| The Southern state of Kerala is arguably India's most interesting state. Its culture has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and English elements involved in the spice trade, its geography varies in a very short distance from tropical beaches to high hill stations, and it boasts the world's first freely elected communist government whose social policies have resulted in a literacy rate of 95%. In the space of just 11 days, we do our very best to give you an introduction to this beautiful corner of India. |
Days One and Two
Arrive in Cochin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day sightseeing. The following day you will have the entire day at your leisure to take in the many attractions of this city.
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The port city of Kochi, or Cochin is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea", and is one of India's most interesting cities. The historical monuments in the old city are an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village. The St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by the Portuguese, is the oldest church in India. The explorer Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were taken to Portugal. In the area known as Jewtown, a synagogue built in 1568 still stands, and closer to the waterfront, one finds the famous Chinese fishing nets which are operated by several men pulling a system of pulleys and weights. |
Day Three
After breakfast, depart for the 4-hour drive to Munnar. Arrive in time for a late lunch. Have the remainder of the day and the entire following day at your leisure, soaking up the relaxing atmosphere of the hills.
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Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and pleasant walks into the surrounding hills make Munnar a unique experience. |
Day Four
You will have the full day at your leisure in Munnar. There are lovely walks into the surrounding hills, and the hotel staff will be able to provide information on the available options.
Days Five and Six
After breakfast, drive south to Periyar National Park. Arrive in Periyar in time for lunch. In the mid-afternoon, take the first of your boat trips around Periyar Lake. The following day, you will go on another boat trip in search of the many forest residents.
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Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in India. The picturesque lake in the heart of the sanctuary was originally 26 sq km but now spans an area of 55 sq km. This perennial source of water, which initially led to the submersion of large tracts of forestland, slowly attracted wild animals. The terrain ranges from hilly to flat grassland areas at the edges of the lakes. The elephant population is currently around 800, and the population of tigers is apparently around 40. Other inhabitants of Periyar include leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, langur, bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and sloth bear. |
Day Seven
Drive from Periyar to Kumarakom. Upon arrival, you will be taken to the pier where you will board the houseboat on which you will spend the night. The houseboat will cruise leisurely through the backwaters for the remainder of the day, and will anchor overnight.
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The Backwaters of Kerala are a complex network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals fringing the coast of Kerala that forms the basis of a distinct regional lifestyle. Travelling by boat along these backwaters is one of the highlights of a visit to Kerala. The boats, named Kettuvalloms, cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with Chinese fishing nets, and along narrow, shady canals where coir, copra and cashews are loaded onto boats. Stops are made at small settlements where people live on carefully cultivated narrow spits of land only a few metres wide, and there's the chance to see traditional boats with huge sails, and prows carved into the shape of dragons. |
Day Eight
The houseboat will reach the town of Alleppey after breakfast, where you will be met by your car and driver and taken the short distance to the lovely Marari Beach Resort at Mararikulam where you will spend the next two nights.
Day Nine
At leisure at Marari Beach.
Day Ten
In the afternoon, drive leisurely back to Cochin where you will spend your final night in Kerala. You will have some time to do some shopping in the local bazaars.
Day Eleven
Transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Delhi or Bombay.
Inclusions |
