The Essence of Kerala |
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| Located at the southwestern corner of India, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features, which makes it an appealing and attractive destination. Highlights include historic and culturally rich cities such as Cochin, the tranquillity and birdlife of the Backwaters, lush countryside, hill stations, plantations including tea, rubber and a wide variety of spices, plus Ayurvedic medicines and massage treatments, a speciality of Kerala. Marvel at the wildlife including elephants, wild boar, sambar, monkeys and wild cats. Stumble across enchanting monuments and art forms, magical festivals and sample the exotic cuisine, there is something for everyone. Itinerary: SUNDAY Arrive from the U.K. Transfer to a hotel near the airport for overnight stay. MONDAY Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cochin. Upon arrival in Cochin transfer to Casino Hotel for overnight.
TUESDAY After breakfast, check out of the hotel ready to depart on a guided sight-seeing tour of Cochin including; St. Francis' Church, the oldest European church in India, the Chinese fishing nets where you will soon be recruited to help with the day's catch, the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese in 1557 and renovated by the Dutch from 1663 with its beautiful murals and Jew Town including the antique warehouses, shops and spice trading houses. Continue on to Allepey (90 minutes) 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 although there are some 2-bedroomed boats available for parties of three or four. Accompanied by two oarsmen and a chef, you will spend 2 nights on the houseboat on a Full Board basis. The oarsmen co-ordinate with each other with remarkable proficiency using their bamboo punting poles to take you silently gliding through the calm waters. The crew provide wonderful hospitality and are on hand, if needed, at the rear of the boat, where their separate facilities are located. 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 a perfect day. WEDNESDAY Cruising the Backwaters. Overnight on the houseboat. 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 tea, 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. 2 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 check-listed 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 a relaxing lunch continue on to Cochin and check-in to Casino Hotel. Depart for an early evening performance of Kathakali, Kerala's traditional dance / art form at the Cultural Centre. Return to the hotel for overnight stay on Bed and Breakfast basis. SUNDAY After breakfast check-out and transfer to Cochin airport for the flight back to Goa. Upon arrival in Goa, transfer to your chosen hotel for the next 7 nights. SUNDAY Transfer to Goa airport for your return flight back to UK. This tour is only available in conjunction with Saturday flights.
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