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Kerala Adventure Tour
offered by supplier M16759 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 10
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 50
people
Destination(s):
India
Specialty Categories:
Cultural Journey
Boating and Sailing
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 1000 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 2000 US Dollar (USD)
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It's an intricate network of innumerable lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and the deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine waterworld is navigable. The largest backwater stretch in Kerala is the Vembanad lake which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port. The Ashtamudi Lake (literally, having eight arms), which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the south, is the second largest and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.
The Ketturvallom: Showcasing a unique heritage the Kettuvalloms (houseboats) of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length. It took great skill and meticulousness to construct these giants by tying huge planks of jack wood together, without the use of a single nail. Today, these goods carriers have been adapted to make the most exciting tourism product in India, the luxurious furnished houseboat. A kettuvallom usually has one or two bath attached bedrooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Cochin. Late night, arrive Mumbai and transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Cochin by 9W 405 at 05:45. On arrival in Cochin at 07:30, assistance at airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free. Evening attend the Kathakali dance performance. Overnight in Cochin.
Day 2: In Cochin. Morning guided city tour. Afternoon free. Cochin, the palm green commercial town of Kerala has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. A town with a hoary past, Cochin is the gateway to Kerala. The Jewish Synagogue - built in 1568 AD contains Grand Scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates containing the privileges granted to the Jews by the Cochin rulers. The floor of the synagogue is paved with exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles. The Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 AD. 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic, the Ramayana can be seen here. St Francis Church, built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 AD is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India. Vasco da Gama was originally buried here. The Chinese fishing nets can be seen at the entrance of the harbor. The Chinese through trade contact taught this technique of catching fish. Overnight in Cochin.
Day 3: Cochin-Munnar. Morning: drive to Munnar (135 km/4.5 hours) en route visit tea plantations. On arrival in Munnar, check in at hotel. Afternoon: boat ride in the lake. Munnar (1,524 m), is the highest town of Kerala, with a cool, bracing climate exuding an old-world charm. The atmosphere is fragrant with extensive tea and cardamom plantations. There are enchanting high ranges, lakes and streams and beautiful view of low-lying clouds and the mist filled valleys. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 4: In Munnar. Full day free to visit the bazaars, plantations, etc. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 5: Munnar-Periyar. Early morning: drive to Periyar (100 km/3 hours) and on arrival, check in at hotel. Afternoon: Boat ride in Lake Periyar to watch wildlife. Later visit Kumily spice market to see and buy spices. Periyar Tiger Reserve, 777 sq km in area is set in a rich, mixed deciduous forest, interspersed with open areas of tall grass. Periyar has a splendid artificial lake dotted with snags of dead wood, which provide a perch for waterbirds; darter, grey heron, egret and kingfisher. It is one of the finest habitats for the Asiatic elephant. These enormous mammals swim in the waters and streams and usually they can be observed during the boat ride. Periyar also holds, apart from Tiger leopard, sambar, wild dog, barking deer, the lion tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur. The forest harbors a variety of woodland birds. Boat travel is the only means of transport in the Sanctuary. Overnight in Periyar.
Day 6: Periyar-Kottayam. Early morning: drive to Kottayam (120 km/3 hours) and on arrival, switch over to the House Boat and cruise along the backwaters, passing through paddy fields, villages, market etc. The cruise is through "Kuttanad" literally meaning the land which is lower than the sea level but is kept intact by its bunds and dikes. It is the "rice bowl" of Kerala. The rice fields are very beautiful and this lush land and surrounds governs the placid way of life of the people who live on the backwaters. Overnight on board House boat.
Day 7: Arrive Alleppey-Kovalam. Morning: drive to Kovalam (180 km/4.5 hours) and on arrival in Kovalam, check in at a beach resort. Rest of the day to relax at the beach or indulge in Ayurvedic massages. Kovalam is a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty, located on the magnificent Arabian Sea coast. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool, free from high waves and surges. The 30 km drive from the Tiruvanantapuram airport to the beach through groves of palms is refreshing. It is an ideal place to swim, sunbathe and perhaps enjoy the ancient rites of an Ayurvedic massage and oil bath. Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 8: In Kovalam. Full day free on the beach. Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 9: In Kovalam. Full day free on the beach. Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 10: Kovalam-Trivandrum-Mumbai-depart. Morning: Assistance and transfer to Trivandrum airport (25 km) in time to connect flight 9W 335 at 13:35 to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai at 15:35, assistance at airport and transfer to city hotel for wash and change. Rest of the day free for last minute shopping/packing. Evening: after farewell dinner, assistance and transfer to International airport in time to connect your onward flight home.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Boating and Sailing
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