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Day 1 :
Arrival / Cochin :
Late morning arrival. Traditional welcome with garlands
and transfer to hotel Trident, a property of the
prestigious Oberoi Group of Hotels. Check in time 12
Noon.
Set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, the
port city of Cochin (Kochi) reflects the eclecticism of
Kerala perfectly. With a rich past and a bustling
present, it has been the business hub of the region from
the very early days. Chinese fishing nets along Cochin
harbour Cochin consists of mainland Ernakulam, the
islands of Willington, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbour,
Fort Cochin and Mattancherry on the southern peninsula,
and Vypeen Island north of Fort Cochin, all linked by
ferry.
This evening we witness a typical classical dance
performance unique to Kerala called the Katha Kali dance
style. This highly stylized dance form elaborates folk
and mythological stories.
Overnight Hotel.
Day 2 :
Cochin :
Following breakfast, proceed on a guided tour of the
City. The true character of the city is to be found in
the older parts of the Fort Cochin area. It more or less
exists as it used to be a 1000 years back, when it was
first built. The roads have not been widened because the
old haggard buildings, through patchwork repairs over
the centuries, still stand on the edges. This part of
the city reflects an unusual blend of medieval Portugal,
Dutch and English country life grafted on to the
tropical Malabar Coast. The fishing community of Cochin
is also very interesting. They ancient cantilevered
fishing nets called Chinese Fishing Nets. The net is
fixed to a pole on the shore. While fishing, the entire
net is lowered by a primitive fulcrum mechanism using
long bamboo poles. By the same mechanism the pole is
lifted along with the catch. We will explore the sights
of Photographic as well as cultural interest. We would
also visit the 16th century Mattancherry Palace, also
known as the Dutch Palace since the Dutch substantially
renovated the palace in the 17th century. The double
storied quadrangular building surrounds a courtyard
containing a Hindu temple. The Central Hall on the first
floor was the coronation hall of the Rajas of Cochin; on
display are their dresses, turbans and palanquins. The
most important feature of this palace, however, are the
astonishing murals in the bedchambers and other rooms,
which depict scenes from the Ramayana and other
religious legends. These murals are undoubtedly some of
the most beautiful and extensive anywhere to be seen in
India. The unique feature here is the unexpected and
isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD
52. They are self-contained and have there own
Synagogue.
The area around the Synagogue, known, as 'Jew Town' is
one of the main centers of spice trade. Scores of small
firms huddle together in old dilapidated buildings and
the air is filled with the aroma of ginger, cardamom,
cumin, turmeric and cloves. The area is very busy. The
potters are loading gunny bags of spices on to carts,
which keep running up and down the narrow lanes. We
would visit Jew Town, in the Mattancherry section and a
short walk from the ferry, is one street long. Jews used
to occupy virtually all the houses on Jew Town Road,
where they sold fruits, vegetables and spices or worked
as oil pressers or carpenters. The spice markets are
still located on the narrow street.
Overnight will be in Cochin.
Day 3 :
Cochin / Alleppey :
Following breakfast, ride 45 kms to the heart of
Kerala's balmy, coconut-fringed backwaters to Alleppey
and experience Kerala's famous backwaters that comprise
of vast lakes and a system of narrow canals and
waterways linking them to one another. Not so long ago,
these waterways served as the backbone of Kerala's
transportation. Alleppey is the ideal place to
experience the fascinating lifestyles of the backwaters.
Amidst this scenic setting lies your hotel, The
Kayaloram (meaning lake side), the exclusive heritage
lake resort. Kayaloram is a harmonious blend of the
ambience of rustic Alleppey and the amenities of a
modern resort. Situated on an exclusive stretch of prime
water front, fringed by coconut palms and caressed by a
gentle breeze. Kayaloram is like a page out of a history
book. Kayaloram has been classified as Heritage Resort
by the Government of India. Accommodation at Kayaloram
is ethnic Kerala. Independent Tharavads (ancient Kerala
houses) offer all modern facilities. The Tharavads have
been painstakingly re-assembled from the original, using
only wood, bricks and tiles. Even most door hinges are
wood. A unique feature of these Tharavads is the
bathrooms with open to sky roofs, offering you a
communion with nature.
