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INDIA - HILLS, BACKWATERS & BEACHES
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A gentle tour of Southern India
Day 1 KOCHI
Arrive Kochi int'l airport. Garland welcome, assistance and transfer
to hotel. Later in the afternoon we visit Kochi - known as the 'Queen
of Arabian Sea' with some of the finest natural harbours in the
world.
We start our sightseeing with Mattanchery Dutch Palace - built by
Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja of Kochi. The Dutch renovated
later on the palace in 1663. Further visit Synagogue; constructed
in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Known
for mid 18th century hand painted, willow patterned floor from Canton
in China, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great
scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc.
We also visit Jew Town area, which is around the Synagogue - a centre
of spice trade and curio shops.
Further we drive to Fort Kochi and take a leisurely walk through
the old streets to discover historic Fort Kochi. We visit St. Francis
Church, built in 1503 by Portuguese and India'a oldest European
Church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed
in stone masonry. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his
remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal. We conclude our sightseeing
with Chinese Fishing nets, these huge cantilevered fishing nets
are the legacy of one of the first visitors of the Malabar Coast.
Erected here between 1350 and 1450 by traders from the court of
Kubai Khan, these nets are built of teak wood and bamboo poles.
Evening free to relax. O/n Hotel.
Day 2 KOCHI
The day free to relax, late afternoon we board a motor boat for
an harbour cruise, enjoy the spectacular sunset followed by watching
the dance drama of Kerala - the Kathakali dance show in a local
theatre. O/n Hotel.
Day 3 KOCHI TO THATTEKADU
After an early breakfasst drive to Thattekadu (about 45kms/02hrs),
check into the resort. This sanctuary nestling in evergreen forests,
was discovered by the renowned ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim
Ali and is named after him. The sanctuary is notable for indigenous
birds like the Malabar grey - hornbill, the wood pecker, rose -
ringed and blue winged parakeet etc.
Later we go for a Coracle Cruise : A one day cruise on coracle-the
basket boats, through Poykakuttampuzha-Thattekkad. The guests need
not have to row; simply allow one to float along with the water
flow. Trained instructors will accompany you. Each group can have
maximum three members. Coracles are circular vessels with bamboo
frames covered in either black plastic or buffalo hide. Coracles
are among the oldest types of watercraft in the world, and among
the most successful- a reassuring thought when one is floating in
these saucer-like devices.
Day 4 THATTEKADU TO MUNNAR
Early morning we set off for a bird watching walk through the bird
sanctuary. Back to hotel for breakfast and further drive to Munnar
(about 85kms/03hrs), check into the hotel and relax. O/n Hotel.
Munnar - 1600 m above sea level, was the summer resort of the British
in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture - book towns
and winding lanes, which makes this a picturesque hill station.
Day 5 MUNNAR
All the treks in and around Munnar will take you through the valley
and the mountain terrain of the great Western Ghats, consisting
of a unique ecosystem of the rolling grasslands, montane forests,
Shola forests (patches of ever green forests), wild flowers, tea
plantations, tea estates and the villages etc…
A wonderful journey will take you above the Yellapetty Estate of
the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations. (Passing through Madupatty Dam,
Echo-Point, Kundala Dam)
This wonderful trek will be along the mountain ridges to the area
where you can have a panoramic view of the low land Tamil Nadu,
the view of second highest peak, Kuzhukkumalai the "highest
tea growing estate in the world"
Day 6 MUNNAR TO THEKKADY
After breakfast drive to Thekkady (about 110kms/03hrs), through
the cardamom hills. Arrive and check into the hotel and later in
the afternoon explore Periyar Wildlife sanctuary.
Set on attractive Periyar Lake side, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
is in a beautiful setting and was designated a part of Project Tiger
in 1973, though Tigers are very rarely seen and it is better know
for its elephants, which are very likely to be seen until Mar/Apr.
Most bull elephants here are tuskless. Bison, Sambar, Wild boar
and the barking Deer are fairly common. In addition to 246 species
of birds, there are 112 species of butterfly.
The sanctuary, which offers a lovely, and comfortable way to see
the animals via boat rides on the man-made lake, which the wildlife
area encircles. O/n Hotel.
Day 7 THEKKADY TO ALLEPPEY
After breakfast drive to Alleppey (about 155kms/03-04hrs), here
we board our houseboat that comprises furnished bedroom, with attached
bathrooms, running water, and a lounge area in which to relax and
enjoy the sights on the shore. We start our sail through scenic
backwaters, passing through one of the few areas in the world where
farming is done below sea level. The houseboat will cruise through
the Chambakulam area by mid-morning and anchor to explore the boat
yard, which displays the traditional long snake boats used in races.
In the evening, catch a glimpse of village life along the backwaters
and experience a way of life unique to this region. The boat will
pass through picturesque stretches of the backwaters from Alleppey
to Karumadi Canal. In the evening we anchor our houseboat at Thottapally.
O/n Houseboat.
Day 8 ALLEPPEY TO ALUMKADAVU
Morning after breakfast we start our cruise towards Kollam. The
route winds up through the past Trikunna-puzha, across Kayamkulam
Lake and Ashtamudi Lake; here we stop for a while to visit the coir
yarning centre. Throughout, the scenery continues to be ravishing.
O/n Houseboat.
Day 9 ALUMKADAVU TO VARKALA
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat, transfer to Varkala
(about 60kms/02hrs), check into the hotel and rest of the day free
to relax on the beach. O/n Hotel.
Day 10 VARKALA TO TRIVANDRU M
Very early morning transfer to Trivandrum int'l airport (about 55kms/02hrs)
to board flight to your onward destination.
End of Service
HOTELS USED OR SIMILAR :-
KOCHI THE MALABAR HOUSE - BOUTIQUE
THATTEKADU BIRDS LAGOON VILLAGE RESORT - JUNGLE RESORT
MUNNAR CLOUD 9 RESORT - 3*
THEKKADY SPICE VILLAGE - 4*
ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT - DLX
VARKALA TAJ GARDEN RETREAT - 5*
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The best season to visit India is from October to April when
it is sunny and warm although temperatures can be low at night
during the winter. In the high mountains there is snow and
ice all year but a tropical climate prevails in the foothills.
Monsoon period is June until September.
Accommodation as specified on bed and breakfast basis and
twin /double share room
Local English speaking guide
Private vehicle with English speaking driver
Private transfers to and from airports
Other meals where indicated
Entrance fees to museums etc
Local agent support
Guide, porters, cook and camping equipment when trekking.
International flights. Meals other than breakfasts and those
indicated
Airport taxes payable locally
Travel insurance
Personal items such as laundry, drinks, tips
Optional trips and visits
Visas.
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