and canoeing opportunities.
Upon arrival check-in to the Coconut Lagoon Resort. Situated on the shores of Lake Vembanad, the Coconut Lagoon is an authentic experience of Kerala and its backwaters . The hotel combines traditional culture and architecture with modern facilities and good service. One of the attractions of this resort s the fact that it can only be accessed by boat . Accomodation here is in traditional Kerala Bungalows and Mansions, some with open-air showers.
Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the Nature’s beauty on your own.
Overnight at the Resort.
Send a Query
Day 05: - Kumarakom - Marari
This morning you drive to Marari (50 kms/01 hr.)
Marari is one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on as if a hundred years ago. Marari offers endless miles of superb sandy beaches backed by swaying palms. Virgin territory where you can experience the local charm and traditional Keralan hospitality at it's best. Guest can also visit traditional coir-making units or explore the marvelous backwaters nearby.
Upon arrival check-in to the Marari Beach Resort. Located about an hours drive from Cochin, the Marari Beach Resort, is spread across 55 acres of Coconut plantations and beach front. Accommodation is in traditional Keralan style cottages, some with private pools. At the centre of the Resort, there is a large swimming pool, and other leisure facilities here include an Ayurvedic spa, a full size Tennis Court etc.
Rest of the day at leisure to relax.
Overnight at the Resort.
Send a Query
Day 06: - Marari
Day at leisure. Overnight at the Resort.
Send a Query
Day 07: - Marari
Day at leisure. Overnight at the Resort.
Send a Query
Day 08 : - Marari - Cochin and Depart
Your Kerala holiday ends with a transfer back to Cochin International airport (60 kms / 1 hr), in time for your flight home. It is ofcourse possible to extend your Kerala beach holiday, and spend a few more nights at the Marari Beach Resort, or elsewhere in this tropical state.
Send a Query
Package Rates
All prices are per person and in US Dollars -
| Category of Hotels |
Valid from 01st May till 30th September’2011 |
Valid from 01st October’2011 till 30th April’2012 |
|
| Land Cost |
Usd 658 per person |
Usd 1416 per person |
Book Now |
Small supplements may apply for travel between 20th December’2011 and 10th January’2012 and during the month of February’2012.
Inclusions:-
# Accommodation on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis (except onboard houseboat where all meals are included) as mentioned in the itinerary.
# Arrival-departure transfers and land transportation exactly as per itinerary using an aircon Car.
# Sightseeing tours alongwith a local English Speaking Guide and including entrance fee to monuments exactly as per itinerary.
|
