Stay in Houseboats on Backwaters of Kerala...
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Cochin. Arrival at Kochi (Cochin) meet and assistance at the airport / railway station by our representative and transfer to your hotel. Proceed for a half day sight seeing of Cochin by boat.
A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendors, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists. 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. Over night stay at hotel in Cochin.
Day 2: Cochin to Munnar. By Road - 130 km in 4 hr. Proceed to Munnar enjoying the scenic beauty & the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by. In the evening you can go for sight seeing of Munnar which includes the Raja Malai - a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats). Other important places are Muttupetty dam and Indo Swiss project (you can also enjoy boating in the Lake) and witness tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers.
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 stay will be at hotel.
Day 3: Munnar - Anamudi - Munnar. Morning, after breakfast, visiting of tea plantations, Anamudi, Eravikulam National Park, Devikulam, Mattupetty, Pallivasal, Pothamedu, Attukal etc. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight stay at Munnar.
Day 4: Munnar - Periyar (Thekkady). By Road - 110 km in 3 hr. Morning, proceed to Periyar on the way visiting Idukki dam. Check in at hotel on arrival. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more. Evening go for boat cruise in the lake to watch wild animals. Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
Day 5: Periyar. Morning, after breakfast boating through Periyar lake - Wildlife sanctuary. You can visit the rare species of plants and animals. 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. Stay the night at Periyar.
Day 6: Periyar - Kumarakom. By Road - 130 km in 4 hr. Early morning proceed to Kumarakom. Reach and visit the Bird Sanctuary. Proceed to the Vembanand Lake. The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.
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 to Alleppy. Overnight will be at Houseboat.
Day 7: House Boat Cruise. Today also you will be cruising through the backwaters of Kerala and stay overnight in the Houseboat.
Day 8: Alleppey. Disembark the boat at the reception of the backwater resort at Alleppey. Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centres for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha is one of few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills. Check in at the resort. This resort is one of the finest one in Alleppey Here you can enjoy the lively villages and backwaters. Overnight will be at Alleppy.
Day 9: Kochi. After breakfast proceed to Kochi. Reach and spend the day shopping. In the evening proceed for Kathakali dance presentation. Overnight will be at Kochi.
Day 10: Departure. Breakfast will be at hotel. Visit Shiva Temple and transfer to airport/railway station according to the timings of flight/train.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Note:
- No Airfare is included.
- Personal expenses are not included.
- All transport will be air-conditioned.
Above Cost Includes:
- Twin sharing accommodation at mentioned hotels
- Daily breakfasts at hotels
- Car at disposal all through the tour till houseboat cruise
- Other transfers in car
- Driver allowance, parking and toll taxes
- All hotel and government taxes
- English speaking guides for sightseeing wherever required
- Service tax as per government regulations
- Luxury houseboat for two nights cruise
- Periyar national park entrances
- All meals during stay at houseboat
- Meet and assist services on arrival & departure
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Nature & Wildlife
Ecotourism
Cultural Journey
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