DAY
01 : COCHIN - THEKKADY
COCHIN - Cochin's history is a bright tapestry - many coloured
threads woven through centuries together present the fabric of
the present. Its involvement with the Portuguese, the Dutch and
the British are evident in the architecture of city buildings,
the old durbar hall is the spice in the dish! Modern day Kochi
may be a busy port and shipping centre but it has many attractions
for ordinary tourists.
Morning drive to Thekkady (190 kms) Sprawling across 777 sq. kms.
of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is the home
to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic
flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away
among hills.
This area is of historical importance for more than one reason.
It has been and still is an important spice plantation area. Thekkady
is one of the finest known natural wildlife sanctuaries and it
has a history dating back to the year 1934, when the then state
government took initiative to establish the Nellikampathy Sanctuary.
This wildlife sanctuary was later developed into Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary by the year 1950
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 02 : THEKKADY - KUMARAKOM
Early morning boatcruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife
sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar - an artificial lake or reservoir
created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife
Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and sometimes
even Tigers come to shores of the lake.
Thereafter drive through the winding "Ghats" lined with
prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating countryside
of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom.
KUMARAKOM - When nature is all you need to recuperate,
Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise
in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing
here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering
lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties
can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration
for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.
Enroute visit the tea estates. Kumarakom - is a beautiful backwater
village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed
with meandering waterways and ancient cottages.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY
03 : KUMARAMOM - HOUSEBOAT
Morning at leisure. Take a cruise on the backwaters in traditional
country canoes called "vanjis" to see the agricultural
activities of the local people living on the back waters. You
may also visit the beautiful bird sanctuary.
Afternoon board the traditional rice boats - "Ketuvallam"
and begin your journey through the picturesque backwaters and
small lakes relaxing in the tranquillity of Kerala's beautiful
scenery. Experience the way of life and activity of the local
people. Overnight on board.
DAY 04 : ALLEPPEY - COCHIN
ALLEPPEY - Alleppey is one of the most important
tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals
earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These
large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey
was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of
the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains
its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming.
Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well
as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and
the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat
Race which is an annual event.
Disembark the houseboat in Alleppay. Drive down to Cochin.
Arrive Cochin and check in at the hotel.
DAY 05 : DEPART COCHIN
Morning transfer to the airport to connect flight for your onward
journey.
