|
 |
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
Kerala Kaleidoscope offers the unique opportunity to experience the very best of Kerala. Starting with 3 nights at Marari, Kerala’s best- kept secret and exclusive beach resort, followed by 2 nights spent on a fabulous houseboat, cruising the backwaters with it’s amazing countryside, before travelling up country to Periyar a nature reserve the heart of the spice growing region, before continuing on to Kovalam for your second week at your chosen beach resort. SATURDAY Arrive from the U.K. Transfer to Marari (approximately 5 hours) for 3 nights at the Marari Beach Resort on Bed and Breakfast basis. SUNDAY Day at leisure MONDAY After breakfast depart for a city tour of Cochin, the heart of the Malabar Coast, including; St Francis’ Church, the oldest European church in India, the Chinese fishing nets, the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese in 1557 and renovated by the Dutch from 1663 and Jew Town including the antique warehouses, shops and spice trading houses. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the facilities at Marari Beach. TUESDAY Transfer to spice coast cruise jetty to meet your very own floating hotel in the famous backwaters. Made completely of wood and natural materials your houseboat has a private balcony area, comfortable seating, small sundeck plus shower & WC. Houseboats have 1 bedroom sleeping two people. Accompanied by two oarsmen and a chef, you will spend 2 nights on the houseboat on full board basis. The crew provide wonderful hospitality and are on hand, if needed, at the rear of the boat. The waterways are vast and can offer complete peace and relaxation as you travel between the waterside village settlements, rice fields, and coconut fringed banks taking in daily village life. As sunset approaches, the anchor is dropped and traditional lanterns lit, the perfect end to the day. Overnight onboard on Full Board basis. WEDNESDAYCruising the Backwaters. Overnight on the houseboat on Full Board basis. THURSDAY Disembark the houseboat and transfer to Periyar through the Western Ghats, a sharp contrast to the coastal areas with an abundance of plantations including rubber, coffee, cocoa, cinnamon, pepper, cashew and clove. Check-in at Spice Village Hotel in time for lunch (optional at extra charge) with the rest of the afternoon at leisure to take a swim or just relax and enjoy this superb setting. Two nights at the hotel on Bed and Breakfast basis.
FRIDAY A guided tour of Periyar which will include a visit to the local spice plantation, full of heavenly aromas and vibrant colour, and a motorboat cruise on the tranquil Lake Periyar, the watering hole within the wildlife sanctuary to spot the wildlife in their natural environment. Otters playfully cavort in the lake and 314 species of bird are checklisted here, an ornithologist’s dream. Elephants are a common sighting as well as wild boar, sambar, monkeys, wild cats and very occasionally tigers (we admit it, we’ve never seen one!). SATURDAY After an early breakfast depart for Kumarakom on the shores of the Vembanand Lake, for a delicious lunch (included) at the fabulous Coconut Lagoon backwater retreat hotel. After lunch transfer to your chosen hotel in Kovalam for the next 7 nights. Tour available from Kovalam only.
|
|||
| |
