Gods Own Country

Gods Own Country

Kerala, the land of rivers and backwaters is a green strip of land and very aptly known as ‘God’s own Country’ - offers an exotic landscape and an atmosphere of relaxation. Overlooking the Arabian sea, Cochin (also known as Kochi), is reminiscent of a golden era of trade and culture; with its delightful mix of European and local cultures. Journey into fragrant wooded hills for a stay blended with nature in Periyar, continue to the beautiful palm-fringed backwaters for relaxation at our hand-picked luxury resort, and wind down on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Duration: 06 Nights / 07 Days Touring

Day 01: Arrive Cochin, Day 02: Kumarakom, Day 03: Allepey (Houseboat), Day 04: Houseboat, Day 05: Thekkady, Day 06: Thekkady, Day 07: Cochin Departure

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Indian street © Galyna Andrushko Houseboat in backwaters in India © Marina Ignatova

Day 01 : ARRIVE COCHIN

Cochin is one of the most picturesque places in Kerala. Its past is so rich that it could lay a valid claim to being a museum city. Cochin has a beautiful all weather harbor and a grand seascape, one of India’s largest port and a major naval base. At dusk you can see the dim silhouettes of huge merchant ships patiently awaiting their turn for a berth in the docks. The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans is evident in Cochin and its people. The older parts of Fort Cochin and Mattanchery are an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. Despite this, Cochin is an attractive city with serene backwaters, lagoons overhung with feathery coconut, palms trees and picturesque islands. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to the hotel. Afternoon you tour this incredible city. Visit the Portuguese St. Francis Church, considered the first European Church in India, built in 1562 by St. Francis; this is India’s oldest European-built church. Continue on to Mattanchery Dutch Palace, a double-storied palace built in the classic The most important feature of Mattanchery Palace is the murals in the bedchambers, which depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata These murals are some of the most beautiful and extensive, one of the wonders of India. Proceed to the Jewish Synagogue, which was constructed in 1568 and is the oldest in the Commonwealth. A stone slab from the Kochangadi synagogue (built in 1344, and has disappeared), inscribed in Hebrew, can be found on the inner surface of the wall. At the Cochin Harbor, you can watch the fishermen using strange Chinese fishing nets to catch. This evening you will enjoy a presentation of the colorfully costumed Kathakali dance drama. Kathakali is a ritualized dance form native to Kerala; elaborate costumes and makeup, as seen here, are the norm. Male dancers portray both male and female roles. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 : COCHIN / KUMARAKOM

After breakfast drive to Kumarakom, located 70 kms and will take apprx 2 hrs to reach. Located in the Kerala Backwaters, Kumarakom is a haven of peace and tranquility. Explore the intricate backwater by boat and witness a way of life that is in complete harmony with nature. Your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take advantage of the rich waters with a bit of fishing, or just relax and soak in the rich atmosphere of your surroundings. Overnight is at the hotel.

Day 03 : KUMARAKOM – Alleppey - HOUSEBOAT

After breakfast you will drive to Alleppey which is 35 kms and apprx will take 40 minutes and board your private houseboat. And cruise through the series of canals and lagoons snaking your way through several tiny villages and tropical vegetation. Not only do the backwaters of Kerala link the state together, they are an integral element in maintaining ecological balance and creating harmony with nature. Lunch, dinner & overnight on board houseboat.

Day 04 : ON BOARD HOUSEBOAT

The boat cruise takes you to small islets & you get glimpses of village at the best of its serenity and innocence. Watch village girls picking mussels or laundering clothes or pots on the small ponds in front of their house, while men folk are busy plucking cocnuts, dates from the trees. Watch the village folk make the golden fiber called coir from coconut husk and transform it into various coir products. Rustling coconut groves abound. So stop over to drink calm fresh coconut water from the kernel and watch the toddy-tapper tap at work. You can see birds like kingfishers, pheasants, cormorants, drogues, wood pecker, Bee-eater & kite. All meals and overnight is on board houseboat.

Day 05 : Alleppey - THEKKADY

After breakfast you get off your houseboat and drive to Thekkady which is 165 kms and will take apprx 2 hrs. India’s largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India .This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq.Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms. Arrive and check in at your hotel. Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places for viewing wild animals on elephant back or riding a boat. Boating through the Placid Lake provides a rare opportunity to watch wild animals at close quarters. Upon arrival you will check into your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 06 : THEKKADY

After breakfast, your naturalist will accompany you to the pier, where you will board our specially designed game viewing boats for wild life sight seeing tour. In Periyar Tiger Reserve there is a rich diversity of vertebrates. The diverse forest types supports hundred of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes & butterfly. Among the mammals, many are rare, endemic and endangered. Periyar is prime elephant country and large herds are often sighted at the lake fringes. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 07 : THEKKADY - COCHIN - DEPARTURE

After breakfast you will be driven to Cochin airport which is 220 kms and will take apprx 7 hrs, in time to board your onward flight.

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Our package tour prices are inclusive of transfers and tours as mentioned with English speaking guide, baggage handling, entrance fees, accommodation with breakfast, service charges and Taxes. Not included are other meals than mentioned in the program, optional tours, expenditures of personal nature

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