SOUTH INDIA

Kerala Kaleidoscope

Kerala, also known as ‘God’s own country’, is India’s most enchanting and acclaimed destinations with its picturesque backwaters offering a unique insight into the lifestyle and culture of the local people which has mostly remained unaffected over the centuries.

Starting with Cochin, which reflects the eclecticism of Kerala with a wealth of historical associations and its beautiful setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, we traverse to the beautiful backwaters of Kumarakkom. After the sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake and the visit to the Bird sanctuary, we embark on typical houseboats for the overnight cruise to Quillon. This is one of the most wonderful and leisurely way to explore the mesmerizing waterways of Kerala and observe the unhurried pace of kaleidoscopic everyday life along its banks. After sailing gently through the eco rich and unpolluted areas and spending a night on these cozy, eco friendly accommodations we reach the renowned beaches of Kovalam. Here we can discover the power of Ayurveda - the knowledge of life in the calm serene atmosphere or simply relax on the pristine sandy beach surrounded by serene hillsides.

Day 01: Cochin
Arrive in Cochin.

Day 02: Cochin
In the historic town of Cochin we visit the Mattancherry palace built by the Portuguese in 1556; St. Francis Church considered to be the oldest in the region; the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 with its preserved scrolls of the old Testament in Hebrew and the Spice market.

Day 03: Cochin - Munnar
Drive to Munnar (130 Kms) visiting elephant training camp at Kodanadu, located on the south bank of Periyar river. The hill town of Munnar (1524 m) is the commercial centre of world’s highest tea growing estates.

Day 04: Munnar – Kumarkkom
In the morning, visit Eravikulam National Park (16 Km from Munnar), which is the home of the rare Nilgiri Tahr (a type of mountain goat). Drive to Kumarkkon (160 Kms/4 hrs) - a unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake in time for a sunset cruise.

Day 05: Kumarakkom - Houseboat
Morning visit the Kumarakkom Bird Sanctuary - a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal with other common varieties of like woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and parrots. Embark on the typical traditional country Houseboats. These large country boats have one or two bedrooms with attached bath, a kitchenette and a sitting area. Each boat has at least three crew members and the meals are prepared and served on board. These boats gently sail on through the rural interiors of Kerala, which remain hidden from the road. Overnight on houseboat.

Day 06: Houseboat - Quillon - Kovalam
Arrive in Quillon and transfer to the hotel in Kovalam (92 Kms/2hrs). Kovalam has internationally renowned pristine beaches, coconut palms, lush landscapes and breathtaking backwater scenery.

Day 07: Kovalam
Full day excursion to Cape Comorin - the tip of peninsular India where the three seas - Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal meet. Also visit the beautifully kept wooden palace of Travancore rulers at Padambhapuram.

Day 08-11: Kovalam
At leisure on the Kovalam beach. Possibility of optional Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy, yoga, meditation or simply relax on the sea and sandy beach.

Day 12: Kovalam - Trivandrum - Departure
From Kovalam (28 Kms/1 hr), transfer to Trivandrum International Airport. Departure for onward destination.