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06 nights / 07 days
Cochin / Periyar / Kumarakom / Houseboat / Cochin |
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Kerala,
also called God's own country, voted as one of the top ten destinations in the
World by Conde-Nast traveller, is nothing like you would have ever seen before
and, there is no better way to explore and experience Kerala than this. A tour
where you can experience the unique backwaters, where you can see elephants in
the wild, where you can sit in a hammock and relax, or even have an Ayurvedic
massage
all staying in the finest tropical
resorts
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Day 01: Arrive Cochin
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You will be met on your arrival at Cochin International airport and transferred to the
Hotel Brunton Boatyard (Suite)
- Fort Cochin - The Hotel, built to resemble a 19th century Boat yard, is considered a great tribute to the city of Cochin. Designed and built in the style and principle of the early Dutch and Portuguese architecture of Fort Cochin, blends very well into the Cochin sky line. It's hard to believe that the Brunton is a new building since it resembles the old colonial buildings of Cochin. The simple lime washed walls, sloping tile roof and terra-cotta floors and a Giant "Rain Tree" completing the picture. It is located right at the point where the waters of the Indian ocean and the famed backwaters of Kerala meet. It's a hotel unlike the normal ,yet boasts of everything one could expect in the finest hotels of the world, with a swimming pool, restaurant and bar ,and above all every room has magnificent views of the Harbour mouth. Overnight at the Brunton Boatyard.
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Day 02: In Cochin
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Breakfast at the hotel followed by a sight-seeing tour of Cochin visiting - St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and the Chinese fishing nets. Evening watch spectacular Kathakali dance show. Overnight at the Brunton Boatyard.
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Day 03: Cochin Periyar
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After breakfast, depart for Periyar by road (200 kms/05 hrs). On your arrival in Periyar check into the
Spice Village Resort (Deluxe room). This hotel built on the periphery of a 777 sq. km. Wildlife Sanctuary called Periyar, home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, bear, the great Indian tiger and more. Set in the heart of the Cardamom Hills of Kerala, Spice Village is an unprecedented tourist destination, offering a rare opportunity to South India's wildlife and beauty. Spice Village is very close to the main entrance to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and a 10 minutes drive from the gigantic man-made Periyar Lake. The design of each cottage was inspired by the native tribesmen of Periyar, the Oorali and Mannan, who lived in similar dwellings. (In fact, one of the cottages currently being used as an office is an original tribal hut, which has been modified.) A number of creature comforts have been added, however, to make your stay a luxurious one. Cottages with thatched roofs blend well with the surrounding greenery of the pepper vines. At the center of the village is a swimming pool, surrounded by tropical trees and lawns. The community hut houses a well-stocked bar and a unique restaurant that overlooks the pool. Spice Village has an exclusive Ayurvedic clinic, well equipped for treatments like Pizhichil, Njavarakizhy, Dhara and other natural therapies. At the Spice Village there's no lack of options on how you can get the best out of your holiday. Boat safaris, Jungle treks, Plantation visits
the possibilities are endless.
Overnight at the Spice Village Resort.
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Day 04: In Periyar
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Early morning boat ride on Periyar lake to watch wildlife. After breakfast a short jungle trek with a naturalist to watch flora, fauna and avifauna.
Overnight at the Spice Village Resort.
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Day 05: Periyar Kumarakom
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After breakfast, depart for Kumarakom by road (170 kms / 03 hrs). On your arrival in Kumarakom check into the Coconut Lagoon Resort (Private Pool Villa). Hidden among the palm trees on the Eastern Shore of Lake Vembanad, Kerala's famous backwaters, Coconut Lagoon is one of Southern India's most discreet holiday destinations, an exclusive haven with a unique cultural heritage. The resort can only be reached by boat and offers a fascinating insight into the past. Guests stay in genuine 'tarawad' cottages - traditional wooden family houses. In danger of being destroyed, each one has been brought here from different parts of Kerala and carefully reassembled to include every modern luxury. Coconut Lagoon's cottages feature ultramodern bathrooms, each located in an inner courtyard boasting its own banana tree. It's a stunning combination: conservation mixed with comfort, tradition with tranquility. The hotel offers excellent facilities for Ayurvedic massage, yoga and meditation. The restaurant at the Coconut Lagoon is renowned as much for its superb Kerala cuisine (vegetarian and non - vegetarian alike) as for its authentic setting and is housed in one of the resort's most impressive tharawads. Activities here include visits to the Vembanad bird sanctuary .
Overnight at the coconut Lagoon Resort.
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Day 06: Kumarakom Houseboat
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After breakfast, board houseboat for overnight cruise in the backwaters of Kerala. A private boat trip along the beautiful backwater canals of Kerala is a highlight of any visit to the South. 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 by bullock-cart, 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. Most tourists taking this trip recall it as a fascinating experience and a unique way to see authentic Kerela life.
Overnight on board the houseboat.
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Day 07: Houseboat Cochin and Depart
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After breakfast, disembark the houseboat in Alleppey and depart for Cochin International airport by road (85kms /02 hrs) to board your flight home. |
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Luxury |
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Valid from 01st Oct'08 to 15th April'09 |
us$ 1744 |
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Valid from 16th Apr'08 to 30th Sep'08 |
us$ 994 |
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Small supplements may apply for travel between 01st Nov to 15th Nov 2008, 20th Dec 2008 to 05th Jan 2009 and during the month of February 2009. |
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Our chosen hotels :-
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* Click on a hotel name to know more about its facilities and services. |
| Our tour price includes:-
1. Accommodation on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis,
except on the Houseboat where all
meals are included, at the luxury hotels mentioned above..
2. Land transportation exactly as per itinerary using an
air-conditioned car.
3. Sight-seeing tours/Game rides exactly as per itinerary
including entrance fee to monuments/parks
along with an English Speaking Guide/Naturalist.
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Luxury Tour Kerala |
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