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Best of Kerala Tour
Duration of Kerala Tour 13 Days
Destinations of Kerala Tour: - Trivandrum,
Periyar, Kumarakom,
House Boat, Munnar,
Cochin
Day 01: - Arrive Trivandrum,
India
Arrive at Trivandrum
International Airport.
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 your hotel at Kovalom (16 kms/½ hrs.) for check-in.
Kovalam- one of India's internationally renowned beaches,
in God's own country, Kerala. Kovalam, with its sheltered
natural bay, azure blue waters and a sumptuous spread of green
palm groves , is a tropical paradise. Sun bathing, Swimming,
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, Yoga and meditation, Herbal body toning
massages, Special Cultural Programmes, Catamaran cruising;
the possibilities are many and you could be as lazy or as
active as you choose to be. Kovalam consists of three successive
small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse
Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. The
beach is bordered with low cost lodging houses and restaurants.
No activity is scheduled today, since most of the International
flights arrive into India close to midnight only. Overnight
at hotel in Kovalam.
Day 02: - Kovalam
This morning you are collected from your hotel for a full
day excursion to Trivandrum & Kanyakumari.
This city tour of Trivandrum includes a visit to Sri Padmanabha
Swamy Temple - dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a blend of the
Kerala and Dravidan styles of architecture and is known for
its mural paintings and stone carvings.
Kuthirarnalika Palace Museum - built by the King of Travancore,
who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman.
This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore
style of architecture also has exquisite woodcarvings and
displays paintings and various priceless collections of the
royal family.
Napier Museum - built in the 19th century, the Indo - Saracenic
structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system
and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic
artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot
and ivory carvings.
Kanyakumari - Located at the Southern most part of India,
Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin as it was formerly called,is a
place at the confluence of
the Indian ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea.
The multicoloured sand is a unique feature of the beach here.
Sightseeing tour includes a visit to Gandhi Memorial - This
striking memorial has been built on the spot
where the urn containing Mahatmas ashes was kept for
public viewing before immersions.
Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial - this grand memorial to
the great Indian Philosopher Swami Vivekananda is
on the twin rocks jutting out from the sea about 400 meters
offshore. The Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda came here
in 1892 and sat on the rock, meditating, before setting out
as one of India's most important religious crusaders.
The sunset at Kanyakumari is a spectacle worth seeing. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 03: - Kovalam
Day at leisure to relax and enjoy the sandy beaches of Kovalam.
Overnight at hotel
Day 04: - Kovalam
Periyar
This morning you drive to Periyar (276 kms/06 hrs.)
Periyar - Situated in the Idukki district of Gods
Own Country, Kerala, Periyar or Thekkady as it is commonly
known, is famous as one of the best places to see the Asian
Elephant. Today, it is one of the very few strongholds of
this magnificent pachyderm in Southern India. The uniqueness
of this sanctuary is the Periyar Lake, an artificial lake,
which was created by damming the Periyar River a century ago.
Thekkady consists mainly of Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest.
Some areas of the kkady also house pristine Evergreen forests.
The varieties in habitats ensure that the diversity of flora
and fauna is absolutely amazing with a magnificent variety
of animals - the elephant, the bison, Gaur, Sambar deer, Barking
deer, Mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed
macaque leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs and most importantly
the tiger that is main predator in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: - Periyar
This morning you are collected from your hotel for Boat ride
on Periyar Lake.
All tourist activity is concentrated around the splendid
artificial Periyar lake, an incredible way to experience the
sanctuary. There are an estimated 700 elephants roaming these
forests. Most of the population is generally concentrated
on the banks of the Periyar Lake and come to the lake to frolic
in the water.
Late in the afternoon visit a nearby Spice Plantation. The
area is famous for Cardomom, Cofee and Tea plantations . Evening
at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: - Periyar
- Kumarakom
This morning you drive to Kumarakom (200 kms/04 hrs.)
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 Keralas
reputation for being Gods 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. It is part of the Kuttanad region,
and the bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any
ornithologist's paradise. This enchanting backwater destination
offers visitors many leisure options. From wandering into
the depths of its wildlife sanctuary to cruising down the
back waters and fishing, Kumarkom is perfect for a lazy and
laid back holiday. The best way to watch the birds of the
Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands, as hundreds
of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to
brush the tops of your heads. Kumarkom is an example of nature
at her bountiful best in the fragrant flowers, the riot of
multi coloured birds, the surrounding greenery and the clear
waters.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
to enjoy the Natures beauty on your own. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 07: - Kumarakom
Day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: -
Kumarakom House boat
House Boat - A highlight of any trip to Kerala is a night
spent 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. 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. For most of the journey,
the boat is poled, sailing only between dawn and dusk. Although
the accommodation on board is basic, this is an unforgettable
experience.
Overnight on board Houseboat.
Day 09: - House
boat Allepey Munnar
After breakfast, disembark the houseboat in Alleppey and depart
for Munnar by road (150 kms / 03 hrs).
Munnar Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine
valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in
its wildlife sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented
cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. Breathtakingly
beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic
tourist destination, Munnar is situated at the confluence
of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala
at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district. Munnar was the
favoured summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in
the colonial days. Munnar is essentially a tea town. The tea
plantations have now been taken over by the Tata Tea Company.
It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you
would wish never to leave.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
to explore the city on your own. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: - Munnar
Today, you could take a tour to one of Munnars many
tea gardens or Spice plantations. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: - Munnar
Cochin
This morning you drive to Cochin (135 km/03 hrs.)
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 arrival check-in to the hotel.
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 hotel. Day 12: - 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.
Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: - Depart Cochin
Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to
the Cochin airport in time for your flight home.
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