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Experience

History, culture, heritage sights, art performances, art galleries, tuk tuk rides, culinary experience with a family, spice plantations, Kalaripyattu Show, boat safari, tea factory, martial art performance, backwaters, kettuvallam, Kumarakom and the beaches...

Destinations: Cochin | Periyar | Back waters | Kumarakom | Marari Beach

Day 1

Arrive Cochin – Transfer to Hotel [By Surface – 43 Km / 01.5 Hrs]

• Arrival transfer to Hotel in Cochin
• Evening Kathakali dance show at a local theatre
• Overnight at Cochin

Arrive at Cochin Airport (TBA). Our representative will be meeting you on your arrival at the arrival terminal. Further transfer to your hotel in Fort Cochin (1.5 hrs)

Cochin (Kochi) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port, which became the principal harbour for Malabar Coast’s spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities.

Evening visit to a nearby theatre to witness Kathakali dance(1700 Hrs to 1900 Hrs). The Kathakali is the famous art form of Kerala with elaborate make up for the artists, each performance based on a story. It will be interesting to watch from the time the artist starts the makeup.

Overnight at Cochin.

Day 2

Cochin Sightseeing and Dinner with a family

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Half day tour of Cochin with an English-speaking Guide
• Tuk Tuk ride while city tour
• Cooking demonstration followed by dinner at a family
• Overnight at Cochin

In the morning, your guide takes you for a half day sightseeing of Cochin - Fort Cochin to visit The St Francis Church, the oldest European Church in India ,where Vasco de Gama the first European traveller to India was originally buried here. Also, visit the Chinese fishing nets believed to be brought to Kochi by the Chinese Traders.

Later take a Tuk Tuk (commonly known as Autorikshaw ride) to Mattancherry (10 minutes). Visit Dutch Palace at Dutch Palace is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. A walk through the Jew Street and Spice Market will be a pleasing experience.

Notes:
• Cochin Synagogue will remain closed on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Jewish Holidays.
• Dutch Palace remain closed on Fridays

Afternoon at leisure

This evening you enjoy a culinary experience at a local family in Cochin. Witness the secrets of best of Kerala recipes sourced from generations of Cochin flavourful dishes generously spiced with fresh cinnamon, pepper, red chilli, coriander, green chilli, curry leaves, vanilla, ginger, etc.

Return to Hotel and Overnight at Cochin

Day 3

Cochin to Munnar [By Surface - 140 Km / 04 Hrs]

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer to Munnar
• Check into your resort
• Evening Plantation walk at the resort
• Overnight at Munnar

After breakfast drive to Munnar.

Munnar is a beautiful hill station on the Western Ghats at about 1600 meter above sea level. There are lakes, reservoirs, forests and several tea estates in Munnar. The famous Tata Tea estate and factory is in Munnar. There is a wildlife sanctuary in the Eravikulam –Rajamala area in the Munnar forest division. It is the right place to spot Nilgiri Thar (a rare breed of Mountain Goats in the world). Munnar was the summer resort of the British Government in the South.

Evening take a plantation walk organized by the resort

Check-in at the hotel and you are at leisure for the rest of the day.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 4

Munnar - Local visits

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Local visit in and around Munnar
• Overnight at Munnar

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning proceed for Munnar sightseeing with Guide. Visit Eravikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Tea Museum where you will get the chance to watch the process and also the taste of Munnar Tea and Tea Plantation.

Note :
• Tea Museum will remain closed on Mondays
• Eravikulam National Park will remain closed from last week of Jan till mid of Apr due to breeding season of Nilgiri Thars

Note: If you are staying at Thalayar Valley Estate – The host will be taking you for visit to the Tea Plantations where you can see both Orthodox and modern tea processing. Rest of visits will be excluded for the day

Overnight at the hotel

Day 5

Munnar to Periyar [By Surface - 120 Km / 04 Hrs]

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer to Periyar
• Spice Plantation tour at Periyar
• Kalaripayattu show at a local theatre in Periyar
• Overnight at Periyar

After breakfast proceed to Periyar.. an interesting drive thru country side, hill stations, plantations.

Periyar has one of the world's most fascinating Natural wildlife Sanctuary noted for its Tiger Reserve, geography, diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.