Overnight will be in Alleppey.
Day 4 :
Alleppey :
Morning at leisure to enjoy your incredible nature
Resort. You may walk through the gardens and enjoy the
natural scenery. Alternatively, you could visit the
neighboring villages, or the famous bird sanctuary that
adjoins the Resort. You would love the period furniture,
ethnic dιcor and especially the open attached bathroom
with a banana tree and a few ripe bananas! A truly
amazing place.
Overnight will be in Alleppey.
Day 5
:
Alleppey / Houseboat :
A leisurely breakfast and we board the Houseboat for a
unique experience through the narrow canals and channels
of the backwaters of Kerala.
The material that go into the making of houseboat are
all local and Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber
ropes, bamboo mats carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjali".
The Houseboat provides all comforts - Beds, a kitchen,
western toilets and an upper deck. Traditional lanterns
are used as lights. The cuisine is of traditional Kerala
flavor along with the local Specialties - delicious fish
and prawns.
We spend the day Cruising on our boat through remote
tribal villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala
is a superb experience. Sensational in its own silent
way, the cruise takes you along snake boat docks,
friendly cheering villagers, choir (Jute) making
communities, toddy (local spirit) shops, fishing nets
pitched for the day's catch, bundled paddy fields and
manual canoes of different sizes criss-crossing each
other. The experience enables you to reach beautiful
untouched areas.
Overnight And Meals In A Deluxe Houseboat.
Day 6 :
Houseboat / Alleppey / Munnar
Following breakfast we disembark houseboat at Alleppey
and drive 4 hrs to Munnar through the scenically vibrant
valley of the Cardamom Hills of the Western . We would
stop a few times to interact with locals as well as walk
through the countryside to explore traditional and
ethnic lifestyles. It's a journey through extensive tea
and spice plantations and for most part of our journey,
the air is rendered with the fragrance of tea and
spices.
Munnar, a hill station on the Western Ghats and with its
lakes, reservoirs, forests and tea estates is the
Nature-Lovers's Paradise. It is beautifully situated at
the confluence of three rivers - the Muthirappuzh,
Nallathanni and Kundala. Munnar is a major center of
Kerala's tea industry.
Upon arrival check into the hotel.
We have two days to explore the virgin beauty of the
place and its several possibilities. Anaimudi (2694 m),
the highest peak in the southern India, is nearby and
the views from here are incredible. Munnar offers some
great possibility for nature walks and visits to nearby
tribal villages where people, though poor are extremely
friendly, charming and hospitable. The ethnic
lifestyles, traditional homes and the traditional
occupation with ethnic tools and implements provides an
incredible experience. The forests that surround Munnar
are still rich in wildlife. The hills surrounding Munnar
are home for one of the world's rarest mountain goats,
Nilgiri tahr. The tropical forests are inhabited by
elephants, tigers, deer and gaur (bison) Munnar is a
birdwatcher delight with a variety of birds that are
supported by the evergreen vegetation of the region. If
one seek a sense of peace, a desire to communicate with
nature and most importantly participate in a journey
through a living museum, Munnar is the place that seeks
to provide all this in a heavenly setting.
Overnight will be in Munnar.
Day 07 :
Munnar :
Day planned to explore Munnar, which is surrounded by 30
tea gardens, the atmosphere is fragrant with extensive
tea and cardamom plantations. Tea estates are situated
mostly on the inner slopes of an elevated basin-like
plateau. Estate elevations vary from about 1220 m to
over 1830 m. some of the tea plantations, at an
elevation of over 2135-m, are among the highest in the
world. It would be worthwhile to visit some of these tea
gardens to witness the plucking of leaves by women who
carry conical bamboo baskets on their back and strapped
to their forehead by a cloth band. The work on the field
is all done by hand and is a fascinating sight. You may
also visit the nearby Lockhart Gap, which provides a
panoramic view of the valley and plantation down below.
The enchanting high range of lakes and streams, the
low-flying clouds and the mist-filled valleys cast a
magical spell, which lingers long in the memory.
