Locations Covered:
Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Houseboat - Mararikulam – Cochin
Overview :
A 9 Night 10 day Tour for those seeking discovery with a broad mix of diverse and rich Kerala Experiences. Tour includes: Vibrant Port Town, Tea Hills, Cultural Dances, Wildlife Resort Stay, Spice Plantation Visits, Jungle Treks, Houseboat Cruise, Beach Resort Stay and a complimentary Ayurveda massage.
Day 01 : Arrive Cochin
On arrival to the Cochin International airport you will be met by Indian Voyages representative and transferred to your hotel. A port town since early centuries, Cochin, also known as the spice coast of India, attracted traders and invaders from the world over. Needless to say, Cochin offers you some fascinating snippets of history and culture. Relax and unwind at the hotel. In the evening enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 : Cochin
Today you can opt to go on a sightseeing exploration tour of the many fascinating highlights of Cochin which include - The Jewish Synagogue in what is locally called the Jew Town, St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India, the Santa Cruz Basilica built in 1557 by the Portuguese, the Dutch Palace, the Spice market and the 15th century Chinese fishing nets believed to have been brought by Chinese traders. In the evening, enjoy the famous dance drama of Kerala, the Kathakali. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 03 : Cochin – Munnar (150kms/4hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to Munnar a hill station located 1600 metres above sea level. Once the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India it still retains its colonial charm and is famous for its tea plantations, most of which are privately owned. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar is an ideal get-away destination. Check into your hotel and unwind. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the ambience of Munnar. Overnight at the resort.
Day 04 : Munnar
Morning after breakfast you could take a visit to the tea museum and or the Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Thar mountain goat amongst others) or simply walk through the local enchanting tea estates and enjoy the tranquility it provides. Overnight at the resort.
Day 05 : Munnar – Periyar (110kms/3.5hrs)
After breakfast drive to Periyar an area known for its undulating hills, spice plantations, and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Check into your hotel. Either have the rest of the day at leisure or go on a spice plantation tour where you will be enticed by not only the aroma of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg but will also get to know how they are grown, harvested and processed before they reach the supermarkets. In the evening you could go for a boat ride where you will have the opportunity to sight elephants and other animals along the bank. Overnight at the resort.
Day 06 : Periyar
Breakfast at hotel and the day you have the option to go for a three hour escorted jungle trek or engage in a full day jungle trail involving bamboo rafting and treks. Enjoy a full body rejuvenating massage. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07 : Periyar – Houseboat (145kms/3.5hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to Kumarakom and embark on your private houseboat and cruise on the Backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves. Your houseboats or 'Kettuvalloms' are luxurious boats with well appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it's the life along the backwaters that makes this a fascinating experience. The locals travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. As you cruise along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places enroute. Overnight on board.
Day 08 : Houseboat – Mararikulam (20kms/.5hrs)
Morning breakfast at houseboat and disembark in the morning after breakfast and drive to the picturesque fishermen's village of Mararikulam. Check into your resort. Tucked away inside quiet and lush coconut groves the resorts here are set by the pristine white sand beaches of the Marari and offer you unparalleled quiet in astoundingly beautiful settings. Marari has been inhabited by fishermen for millennia and here you will find the authenticity and the breathtaking natural surroundings have been preserved carefully. Day at leisure in the beach resort. Overnight at the resort.
Day 09 : Mararikuklam
Breakfast at hotel and the day at leisure on the beach. Bicycles can be organised for you so you can go biking along the beautiful coastal back roads of Marari. The area offers breathtaking views and one can bike through the beautiful fishermen's villages right up to the Arthumkal Church which is built by the sea. You could also choose to visit nearby Alleppey town and its bazaars and historical buildings. A visit to the coir factories around the village is also very interesting. Overnight at the resort.
Day 10 : Mararikulam - Cochin –Departure (85kms/2.5hrs)
After breakfast departure transfer to Cochin airport for return flight.
 Accommodation:
  Place Nts   Standard    Superior   Deluxe
  Cochin -
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  Munnar -
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  Periyar - -
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  Houseboat -
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  Marari -
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Tour 1 Oct 09-19 Dec 09 20 Dec 09-15 Jan 10 16 Jan 10-31 Jan 10 1 Feb 10-28 Feb 10 1 Mar 10-15 Apr 10 16 Apr 10-30 Sep 10
  Standard - - - - - -
  Superior
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  Deluxe
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Inclusions & Exclusions  |  Terms and Conditions  |  Cancellation Policy