Afternoon visit Spice plantation visit where one can see the cultivation of a whole range of spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, vanilla, all spice cinnamon etc. This is followed by a visit to spice shops which are found in the small town of Kumily just 01 km from the hotel

Evening witness Kalaripayattu martial art show at a local theatre - Kalaripayattu is one of the most ancient martial art forms in the world taking you back to 2000 B.C. According to the stories of localities, Bodhidharama who was a Buddhist monk is believed to have presented the world with this self-defence system popularly known as Kalaripayattu.

You can enjoy Kalaripayattu show for 60 minutes where around six performers are demonstrating ancient martial arts from six performers. The inherent beauty of this art form lies in the harmonious synergy of art, science, and medicine. The intrinsic movements in Kalari are highly based on animal movements. It is believed that several poses performed are named after animals. It is also highly believed to have developed in the jungles when hunters observed these fighting techniques with the various animals.

Overnight at Periyar

Day 6

Periyar

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Morning free
• Afternoon common boat ride at Lake Periyar
• Overnight at Periyar

Morning is free to explore the various activities offered by the resort / on own for local markets

Afternoon proceed for a boat ride at lake Periyar (15.30 Hrs to 17.30 Hrs) it gives an opportunity to see the wildlife around the lake as you cruise along its banks. Apart from elephants, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, otter and flying squirrel are common. There are also 246 species of birds, and 112 species of butterflies spotted in the region.

Overnight at Periyar

Day 7

Periyar to Alleppey - [By Surface - 180 Km / 04.5 Hrs]

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer to Alleppey
• Lunch and Dinner on board house boat
• Overnight on board House boat

After breakfast proceed to Backwaters

After breakfast proceed to Alleppey to Board the Houseboat by noon and cruise through the tranquil backwaters, wider and narrow canals passing by lush green paddy fields, villages, temples, churches, rustic houses etc. giving you opportunity to view the life on the backwaters –it beats at its own gentle rhythm. You will step into a different world altogether – this will surely be one of the wonderful experiences of the tour.

HOUSEBOATS, popularly known as “Kettuvalam” is converted from a traditional rice barge. While cruising through the backwaters you will see the glimpses of village life of the people living around the backwater area. You may watch palm-lined banks and narrow strips of land that separate the waterways and the constant quiet traffic of vallam (small boats) are typical.

Traditional Kerala cuisine will be served on board (Lunch , Dinner & Breakfast)

Cruising hours – 12.30 Hrs till 17.00 hrs on Day 01, 08.00 Hrs till 09.30 Hrs on Day 02.

Air-conditioning will be available in the bed rooms from 09 PM till 06 AM

Overnight onboard house boat

Day 8

House boat – Kumarakom [By Surface – 30 Km / 01 Hr]

• Breakfast on board houseboat
• Transfer to Kumarakom
• Overnight at Kumarakom

After breakfast disembark from House boat and transfer to Kumarakom.

Rest of the day at leisure
Optional – Explore various activities offered by the resort – Sunset cruise, bird watching, Yoga, Cooking sessions , etc

Overnight at Kumarakom

Day 9

Kumarakom

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Day at leisure
• Overnight at Kumarakom

Day at leisure
Optional – Explore various activities offered by the resort – Sunset cruise, bird watching, Yoga, Cooking sessions, etc

Overnight at Kumarakom

Day 10

Kumarakom to Marari (by Surface 30 Km/45 Minutes]

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Transfer to Marari
• Rest of the day at leisure at the Beach resort
• Overnight at Marari

After a leisurely breakfast checkout by 1100 Hrs and transfer to Marari – the famous beach destination.

Marari originates from "Mararikulam", one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Completely new to the holidaymaker. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, and virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at it's best.

Enjoy the beaches / village walks / resort facilities / Ayurveda facilities on a direct payment basis

Overnight at Marari

Day 11

Marari

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Day at leisure at the Beach resort
• Overnight at Marari

Day at leisure - Enjoy the beaches / village walks / resort facilities / Ayurveda facilities on direct payment basis

Overnight at Marari

Day 12

Marari to Cochin airport [By Surface 90 Km/02 Hrs]

• Breakfast at the hotel / Packed breakfast
• In-time transfer to Cochin Airport

In time transfer to Cochin airport to connect onward flight

Tour Ends