Kerala Backwaters
Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Places Covered: Mumbai - Cochin - Periyar - Kumarakom
- Houseboat - Marari - Cochin - Bombay
Day
1: Abroad - Mumbai
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 2: Mumbai
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
3: Mumbai - 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
4: Periyar - Kumarakom
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 5: Kumarakom - Houseboat
Morning at leisure at Coconut Lagoon, taking a cruise on the 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
6: 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 7: Marari
Full day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 8: 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
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 9: Cochin - Mumbai
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 - Mumbai
Leave Mumbai.
