KERALA BOAT FESTIVAL
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Places to Visit: Cochin - Allepey - Kumarakom - Periyar - Kovalam -
Trivandrum - Mumbai
Day 01 COCHIN
A
rrive
Mumbai by International flight and connect Indian Airlines/ Jet Air flight
to Cochin. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel.
Cochin, a city with a rich past, from time immemorial has seen maritime trade
with the outside world. The Portuguese led by Vasco da Gama arrived in 1502
and later the Dutch and the British. And descendants of the Jews who arrived
in ancient days still live here. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cochin takes
you to the Jewish section where the first emigration of Jews to Kerala is
said to have taken place in the 6th Century B.C. Visit the Dutch Palace built
by the Portuguese in 1510 and later taken over by the Dutch. In the evening
witness a Kathakali dance. It is a classical art form of Kerala which follows
the age – old traditions of dance drama. During the performance the group
will be served with piping hot coffee from freshly ground coffee beans along
with the famous banana chips. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 COCHIN/ALLEPEYMorning leave for Alleppey a distance of 76 kms
by car/coach. On arrival check in to hotel Prince or equivalent.
ALLEPPEY– An intricate network of canals and lakes make Alleppey unique.
It is famous for its exhilarating snake boat races and it is on this day you
will be able to see the world famous Rajiv Gandhi memorial boat race. In the
early evening board houseboats/kettuvaloms.
KETTUVALOMS: The traditional rice boats of Kerala – a romantic way to
explore the unique web of lakes, lagoons, canals and rivers. These traditional
houseboats of Kerala are one of the most enduring images of the back-waters.
These kettuvaloms/houseboats converted into an accommodation of one/two bedrooms,
a kitchen and a sitting/dining area. Each cabin has a double bed and ensuite
WC and washbasin. The crew have their own separate facilities.
As the boat slowly cruises through the backwaters, absorb this unusual representation
of Kerala life. The boat will stop in villages for you to experience a glimpse
of the village life in rural Kerala. Overnight on board kettuvaloms.
Day 03 KUMARAKOM
Breakfast at houseboat. Later arrive at Kumarakom. On arrival at Kumarakom,
check in at hotel Coconut Lagoon.
KUMARAKOM:lying on the eastern shore of the Vembanad Lake is only 10
Km away from the coastal town. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 KUMARAKOM: An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove
forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting
waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake,
in this small water world you will come across plenty of traditional country
crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into th
e
heart of the scenic lake. The resorts offer comfortable accommodation and
exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating,
fishing, angling and swimming. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary located on the
banks of the Vembanad Lake, an ornithologist’s paradise, is a favourite haunt
of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.
A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the Sanctuary.
Early in the morning sunrise boat cruise on the Vembanad lake and also visit
bird Sanctuary. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 KUMARAKOM/PERIYAR– After breakfast leave for Periyar
a distance of 114 kms and a drive of about 3 hours by car/coach. On arrival
check in to hotel spice village. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 PERIYAR: Morning boat cruise on lake Periyar which is surrounded
by forests meadows and hills. As you enjoy your boat cruise, you may sight
wildlife like elephants, woodland birds, darters and cormorants. The depth
of the lake offers splendid opportunities for anglers such as ospreys, kingfishers
and kites. Otters, expert fishermen, are a common sight. Rest of the day at
leisure and overnight at hotel.
Day 07 PERIYAR/KOVALAM : After breakfast leave for Kovalam by car/coach
a distance of about 300 kms and about 7 hours drive. Thisinternationally renowned
beach resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam
consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the
Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular.
On arrival check in to SOMATHEERAM Ayurvedic Beach Resort. Overnight at the
resort.
Day 08/09 KOVALAM: Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort is the
first of its kind for holidayers to combine the threesome; a Beach Resort
with Ayurvedic and
Yoga. The Ayurvedic and Massage Centre is handled
by well qualified, highly experienced doctors.
There is a Yoga and Meditation Centre and an experienced Yoga Instructor.
There is also an Indian Arts and Cultural Centre to perform and to teach Indian
Arts and Culture. Facilities exist for Ayurvedic Massage Courses, Yoga Courses
and Classical Dance classes.
Day 10/11 KOVALAM/TRIVANDRUM/Mumbai– After breakfast transfer by car/coach
to Trivandrum to connect Jet Air flight 9w 402 to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai
streight proceed for the c
ity
tour of Mumbai.
Mumbai : The Gateway and chief entry port of India is a great industrial center
and is reputed to be the most cosmopolitan city in the East. With its beautiful
natural harbour studded with emerald islands and palm-fringed shore which
rises gradually to the mountain peaks. Highlights of the city sightseeing
include the Gateway of India, Hanging Gardens, Prince of Wales Museum, Flora
fountain, Gandhi Memorial Museum and the Dhobi Ghats – a vast outdoor laundry.
In the evening dinner at some good Restaurant/Hotel and proceed to International
Airport to connect flight to back Home.
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