South
India Tours
Kerala Backwater Tour
Duration : 10 Days
- 09 Nights
Places Covered : Bombay - Cochin - Periyar - Kumarakom -
Marari - Cochin - Bombay
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 : Bombay - Cochin - Periyar
Morning transfer to the airport
to connect flight to Cochin(0840 hrs / 1025 hrs) Upon arrival, meet & transfer
to the hotel for lunch. Thereafter drive to Periyar (190 kms) 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 (190
kms) 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 Kerala 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 (30 kms) 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 of Kerala 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.(1055 hrs / 1240 hrs) 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.
