Southern India (Kerala) Tour (17 days)
Cochin, Munnar, Periyar Alleppey, Kumarakom Kovalam and Mumbai - with a night on a houseboat!.
Day 1: Arrival Mumbai - Cochin
After arriving at Mumbai International Airport and clearing immigration controls, you take the shuttle transfer
to the Domestic Terminal for your flight to Cochin. At Cochin, our driver will be at the airport to welcome you
& transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Cochin (B/L)
The Chinese fishing nets of Cochin form a perfect backdrop to our city tour of Cochin. Your guide will point
out the highlights - coconut plantations, palm fringed villages and fishermen about their catch. See the
Mattancherry Palace, walk on cooling Chinese willow pattern floor tiles in the Jewish Synagogue,
St. Francis Church, and spice bazaars in the narrow streets of Fort Cochin. Relax after lunch and in the
evening go for a sunset Harbour cruise.
Day 3: Cochin (B/L/D)
Immerse yourself in the exotic atmosphere as we continue or tour of the ‘Queen of the Arabian Seas’.
Take a tuk tuk ride past serene backwaters and green paddy fields to meet the farmers and fishermen of
Kumbalangi. See Kalaripayattu which is one of the worlds oldest martial arts, evolved in North Kerala
and based on the science of Yoga. Tonight we visit Greenix Village Cultural Centre for a display of
Kathakali classical dance with dinner which will introduce you to Keralan cuisine.
Day 4: Cochin - Munnar: Hill stations and tea country (B/L)
Check out after breakfast and drive to Munnar, seeing green plantations and pretty villages as you drive
up into tea country. Step back in time in Munnar, the colourful dress of the women pickers
stands out against the deep green of the tea bushes and learn more about their daily life on a plantation
tour.
Day 5: Munnar (B/L)
After breakfast, visit Eravikulam National Park which straddles the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Spend the morning on a nature adventure and see if you can spot the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered species of
mountain goat, and the Nilgiri marten with its bright orange or yellow throat. Ruddy mongoose, small
clawed otter and dusky striped squirrels also inhabit this landscape. After lunch, more sightseeing
can include Powerhouse Waterfalls, Kundala Dam, Top Station and Matupetty Dam.
Day 6: Munnar to Periyar. (B/L)
After breakfast, check out and travel by road to Periyar (4 hours approx.) Street traders line the roadside
selling fragrant lotus blossom and mangoes, bananas and chillies. Working elephants sway to a graceful
rhythm, seemingly unaware of their heavy load. An evening at a spice plantation. Discover the secrets of
Keralan cuisine at a spice plantation. An expert will introduce you to a mind blowing array of tastes and
smells to arouse your senses.
Day 7: Wildlife of Periyar Nature Reserve (B/L)
Periyar Nature Reserve is a natural wonderland and a full day jeep safari will introduce you to the wildlife
of this tranquil retreat. (Early start: you will be picked up at 05:30). Drive through the forest of Gavi
National Park where exotic butterflies dance and bluewinged parakeets and great Indian hornbill screech
above the tree tops. Watch herds of elephants as they make their way to the water’s edge. As well as
spectacular birds, look out for antelopes, bison, and the elusive tiger. (Simple lunch provided in
the Jungle.)
Day 8: Thekaddy - Alleppey (B/L)
Check out and drive to Alleppey (4 hours approx.) Check in at Lake Palace Hotel. This enchanting settlement
nestles in the backwaters. Pass through paddy fields and coconut groves which punctuate the landscape and
the waterways teem with marine life.
Day 9: Alleppey Traditional crafts (B/L)
Explore backwater villages, meet the locals and learn about their work. Visit coffee and cashew nut plantations
and stroll in spice gardens. A visit to the temple will give you a unique insight into a typical Hindu festival.
Worshippers leave offerings of rice, fruit and flowers and the heady scent of incense fills the air.
Day 10: Alleppey – Kumarakom. Take to the backwaters on a houseboat (B/L)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Kumarakom, for a night in the traditional
surroundings of one of Kerala’s famous houseboats. Originally converted from rice barges, these vessels
are the perfect way to experience the narrow backwaters and give you an opportunity to gain a deeper
understanding of local life and the importance of the waterways where all business is conducted by boat.
This evening your houseboat will be anchored in a quiet spot. The crew
will take care of you and your cook will prepare simple traditional Indian cuisine.
Day 11: Kumarakom - Kovalam
Say goodbye to your boat crew and then drive to the beach resort in Kovalam. (4-5 hours approx.)
Day 12: Kovalam (B)
At leisure.
Day 13: Kovalam (B)
At leisure.
Day 14: Kovalam - Mumbai (B)
This morning we check out at 11:30 we drive to Trivendrum airport for your flight to Mumbai at 13:25.
Pick up & transfer to hotel. Rest of day at leisure.
Day 15: Mumbai (B/L)
This morning's city tour includes Gateway of India - Taj hotel, Flora
Fountain, Mani Bhavan, Malabar Hill, Chaupatty Beach and other historical buildings. Return for lunch
at Frangipani Restaurant. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 16: Mumbai (B)
At leisure or if you wish you can visit the Prince of Wales Museum with Audio Guided Commentary.
Lunch at Frangipani Restaurant at the hotel.
Day 17: Mumbai - Departure (B)
Check out by 09:00 hours and transfer to Sahar International airport for your departure flight.
Please note that, whilst every effort will be made to carry out the programme shown above, small changes may sometimes be necessary.
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