MUMBAI-COCHIN-PERIYAR-KUMARAKOM-HOUSEBOAT-MARARI-COCHIN-MUMBAI
Day
01 : Abroad / Bombay
Arrive
Mumbai International airport. On arrival, the guest
will be met by our representative and transferred
to hotel. Upon arrival at hotel the guests will be
provided with the traditional Indian welcome. Indian
welcome consists of Aarti-Tikka and garlands.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
02 : Bombay
Morning,
one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you
to the lush green Elephanta Island.
Here, visit some of the huge and intricately carved
Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century.
For rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from
three magnificent avenues, lead to the outstanding
three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator,
Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated
to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal
sculptures depicting the various manifestations of
Shiva is overpowering. Afternoon, City tour of Bombay
- the great port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings
from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern.
The tour includes 'Gateway of India'
overlooking the Harbour, the 'Towers of Silence',
'Marine Drive', the 'Colaba
Causeway' - the commercial heart of Bombay
and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor
'laundry'. Drive upto the Malabar Hill to the lovely
'Hanging Gardens' and the Kamla
Nehru Park from where you will get a wonderful
view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, spread out before
you. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated
to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the bustling
Crawford Market.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
03 : Mumbai - Cochin - Periyar
Morning
transfer to the airport to connect flight to Cochin.
Upon arrival, meet & transfer to the hotel for
lunch. Thereafter drive to Periyar.
Upon arrival
at Periyar - check into hotel Periyar
- Sprawling across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills
of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is
the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in
India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife,
it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills.
Spice Village Resort is situated just outside the
famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
This unique and deluxe village resort is set in a
spice garden - with 37 cottages of thatched roofs
which blend well with the surrounding greenery.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
04 : Periyar - Kumarakom
Early
morning boatcruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar
wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar
- an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam
on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary
wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even
Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return
to hotel for breakfast After breakfast a guided walk
around the Spice Village to see the various spices
grown in the resort garden. Thereafter drive through
the winding "Ghats" lined
with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive
the fascinating countryside of low-lying palms and
paddy fields to Kumarakom enroute
visit the tea estates. Kumarakom - is a beautiful
backwater village on the shores of
the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering
waterways and ancient cottages. A holiday in Coconut
Lagoon promises to be different from any
other. Every "tarawad" or cottage you stay
in is at least a century old, reconstructed piece
by piece in accordance with ancient rites of carpentry.
Relax at the waterfront, with the occasional native
row boat gliding silently by, and the air so calm,
you can reach out and touch the sky with your finger
tips.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
05 : Kumarakom - Houseboat
Morning
at leisure at Coconut Lagoon, taking
a cruise on the backwaters in traditional country
canoes called "vanjis" to see the agricultural
activities of the local people living on the back
waters. Visit also the beautiful bird sanctuary. Lunch
at the hotel. Afternoon board the traditional
rice boats - "Ketuvallam"
and begin your journey through the picturesque backwaters
and small lakes relaxing in the tranquillity of Kerala's
beautiful scenery. Experience the way of life and
activity of the local people, the one bedroom house
with a lounge is exclusively for you, meals will be
served with freshly bought produce from the local
markets and cooked on board.
Overnight on board.
Day
06 : Houseboat - Marari
Breakfast
on board. Sail to Alleppey &
disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. On arrival proceed
directly to Mararikulam. Mararikulam
- is one of the picturesque fishing villages
that dot the lovely coast line of Kerala. This private,
shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut
palms. Rest of the day at leisure for own activities
and enjoy the facilities of the Resort.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
07 : Marari
Full
day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities
of the Resort.
Overnight at hotel.
Day
08 : Marari - Cochin
COCHIN
- Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian
Sea, Cochin is the oldest European settlement
in India. Frilled with backwaters and rich with old
world charm, this city has lured many a great voyager
to its shores. Arrive Cochin & check into hotel
Tour of Cochin or "Kochi"- the palm green,
commercial captial of Kerala is known as the "Queen
of the Arabian Sea". From time immemorial, Arabs,
Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers
followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression
on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic
of these myriad influences. Visit the Dutch Palace,
the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the
Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing
nets.
Afternoon,
Harbour cruise - Cochin has one of the finest natural
harbours. The backwaters extending to the east &
south from the harbour are dotted with tiny islands,
formed naturally by alluvial deposits from the rivers.
Evening witness the Kathakali dance
performance and make up demonstration - Kathkali is
a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with
more than 100 different 'mudras' or gesture depicting
deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings - each
based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana,
the two epic Indian myths.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day
09 : Cochin - Mumbai
Morning
transfer from hotel to the airport for flight to Bombay.
Upon arrival - met & transferred to the hotel
where rooms will be provided for wash and change.
Rest of the day at leisure for own activities and
to enjoy the facilities of the hotel. Later transfer
to the International airport for onward flight.
Day
10 : Abroad - Bombay
Leave
Bombay. Tour ends.
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