We would also be visiting the Mattupetty dam and lake,
Rajamala, the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, a rare
mountain goat and the Eravikulam National Park.
Overnight will be in Munnar.
Day 8 :
Munnar
/ Periyar :
Following breakfast drive to Periyar through the
scenically vibrant valley of the Cardamom Hills of the
Western Ghats. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at
Thekkady in Kerala, is one of the 16 Project Tiger
Reserves in India. About a century ago, a British
engineer, Col. J. Pennycuick, chalked out a plan to dam
the Periyar River, subsequently, a dam was constructed
in 1895. This resulted in the adjoining forests being
granted protection, by the Maharaja of Travancore. The
55 sq km reservoir and the surrounding forests, provide
protection to the animals within. Today, Periyar is
undeniably, one of the most impressive wildlife
sanctuaries in the world.
Upon arrival check into the hotel.
Late afternoon, we take a boat ride along the lake into
the more inner areas of the reserve. There is probably
no sanctuary in the world where elephant behavior can be
watched in such absolute comfort and safety. The total
popula-tion is about 800. From the lake we can get as
close as 20 meters to watch placid groups feeding,
bathing and mud slinging. We end this adventurous day at
our hotel, turning in for the night matching the
tranquil pace of the forest around us.
Overnight will be in Periyar.
Day 9 :
Periyar /Athoor
Following breakfast, we ride 3 hrs to Cardamom House,
situated in stunningly beautiful surroundings on a
hillside of the Western Ghats over-looking a monsoon
dependent 400-acre lake. Cardamom House is owned and
managed by Dr. Chris Lucas, a retired English physician,
ably assisted by 6 Indian staff. All rooms have either
twin or separate double bedded accommodation, face
south, and have modern western style bathroom facilities
en-suite With solar heated hot water. The water comes
from deep bore wells and is potale. With just two guests
to each staff member we can assure that you will, be
personally looked after and "spoiled rotten" during your
stay. The meals are prepared using only the freshest
produce purchased daily from the local markets and the
house takes great pride in the variety of food that they
serve.
Overnight will be in Athoor.
Day 10 :
Athoor:
Besides experiencing a great, traditional accommodation
in stunning natural settings, we also want you to
experience a typical back of beyond unhurried Athoor
village that has remained frozen in time. We suggest
that you simply stroll through the village at your own
pace, absorbing the atmosphere and watching as the rural
life unfolds. On the track you will pass a Hindu Temple
situated under a Banyan Tree, Continuing your stroll you
will pass Banana Plantations, fields of Chilli and
Groundnuts, and of course hundreds upon hundreds of
Coconut Trees. The villagers whose Way of life is
dependent on agriculture, are Very friendly and will
welcome you. Some of the Cardamom House staff either
hail from, or are living in Athoor and will ensure that
they are there to help you, introduce you to people and
help with the devilishly difficult Tamil language,
Athoor is truly an unspoiled Indian Village waiting to
be discovered.
Overnight will be in Athoor.
Day 11 :
Athoor/Madurai:
Following breakfast, a short drive brings us to the
incredible Temple Town of Madurai. Upon arrival , check
in to the hotel.
Afternoon, embark upon the sightseeing trip of the city.
Madurai is one of the oldest cities of southern India.
It has been a centre of pilgrimage, for centuries. The
Meenakshi temple, the main architectural attraction
here, is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture,
with gopurams or multi pillared halls, covered from top
to bottom, in a profusion of multicolored images of
gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures.
However, besides the temple, our tour includes a walk
along the main street leading to the temple. The
well-organized confusion caused by pilgrims in
traditional clothes, pavement shops of all shades, holy
men in robes of different colours etc add an
unmistakable colour and atmosphere to this fascinating
Temple City.
Overnight will be in Madurai.
Day 12 :
Madurai
/ Madras [ IC 672 13.20Hrs /14.15 pm ]
A leisurely breakfast at hotel and transfer to the
airport for flight to Chennai .
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to
Hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure for independent
activities. Perhaps you could visit the popular
wholesale bazaar.
Overnight will be in Chennai.
Day 13 :
Chennai / Departure :
Early morning, transfer to the International airport for
your onward flight. |
