KOVALAM-PERIYAR -KUMARAKOM-COCHIN (DHT 01)

Kerala, also known as God's Own Country, is a narrow strip of land and almost impossibly green is located at the southernmost tip of India. One of the India's most exotic destination and one of the must see destinations in the world. Secluded beaches, Lush hill stations, exotic wildlife, mist clad hill stations, lush tropical forests, sprawling plantations, and paddy fields , tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, Ayurveda , Enchanting art forms, Magical festivals….Exotic cuisine

Day 01 : ARRIVAL AT PERIYAR ( 140 kms )

After Breakfast, drive to Thekkady (Periyar) through Cardamom Plantations and forests to the wild life sanctuary of Periyar. This is one of the hill stations that produces large quantities of Spices, like pepper, cardamom, cloves etc.

Check into the Hotel. Afternoon at leisure

Day 02 : PERIYAR

Depart very early in the morning to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to board the safari boat for the cruise on the Periyar Lake to view Wildlife on the banks.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – one of the well maintained wild life sanctuaries of South India. Situated on the banks of an artificial lake formed with the construction of irrigation dam the sanctuary is spread out over an area of 777 sq kms. Now declared as a tiger reserve, this sanctuary is the best place to see the wild elephants, bison’s, wild dogs, deer’s, water birds and occasionally tiger. On Arrival at Periyar, Check in to the Resort

Return to the hotel for Breakfast. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel

Day 03 : PERIYAR – KUMARAKOM ( 150 kms)

After Breakfast, drive through the country roads of one of the richest district of Kerala. Both sides covered with rubber plantations. Kumarakom is a water village. Hidden among the palm trees on the shore of Lake Vembanad, in the heart of the fascinating backwaters, the visitor gets an authentic insight into Kuttanad life. Most of the places can only be reached by boat.

When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom

Relax at the Resort. Opt for the Ayurveda Massages.Overnight at Whispering Palms

Day 04 : KUMARAKOM

After breakfast, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy the water sports ,Rest of the day at leisure

Day 05 : KUMARAKOM – COCHIN (50 kms)

Proceed to Cochin, after Breakfast. On arrival check into the hotel.

Depart after lunch for the sightseeing of Cochin,the commercial capital of Kerala visiting the Jew Town and Synagogue,the Dutch Palace, St.Francis Church and watch the Chinese Fishing nets at work.

Cochin is one of the most interesting towns in South India. A trading port since Roman times, it was on the main trade route between Europe and China. Fort Cochin occupies the South promontory on the seaward side of the Bay. Cochin is also known as the commercial capital of Kerala.

Places of Interest at Cochin :

Fort Kochi: A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township In India, Kochi has an eventful and colorful history. The town was shaped by the cultural influences of the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural influences is seen in the many examples of Indo-European architecture that still exist here.

Chinese fishing nets: These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 ad by Traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and the catch being brought in is the Vasco da Gama square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach.

St. Francis Church: Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, this is India's oldest European Church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone. It was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch and converted to an Anglican church by the British in 1795. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beautiful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and some of the Puranic Hindu legends. The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins and the coronation robes of former maharajas of Kochi.

Synagogue: Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch.

Evening: Watch of Kathakali dance in one of the theatre. Kathakali is one of the traditional dance forms of Kerala. In early days the dance was performed at the temples on festival occasions. The artist will put the costume with natural colors and masks. The stories are expressions with gestures .Most of the stories are from the Mahabharata & Ramayana.

Over Night at Hotel.

Day 06: DEPARTURE

Transfer to the Airport to connect the flight back home

OPTIONAL

A STAY IN THE HOUSEBOAT – AN EXPERIENCE

Kettuvallom or Houseboats (Rice boats) are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. A ride on a Kettuvallom is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters which give a glimpse of paddy fields, toddy tapping. Also you can indulge in fishing.

A house boat is about 67 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the middle. The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc.

The house boats have fully furnished single and double rooms with sundeck, comfortable chairs, kitchen and toilet with WC. In addition there is also separate rest room for the crew. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. The crew includes a chef and two oarsmen. The houseboat takes s you through the scenic backwaters of Kerala.

The Traditional Kerala cuisine will be served on the board. The accommodation on the houseboat is on full board. Stop at village markets, Villages to get a feel of village life. Watch the traditional toddy taping, coir making etc.