Glimpses of Kerala

Destinations Covered : Cochin – Periyar – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Mararikulam
Duration : 7 nights / 8 days

Highlights : Cochin – Periyar – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Mararikulam

The beautiful state of Kerala is characterised by meandering rivers, rich field, coconut groves, spice plantations, verdant hills and beach. This tour begins in the Historic city of Cochin. Thekkady is close to the Periyar Wild life Sanctuary and from the mountains drive back down to the coast and to the melodically named town of Kumarakom on the bank of lake Vembanad. Kumarakom is world famous backwaters destination and then cruise through the lovely backwaters of Kerala in your private houseboat to discover the life which goes along the backwaters, which are a mixture of lakes, lagoons and canals. At the end of the tour relax in Mararikulam at the Abad Turtle beach resort.

Hotels featured or similar :
Cochin – Abad Plaza
Periyar – Abad Green Forest
Backwater – Houseboat
Mararikulam – Abad Turtle

Other departure dates
5 Jan 13 – 31 Mar 13 : £993
Bonus: Free city tour and Kathakali dance show in Cochin

Day 01: Arrive Cochin
Upon arrival at Cochin airport welcome, meet and assist at airport by our representative and transfer to hotel (1400 hrs). Rest of the day at leisure and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02: Cochin
Breakfast at the hotel, morning visit city tour visiting the Dutch Palace (Closed on Friday & Portugal Holidays) – The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata & Ramayana, Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Saturday & Jewish Holidays) – the oldest synagogue in the world is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. St. Francis Church: is the oldest church built by Europeans in India & Huge, elegant Chinese fishing nets that line the tip of Fort Kochi.
Evening Witness the Kathakali Dance Show. Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala dates from the 17th century. Kathakali recitals are drama and are danced with elaborate masks and costumes. They are emotive and narrative, while other dance forms have either one of them. The dancers use their stunning costumes and make-up, with the accompaniment of drums and vocalists, to create various moods and emotions. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: Cochin to Periyar (Thekkady) by surface (approx. 190 Kms, 5.5 Hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Periyar, upon arrival at Periyar, check in at hotel. Periyar The scenic drive takes you through green hills with forests, plantations of tea, spices and rubber, streams and waterfalls. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04: Periyar
In the morning soft trek in the forest full of rare species of birds and mammals including Malabar squirrel, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur and the highly endangered Lion-tailed macaque. In the afternoon visit plantations of tea, cardamom and pepper. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05: Periyar to Kumarakom by surface (approx. 140 Kms, 4 Hrs).
After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom boat jetty to embark Houseboat The Kettuvallam – the typical House Boats. Houseboats are traditional country boats, which used to carry tons of cargo in the backwater region in ancient times, have now been converted with one or two bed rooms with attached bath, kitchenette and a sitting area. Overnight board on Deluxe Houseboat.

Day 06: Alleppey to Mararikulam by surface
Disembark at Alleppey boat jetty and drive to Mararikulam, upon arrival in Mararikulam, check in at your beach resort hotel. Marari beach is a paradise of sun, sea, sand and surf. Modelled on the fishing villages of the coast, this is a beach resort that offers total peace and natural beauty, rather than raucous rave parties. The accommodation is in cottages separated from each other by generous stretches of open parkland, dotted with fruit laden trees. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 07: Mararikulam
A day at leisure for independent activities and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 08: Depart Cochin
Mararikulam to Cochin by surface (approx. 88 Kms, 2 Hrs). Transfer to Cochin international airport in time to board the flight for London Heathrow via Doha

Note: This private tour includes sightseeing by air-conditioned car and the services of local English speaking guides.

Offer Includes

• Flights from London with Virgin Atlantic
• Airport taxes
• 6nts accommodation on bed & breakfast basis
• All transfers, sightseeing and guides
• Kathakali dance show in Cochin
• Assistance during arrival, departure and transfers

Quote does not include

• India Visa fees
• Travel Insurance
• Entry fees to the monuments
• Any vehicle at disposal on leisure days
• Expenses of personal nature such as soft drinks, liquor, laundry, tips, telephone calls, porterage, travel insurance, visa fees and camera fees, etc.
• Anything not mentioned in above inclusion.