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Kerala Cultural Tours

Kerala Backwaters Holiday
Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Places Covered: Mumbai - Cochin - Periyar - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Marari - Cochin - Bombay

Marine Drive, Mumbai

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

Backwaters, Kerala

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.

Houseboat, Kerala

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.

Chinese Fishing Net, Cochin

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.

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Kerala Cultural Tours
Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Places Covered: Mumbai - Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Changanacherry - Aranmula - Varkala - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Mumbai

Chinese Fishing Net, Cochin

Day 1: Cochin
Arrive Cochin and transfer to our accommodation at Fort Cochin, 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 lies the charm of an exploratory two days here. Around the headland of Fort Cochin, a phalanx of cantilevered Chinese fishing boats dip 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.

Relax for the day.
Overnight at Cochin.

Munnar

Day 2: Munnar
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to Munnar.

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.

Lunch on the way to Munnar and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Munnar.

Munnar

Day 3 - 4: Munnar
We have a choice of mountain walks depending on the weather and changing restrictions. One option is to climb Chokran Mudi (2179m), which takes us through forestry and tea plantations onto a high granite ridge with dramatic views of the Western Ghats and beyond, over mountains and ridges into Tamil Nadu. This is the toughest day on the trip, approx. 5-6 hours with some effort required, but the views on top will be ample reward. Look out for eagles and kites and maybe tiger or bison droppings, though we will be far too noisy for a close encounter with either of the latter! Our other route is easier, in the Parvatti Hills. Pleasant and varied, it starts in the tea plantations and leads through forest inhabited by lion-tailed macaque monkeys and onto a broad grassy ridge which is often shaded by trees. From the top, Ainimudi (Elephant Mountain, 2694m) and Chokran Mudi look spectacular.

All meals for both the days would be included in the tour.
Both the nights will be at Munnar.

Day 5: Periyar
Breakfast at hotel. A 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.

Lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Periyar
Early breakfast and reporting at the boat landing on Lake Periyar to cross over to the starting point of the trek. After about two hours of hard walk, you hop on to a country raft (its just bamboo poles bound together) paddled by tribal boatmen. Absolute silence is the secret and soon you will be able to witness wild animals strolling down to take a drink from the lake. If it's your lucky day, sightings could include Elephants, Bison, Bore, Samba, Hyena and of course different bird species. Tigers being very shy of humans are very rare sightings but one never knows… After about three hours on the raft, head back to firm land and walk back to civilization and your Village Resort. It's been a long day and you deserve to put your legs up and enjoy a tall cooler. Lunch would be packed and served in the jungle while a lavish dinner would be served at the hotel.

Overnight would be at the resort.

Day 7: Changanacherry
Arrive at Changanacherry.
Breakfast would be at the resort.

A pleasant ride back out of the hills takes us to Changanacherry, on the fringe of the coastal plain. We pass rice-fields, banana, tapioca, rubber and coffee plantations, cross-waterways and nudge our way through bustling small towns. We stop en route for an authentic south Indian meal served on banana leaves.

Our boat awaits and we begin a thrilling and colorful boat ride (3 hours) through the 'backwaters' to Ambalaphuza, all sitting on the roof to see more! The term 'backwaters' actually refers to the extensive network of rivers, lakes, canals and lagoons that lace the coastal plain interior coastline and stretch from Cochin almost down to Trivandrum. Small canoes, elderly sailboats, coconut-laden barges, tiny skiffs full of school children, Chinese-style Junks and thatch-covered country craft are common sights.

Our accommodation for the night is a simple but idyllic bungalow. (Very comfortable authentic heritage bungalow with attached bathrooms).

Dinner would be laid out in the dining room of the bungalow.

Day 8: Changanacherry
Rest, or go for a walk along the waterside.

You can take part in a host of "Village Activities" and off course they would be all under supervision of the local helpful villagers. One such activity is to climb a coconut tree and pluck your own one. You could also take a small raft and go out fishing with local baits and handmade fishing rods.

Overnight would be again in the Bungalow.

Aranmula Temple

Day 9: Aranmula
Leave after breakfast for another memorable cruise down the backwaters to Chengannur. A short distance away (10km) is Aranmula, set amid rice fields and coconut palms.

We stay at a dance and arts centre in simple Indian Style Accommodation. A French woman, who recognized that without arts and cultural program based in South India, many of the old traditional musical and martial arts risked dying out, set up the centre dramatic.

On our visit we will be the special guests at a performance of music and Kathakali, the classical dance drama of South India. A speciality at the centre is Kerala-style vegetarian food served on banana leaves, delicately prepared and delicious.

Overnight would be at the ARTS CENTRE.

Day 10: Aranmula
We join workshops on dance, music, woodcarving, yoga and Kalaripayat - the martial art of South India. To be an accomplished Kathakali dancer or to engage in Kalaripayat at a high level takes many years of dedicated study, and this introduction allows us to glimpse another world where priorities are very different to the West. We can book a relaxing Ayurvedic body massage and also watch the elaborate Kathakali make-up being painted on the evening's dance performers.

All meals would be vegetarian. Overnight would be at the ARTS CENTRE.

Day 11: Biking
We cycle along narrow rural lanes, linking small villages. We will encounter some traffic when cycling through small towns, but for the most part the roads are quiet and fairly flat. Often beyond the palm trees there will be views of the Arabian Sea. It will be an exciting new dimension and will bring many friendly encounters with the local people.

Each day, an early start (6.30am) to cycle for around four hours before the sun climbs too high.

Overnight would be at a small beach hotel closer to Aleppey. Lunch and dinner would be at the resort.

Varkala Beach, Kerala

Day 12: Biking
A morning cycle ride to arrive at Varkala in time for a dip in the Arabian Sea. Varkala is in a beautiful location and balanced between traditional India and growing pressures of tourism. We stay in a simple guesthouse with delicious delicately prepared Kerala food. There is an important Hindu temple and bathing GHAT here and each new year a well attended Hindu festival spread over several days dedicated to an enlightened guru, Sree Narayana Guru, attracts thousands of pilgrims to a nearby village.

Meals would be at the resort.
Overnight at a Garden Retreat.

Day 13: Biking
Spend the morning cycling in the beach and meeting locals. Rest of the day would be spent relaxing.
All meals will be at the resort.
Overnight at the Garden Retreat.

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Day 14: Kovalam
The final day's biking through coconut palms and small fishing villages ends just to the north of Trivandrum. A local taxi ride completes the journey and we spend our last evening in Kerala in beach bungalows by the Arabian Sea at Kovalam.

Lunch would be at Trivandrum or Kovalam depending on the time.
Dinner would be a lavish spread of sea food and local wine.

Day 15: Departure
Breakfast at resort.
Transfer to the airport of Trivandrum for flight to Mumbai or Delhi.

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