Itinerary for Kerala Guided Tour - November 2012
Duration:
8 nights 9 days
With the option to add a further 4 nights relaxing at the Marari Beach
Cochin~ ~Thekkady~Houseboat~Kumarakom~Marari option
Includes: Half board at all hotels, full board on your houseboat
Sunset cruise
Ayurveda Massage
Guided walk and boat ride in Periyar Visits to tea and spice plantations
Elephant ride and bathing
Local cookery demonstrations
Comfortable air conditioned transport
Accompanied by our own Kerala Moments Managing Director
Day 1 - Cochin Met on arrival in Cochin by our Representative who will introduce you to your driver and transfer you to your Hotel.Afternoon free to relax and explore. In the evening enjoy the famous Kathakali performance. (Kathakali is a harmonious combination of five forms of fine art:
1. Literature (Sahithyam)
2. Music (Sangeetham)
3. Painting (Chithram)
4. Acting (Natyam)
5. Dance (Nritham)
Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of south-western India now known as the state of Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata) Overnight Cochin Hotel
Day 2 - Cochin After a relaxing breakfast we will help you to explore Cochin on a guided walk through Fort Cochin. Fort Cochin has many beautiful and historic places to explore; visit the oldest European Church in India – the historic St Francis Church originally built in 1503. Marvel at the magnificent medieval Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 155AD – gaining the name The Dutch Palace after extensions and extensive renovations in 1663 were carried out by the Dutch and visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum. Will the amazing Chinese Fishing Nets become one of your favourite Kerala Moments – seemingly suspended on bamboo and teak poles in mid-air over the sea the outstretched nets are worked by teams of 6 fishermen. The afternoon will be free for you to explore the local area and shops. We can offer advice on where some of the best bargains can be found.
Day 3 – Cochin to Thekkady After breakfast our driver will take us through beautiful scenery to the base of the Western Ghat Mountains – a truly beautiful area – the air scented from the spice plantations and with tea plantations hugging the hillsides – and the famous Periyar Wildlife Park – this is a wonderful place to relax and explore. Spend the evening relaxing – enjoy your dinner in tranquil surroundings and perhaps take advantage of the cookery lessons provided by the Hotel Chefs.
Day 4 –Thekkady – Sightseeing In the morning we have arranged to visit the Periyar Wildlife Reserve – enjoy a three hour guided walk through a range of scenery within the Park accompanied by your trained tribal guide who will help to point out the local wildlife. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Periyar Lake and then in the afternoon we will take you out and about for local sightseeing and shopping opportunities. Evening free for you to relax and enjoy your dinner and local amenities at the hotel.
Day 5 –Thekkady – Sightseeing After breakfast today we will take you to visit spice and tea plantations and in the afternoon to ride and bathe an elephant. Evening – free for relaxation – perhaps try a half hour Yoga class or experience being dressed in a traditional Sari
Day 6 – Thekkady to Alleppey Today we travel to Alleppey on the shores of the Vembanad Lake, surrounded by paddy fields, meandering lagoons and the beautiful backwaters. Enjoy relaxing on your own houseboat exploring the fabulous Kerala Backwaters. En route whenever possible we try to stop off to visit a working rubber and cocoa plantation to give you an idea of the local agriculture. Arriving at your Houseboat for your opportunity to explore the famous Kerala backwaters and see Kerala life as it has remained untouched for many years unfold as you glide by. Overnight Houseboat
Day 7 - Thekkady to Kumarakom After breakfast on board your boat our next stop will be the stunning Soma Kerala Palace – approached by boat this beautiful, traditional Kerala Palace has been lovingly transformed into a comfortable Hotel set in a glorious location overlooking the Vembanad Lake. Overnight relaxing at the hotel – enjoy a sunset cruise on the backwaters included in your tour.
Day 8 – Kumarakom After breakfast we will take the boat ride to pick up our transport – today we will visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and also other local places of interest – the Bay Island Driftwood Museum in Kumarakom – beautiful natural wood hand finished and sculptured into stunning individual works of art.http://www.bayislandmuseum.com – visit the beautiful beach area in Kumarakom which remains largely unspoiled by commercial ventures – and we can also pay a visit to the Cheriyapally and Valiyapally Churches in Kottayam – built in 1579 and 1550 respectively – two of the oldest churches in Kerala.
Day 9 – Transferred to Cochin Airport for your flight home – or alternatively transferred to the Abad Turtle Beach Hotel for your additional 4 night stay.
Day 10 – Abad Turtle Beach, Marari Today is free for you to relax
Day 11 – Abad Turtle Beach, Marari
Day 12 – Abad Turtle Beach Marari
Day 13 - Transferred to Cochin airport for your flight home Hotels:
All of the selected hotels are classed as Heritage.
2 nights Cochin at the Victory Dawn Hotel on Half Board Basis
3 nights Thekkady – Greenwoods Hotel on Half Board Basis
1 night Houseboat – Full Board Basis
2 nights Kumarakom – Soma Kerala Palace on Half Board Basis
Option to transfer for a further 4 nights at the Abad Turtle Beach Hotel, Marari on Half Board basis.