Duration
: 9 Days
Destinations : Mumbai - Cochin - Periyar -
Kumarakom - Houseboat - Marari - Cochin
Day 01: Abroad / Mumbai Arrive Mumbai International airport. On
arrival, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to
hotel. Upon arrival at hotel the guests will be provided with the
traditional Indian welcome. Indian welcome consists of Aarti-Tikka and
garlands. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Bombay
Morning, one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to
the lush green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge and
intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. For
rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues,
lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the
Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva,
the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various
manifestations of Shiva is overpowering. Afternoon, City tour of Bombay -
the great port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj
Era mingling with the modern. The tour includes 'Gateway of India'
overlooking the Harbour, the 'Towers of Silence', 'Marine Drive', the
'Colaba Causeway' - the commercial heart of Bombay and the Dhobi Ghat, the
unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Drive upto the Malabar Hill to the
lovely 'Hanging Gardens' and the Kamla Nehru Park from where you will get a
wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, spread out before you. Also
visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma
Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market. Overnight at hotel
Day 03: Bombay - Cochin - Periyar Morning transfer
to the airport to connect flight to Cochin(0840 hrs / 1025 hrs) Upon
arrival, meet & transfer to the hotel for lunch. Thereafter drive to
Periyar (190 kms) Upon arrival at Periyar - check into hotel Periyar -
Sprawling across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats,
Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive
with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked
away among hills. Spice Village Resort is situated just outside the famous
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This unique and deluxe village resort is set in
a spice garden - with 37 cottages of thatched roofs which blend well with
the surrounding greenery. Overnight at hotel
Day
04: Periyar - Kumarakom Early morning boatcruise on the Lake of
the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar - an
artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart
of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even
Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for breakfast
After breakfast a guided walk around the Spice Village to see the various
spices grown in the resort garden. Thereafter drive through the winding "Ghats"
lined with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating
countryside of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom (190 kms)
enroute visit the tea estates. Kumarakom - is a beautiful backwater village
on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering
waterways and ancient cottages. A holiday in Coconut Lagoon promises to be
different from any other. Every "tarawad" or cottage you stay in
is at least a century old, reconstructed piece by piece in accordance with
ancient rites of carpentry. Relax at the waterfront, with the occasional
native row boat gliding silently by, and the air so calm, you can reach out
and touch the sky with your finger tips. Overnight at hotel
Day 05: Kumarakom - Houseboat Morning at leisure at
Coconut Lagoon, taking a cruise on the backwaters in traditional country
canoes called "vanjis" to see the agricultural activities of the
local people living on the back waters. Visit also the beautiful bird
sanctuary. Lunch at the hotel Afternoon board the traditional rice boats - "Ketuvallam"
and begin your journey through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes
relaxing in the tranquillity of Kerala's beautiful scenery. Experience the
way of life and activity of the local people, the one bedroom house with a
lounge is exclusively for you, meals will be served with freshly bought
produce from the local markets and cooked on board. Overnight on board
Day 06: Houseboat - Marari: Breakfast on
board. Sail to Alleppey & disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. On arrival
proceed directly to Mararikulam (30 kms) Mararikulam - is one of the
picturesque fishing villages that dot the lovely coast line of Kerala. This
private, shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut palms. Rest
of the day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the
Resort. Overnight at hotel
Day 07: Marari
Full day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the
Resort. Overnight at hotel
Day 08: Marari - Cochin Popularly known as the
Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India.
Frilled with backwaters and rich with old world charm, this city has lured
many a great voyager to its shores. Arrive Cochin & check into hotel
Tour of Cochin or "Kochi"- the palm green, commercial captial of
Kerala is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". From time
immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers
followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town.
Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Visit the
Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty
Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon, Harbour cruise -
Cochin has one of the finest natural harbours. The backwaters extending to
the east & south from the harbour are dotted with tiny islands, formed
naturally by alluvial deposits from the rivers. Evening witness the
Kathakali dance performance + make up demonstration - Kathkali is a unique
dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different
'mudras' or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings -
each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic
Indian myths. Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day 09
: Cochin - Bombay Morning transfer from hotel to the airport for
flight to Bombay.(1055 hrs / 1240 hrs) Upon arrival - met & transferred
to the hotel where rooms will be provided for wash and change. Rest of the
day at leisure for own activities and to enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
Later transfer to the International airport for onward flight
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