TRANQUIL BACKWATERS OF KERALA

Duration:               15 Days

Destinations:         Mumbai - Cochin - Periyar - Kumarakom - Backwaters  Mararikulam - Cochin - Mumbai

DAY 1                         ARRIVE MUMBAI                                                      

Arrive late night at Mumbai. Upon arrival, the guests will be met by our representative outside the customs gate and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 2                         MUMBAI

Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is the fastest moving, most affluent and industrialised city in India. Bombay is part of India's beautiful west coast that runs down from Gujarat, through Bombay to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. The city has a natural harbour, which was developed by the British and is one of the busiest ports of India. It is home to people of all Indian creeds and cultures, a fascinating city, throbbing with life, and, for many people, the gateway to India.

This morning, one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge and intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. For rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues, lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma - the Creator, Vishnu - the Preserver and Shiva - the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of Shiva is overpowering.

This afternoon’s sightseeing includes a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum, built to commemorate King George's V visit to India, was opened in 1923. It is modeled on the Indo - Saracenic design, and has sections for art and paintings, archaeology, and natural history. Also visit the Gateway of India, the principal landmark of Bombay, was the principal port when the visitors came to India by ship. The gateway was conceived, following the visit of King George V to India in 1911, and was officially opened in 1924. Its architecture is akin to the conventional Arch of Triumph, with elements derived from Muslim styles of 16th century Gujarat. A major landmark of this vibrant city is the VT or Victoria Terminus, which was designed in Italian Gothic style by F. W. Stevens. The first train to steam out of Bombay was from here to Thane in 1853. Drive upto Malabar Hill to the lovely Hanging Gardens and the Kamla Nehru Park from where you will get a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea spread out before you. Also visit the Dhobi Ghat - the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'; Mani Bhawan - a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi; and the bustling Crawford Market.

DAY 3                         MUMBAI - COCHIN

Morning, transfer to the airport to board flight for Cochin. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel. 

Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. With its wealth of historical associations and its beautiful setting on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, the fascinating city of Cochin perfectly reflects the eclecticism of Kerala. Frilled with backwaters and rich with old world charm, this city has lured many a great voyager to its shores. Cochin, now renamed Kochi, boasts of one of the finest natural harbors on the Arabian Sea coast and has been a port of call for foreign traders from very early times.

This afternoon explore the bustling port of Cochin including Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis’ Church, Spice Markets and drive past the famous Chinese fishing nets, etc.

Jewish Synagogue - Built in 1568, the building was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two years later. Scrolls of the Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script are preserved here.

Mattancherry Palace - Built by the Portuguese in 1555, this Palace was presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. This was also known as the Dutch Palace, resulting from substantial renovation by the Dutch after 1663. The central hall was the Coronation Hall of the Rajas. Their dresses, turbans and palanquins and murals from Hindu mythology are all beautiful and worth seeing.

Fort Kochi - Situated 12kms from Cochin, the Fort Kochi is said to be the oldest European settlement in India.

St. Francis Church - The oldest church constructed by the Europeans in India, the Portuguese originally built this protestant church in 1510. Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India died in Cochin 1524, and was buried here for 14 years, before his remains were transferred to Lisbon in Portugal. His tombstone can be seen inside the church.

Evening witness the Kathakali dance performance and make up demonstration - Kathkali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different 'mudras' or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings - each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic Indian myths.

Overnight in Cochin

DAY 4                         COCHIN - PERIYAR (THEKKADY)

This morning, drive to Thekkady covering a distance of 190 kms in approximately 4½ hours. On arrival check-in at hotel.

The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India and is amongst the most picturesque wild life sanctuaries in the world despite the tragic loss of the richly vegetated valley due to the dam and the 21 sq. mile reservoir. Since boat travel is the only way of traveling through this sanctuary, one can cover large areas in a short time and experience the wilderness like never before. There is probably no sanctuary in the world where elephant behavior can be watched in such absolute comfort and safety.

This afternoon, cruise in the Periyar Lake in the cool surroundings and the panorama spreads around - tropical jungles, wild elephants, Indian gaur, monkeys, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boat and birds of myriad varieties.  With an area of 777 Sq. Km the wildlife sanctuary lies at an elevation of 914 meters to 1828 meters above sea level on the Periyar Lake in the hills of Western Ghats.

Overnight in Periyar

DAY 5                         PERIYAR (THEKKADY) - KUMARAKOM

Today morning, a guided visit to the nearby spice plantations will be arranged to see the various spices grown in this area.

After the visit, drive to Kumarakom covering a distance of 130 kms in approximately 4 hours.

Kumarakom slumbers on the bank of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets.

Arrive Kumarakom and check-in at hotel.

Rest of the day to relax in this unique backwater resort surrounded by Vembanad Lake on two sides, swinging paddy fields on one side and a bird sanctuary on the other.

Relax at the waterfront, with the occasional native rowboat gliding silently by and the air so calm, you can reach out and touch the sky with your fingertips; or enjoy an Ayurvedic massage at your resort.

Overnight in Kumarakom

DAY 6:                        KUMARAKOM

Morning, visit to the bird sanctuary in the morning.

Later in the morning enjoy a canoe expedition via an intricate network of canals, through backwater villages where daily life continues unaltered, as it has for centuries.  You will see lush palm groves and stretches of rice fields, while daily traffic on the broader canals of regular ferries and cargo boats will serve to emphasize to economic importance of these vital waterways.

Rest of the day will be free to relax in your resort. You have an option to indulge in an Ayurvedic massage. A specialist would speak about the healing science of Ayurveda, and centuries old herbal remedies.  

Overnight in Kumarakom

DAY 6                         KUMARAKOM - MARARIKULAM

This morning, drive to Mararikulam, one of the picturesque fishing villages that dot the lovely coast line of Kerala. This private, shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut palms. Rest of the day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort.

Overnight at Marari Beach Resort

DAY 7                         MARARIKULAM

Full day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort.

Overnight at Marari Beach Resort

DAY 8                         MARARIKULAM - COCHIN - MUMBAI

This morning, transfer to Cochin airport to board your afternoon flight to Mumbai.

Arrive Mumbai late afternoon and transfer to hotel where you will have rooms at disposal till your final departure.

Late at night, transfer to the international airport to board home bound flight in the early hours of day 9.

DAY 9                         MUMBAI - ABROAD