DAY 01
Cochin Arrival
TRAVEL ASTU REPRESENTATIVE will receive you on arrival at the airport and transfer to our accommodation, the site of historic palaces, churches, an ancient Jewish synagogue and architecture reflecting the visits of Portuguese, British and Dutch traders.
Cochin is a diverse and colorful port/city, spreading over 4-5 islands and peninsulas. The main town of Ernakulam is on the mainland. All the islands are connected by a ferryboat network and therein lay the charm of an exploratory two days here. Around the headland of Fort Cochin, a phalanx of cantilevered Chinese fishing boats dips into the sea at high tide. In its back streets, there is an aroma of ginger, cardamom and other spices, piled high in every nook and cranny.
Visit the Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary.
Kodanad lies on the southern bank of Periyar cradled amidst the scenic beauty of the high ranges. 45 km to the north east of the city of Cochin and 12 km to the east of Perumbavoor town, it was once one of the largest elephant-capturing centres of South India. In 1977 the elephant capturing was illegalized and hence came to an end, but the elephant kraal and training centre are still there intact. Now there are six elephants in the Kodanad elephant camp out of which three are available for riding by tourists. These three elephants have been specially trained for safari and are provided with saddles that have been carefully designed to make the riding comfortable. Elders as well as kids can enjoy riding them without any discomfort. The regal experience is certainly one, which nobody would like to miss. A five-minute country boat ride across the Periyar can take one to the famous Malayattoor Church. There is also a mini zoo at Kodanad sheltering wild animals which have become unfit for survival in the forest.
In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
DAY 02
Cochin
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the Cochin city.
Visit the following:
Old Cochin area: this is one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jew town.
Chinese fishing nets: The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles which work on the principle of balance.
The other important places are the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
DAY 03
Cochin – Munnar by Road 160 kms/ 5 hrs
After breakfast proceed to Munnar. Reach and check into the hotel.
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. 1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Overnight will be at Munnar.
DAY 04
Munnar
Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
The day will be spent at leisure taking treks and finding small buildings of historical importance around the hill station.
The night will be at Munnar.
DAY 05
Munnar – Thekkady by Road 110kms/04 hrs
Breakfast will be at hotel.
Four hour drive southwards over rolling hills and coffee plantations to the PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, one of the major wildlife reserves in India. Indian elephants, wild boars, lion-tailed monkeys, ibex, tigers, leopards and sloth bears are on the list. The park surrounds a large, many-fingered lake and a dawn or dusk foray on one of the boats will be a thrilling experience. It is from the lake rather than vehicles that the wildlife is viewed. The sanctuary is rich in bird life. Great hornbills, kites, darters, herons, egrets, owls and kingfishers are in abundance. Surrounding the reserve are many small spice plantations and we spend an absorbing afternoon searching for pepper, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and betel.
Visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available.
Overnight will be at the hotel.
DAY 06
Thekkady
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Today you will visit the rare species of plants and animals.
In the afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices.
Overnight will be at Thekkady.
DAY 07
Thekkady
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Today you can visit Periyar National Park.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves.
The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangala Devi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.
The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the play in the lake.
Overnight will be at Thekkady.
DAY 08
Thekkady – Kumarakom by Road 120kms / 3 hrs
Breakfast at the resort then proceed to Kumarakom.
Check in to the Houseboat.
Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Cruise through the backwaters towards Alleppey. Lunch will be served on the boat. The menu is simple and traditional. The cook (chef) of the boat prepares the lunch from fresh materials and even you can have a peek at the recipe.
Tea and snacks would be served in the evening. The boat will be anchored in the backwaters along a paddy field and you can go for a stroll into the village or relax at the deck of the boat.
Dinner will be on the boat. Overnight will be at Houseboat.
DAY 9
Alleppey – Kovalam by Road in 175kms / 5 hrs
Breakfast will be on board the boat.
Cruise through the backwaters watching the children going to school and the village markets opening.
Disembark the boat at the finishing point where your driver will be waiting for you to drive to KOVALAM.
Kovalam went through a gradual metamorphosis from an obscure fishing village to a contemporary holiday destination. Though frequented often, the very beautiful Kovalam beach glows in its un-spoilt beauty and offers a relaxing holiday to a tired and wandering soul.
Life at the tiny fishing village located on the Kovalam coast goes on as it did for ages. Take walk near the fishing village in Kovalam, Kerala, and South India and be enthralled at the simplicity, happiness and contentment that greet you.
A natural bay created by a breathtaking rock cluster and three crescent shaped beaches make up the stunning and very beautiful Kovalam beach in Kerala, South India.
Reach and check in at the resort. Day will be free to explore and relax at the beach.
Overnight will be in Kovalam.
DAY 10
Kovalam
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend the day at leisure.
Overnight will be in Kovalam.
DAY 11
Kovalam
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend the day at leisure.
Overnight will be in Kovalam.
DAY 12
Kovalam
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Spend the day at leisure.
Overnight will be in Kovalam.
DAY 13
Kovalam – Cochin by Road 215 kms in 5.5 hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to Cochin. Reach and check in at your hotel.
Overnight will be in Cochin.
DAY 15
Cochin – Departure: at 10.30 AM by Road 16kms/45minutes
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
As per the flight timings you will be transferred to the airport to take flight back home with sweet memories of GOD’S OWN COUNTRY – KERALA.
TOUR ENDS
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