Best of Kerala with Taj Group
Tour duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Places Covered: Cochin / Kumarakom / Houseboat / Kovalam
Tour Destination: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7
A relaxed one week trip to "God's own country - Kerala" . Your journey starts in Cochin, which brings together the old world charm of erstwhile Portugese colony and the modern day city life. You then travel to Kumarakaom, on the shores of the Vembanad lake, followed by an overnight backwater cruise experience, before driving on to Kovalam, for a bit of relaxation on it’s sandy beaches.
The hotels used in this programme are all modern First Class Hotels run by Taj Group of Hotels, an Indian chain, which has defined quality service and luxury in India. The chain has been selected with a view of enhancing your total experience of holidaying in India. Hotels on this trip are equipped with state of the art facilities -air-conditioning, swimming pool, multi-cuisine restaurants, Ayurvedic centers and of course en suite facilities.
Day 01 - Arrive Cochin
You will be met at the airport by Trans India Holidays representative and transferred to the hotel Taj Malabar and assisted with check in formalities.
Cochin: - Cochin means harbour and even before the building of Ancient Rome, spices, silks, ivory and sandalwood were traded here. Cochin proudly boasts a rich cultural heritage, but is also one of the most fast-paced and modern cities in India. It is also one of the finest natural harbours of the world and a major Indian port. It is its charm and a relatively good infrastructure that make it the ideal gateway to the state. This has been the case since 1341, the year nature carved out Cochin's harbor with a massive flood. As a result, Cochin became the first port of call for Arabs and came to be known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This city offers visitors Forts, palaces, museums, old churches, cool backwaters, palm fringed lagoons, beaches and the practicality of a contemporary metro.
Taj Malabar - is situated on Willingdon Island (Named after the British officer who commissioned it in 1920), and has magnificent views of the Cochin harbor and beautiful backwaters. The hotel offers excellent facilities like a swimming pool, coffee shop, restaurants, bars and an Ayurvedic massage center.Overnight in Cochin.
Day 02 –Cochin
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Cochin. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Maharaja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma (1537-61), as a gesture of goodwill. It was substantially renovated by the Dutch after 1663, hence it’s other name, the 'Dutch Palace'. The most important feature of this palace, however are the astonishing murals in the bedchambers and other rooms, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranic legends connected with Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kumara and Durga. These murals are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful and extensive to be seen anywhere in India.
The Jewish synagogue- The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace.
Cochin Harbor: Cochin harbor terminus where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight. The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
St Francis church - It is the oldest church built by European in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portugese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.
Fort Kochi beach: A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.
Hill Palace: Built in the 19th century by Raja of Kochi, the Kochi province was ruled from here. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying a fine collection of articles used by the Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings.
Later in the evening you will be picked up and taken to a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre. Kathakali is a traditional dance form, depicting Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). The dancers are dressed in very colorful and elaborate costumes. Their faces are painted to depict various characters of the se epics. This dance has a lot of facial expressions and brisk, yet articulate body movements.
Overnight in Cochin.
Day 03- Drive Cochin - Kumarakom (90 kms / 1.5 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast, you will be assisted with Check out formalities and start your drive to Kumarakom.Kumarakom: The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerela. Kumarkom strengthens Kerala’s reputation for being God’s own country with its unbelievably beautiful mangrove forests, coconut groves and emerald green paddy fields interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies. It is part of the Kuttanad region, and the bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any ornithologist's paradise. This enchanting backwater destination offers visitors many leisure options. From wandering into the depths of its wildlife sanctuary to cruising down the back waters and fishing, Kumarkom is perfect for a lazy and laid back holiday. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads. Kumarkom is an example of nature at her bountiful best in the fragrant flowers, the riot of multi coloured birds, the surrounding greenery and the clear waters.
On arrival in Kumarakom, check in at the Taj Garden Retreat.
Taj Garden Retreat – Azure backwaters,swaying palms, and floating houseboats. These are a few of the things that inspired English Missionary Henry Baker, in the late 19th century, to acquire land on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Today, it is known as the Taj Garden Retreat, Kumarakom. Often referred to as the little jewel of Kumarakom, it still maintains the beauty of its rustic surroundings. The 123-year-old colonial bungalow houses newly built Luxury Villas, heritage rooms and charming cottages. At this idyllic retreat, guests can look forward to practicing the art of doing nothing or keeping themselves busy with a variety of experiences, from nature to adventure, from culture to cuisine, and from rejuvenation to religion. No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day enjoying the hotel facilities
Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 4 – Kumarakom – Houseboat
After leisurely breakfast, check out from the hotel, and board your private house boat for an overnight stay. House Boat - A highlight of any trip to Kerala is a night spent onboard a houseboat, or a rice barge. These converted rice barges or "Kettuvallams" sail along shallow, palm-fringed lakes and narrow canals where coconut and cashew is loaded onto dugouts. You pass villages built on narrow spits of land, stopping to visit local markets, or to marvel at craftsmen engaged in centuries-old boat-making tradition. The boats offer one or two cabins with a small sitting room and a crew of 2 staff and a chef. The food is authentic Kerala cuisine, purchased fresh along the way. For most of the journey, the boat is poled, sailing only between dawn and dusk. Although the accommodation on board is basic, this is an unforgettable experience.
Overnight on board Houseboat.
Day 05 –Houseboat – Kovalam (170 kms / 4 hrs)
After breakfast, disembark the houseboat in Alleppey and drive to Kovalam.Kovalam is Kerala’s most famous beach, and is a popular tourist destination. Kovalam beach, was discovered by the western hippies in the 1960s. It was they who chanced upon this hidden paradise, till then a fishing village (as it still is on Chowara Beach). It has since become one of the most popular beach destinations. Kovalam has today acquired all the trappings of a beach resort . The seaside eateries serving a fusion of Indian and continental food, itinerant hawkers, fast food vendors, pubs etc
On arrival in Kovalam, check into the Taj Green Cove.
Taj Green Cove : the Taj Green Cove is spread across 10 acres of land, offering a breathtaking view of the backwater, lush landscapes, coconut palms, and unspoiled beaches. Each granite stone cottage offers natural details including wooden or tiled floors, high rafters, and Bizzaza bathroom mosaics. All cottages are light, airy, and modern. Leisure facilities include a Swimming Pool, Fitness Centre, Souvenir Shop and Outdoor hot and cold splash pools with Jacuzzi. No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day enjoying the beach and the resort’s facilities
Overnight at your resort.
Day 06 – In Kovalam
No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day enjoying the beach and the hotel facilitiesOvernight at your resort.
Day 07 – Kovalam - Trivandrum airport
Morning at leisure. Later in the day, you will be met by our representative at your hotel and assisted with checkout formalities, followed by transfer to Trivandrum airport in time for your flight home.| Category of Hotels | Deluxe |
| Valid from 01st June’2009 till 30th September’2009 | Us$ 554 per person |
| Valid from 01st Oct’2009 till 15th April’2010 | Us$ 1016 per person |
| Cities | Deluxe |
| Cochin | Taj Malabar |
| Kumarakom | Taj Garden Retreat |
| Houseboat | Aircon Houseboat |
| Kovalam | Taj Green Cove |
Small supplements may apply for travel between 20th December’09 and 05th January’2010 and during the month of February 2010.
Our tour price includes:-
- Accommodation on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis, (EXCEPT on the Houseboat where all meals are included), at the luxury hotels mentioned above.
- Land transportation exactly as per itinerary using an air-conditioned car.
- Sight-seeing tours exactly as per itinerary including entrance fee to monuments along with an English Speaking Guide.
