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BOMBAY-COCHIN-PERIYAR-KUMARAKOM-HOUSEBOAT-MARARI-
COCHIN-BOMBAY
Day
01 :
Arrive 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. 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 : Bombay - 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 +
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 - Bombay
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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