Duration: 7 days
Destination: Cochin - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Cochin
Day 1 - Arrival at Cochin:
Arrive at Kochi (Cochin) meet and assistance at the airport / railway station by our representative and transfer to your hotel.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European town-ship in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is  home to nearly thirteen communities.
In the early evening proceed for a private harbor cruise. Enjoy watching the dolphins, the fishing island and the Bolghatty Palace. Cruise till the mouth of the sea and enjoy the sunset.
Overnight will be at Cochin.
Day 2-
Cochin:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Today you will visit Cochin, one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The Jewish community traces its history to nearly 2000 years ago. In 1948 the community numbered 2500 and today there are fewer that 30 people. The community is still centered round JEWTOWN where you will visit its crown Jewel, the Paradesi Synagogue. Built in 1568 and reconstructed after a Portuguese bombardment in 1662, the synagogue is distinguished by its tile roof and bell tower. The small synagogue is also known for its hand-painted, willow-patterned, blue and white Chinese floor tiles, and the many brass and crystal lamps that hang from the ceiling. Later visit the interesting International Pepper Exchange, also located in Jewtown.
A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Mattancherry Palace, etc. Learn the operation of the interesting Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles, which work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
Enjoy the KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION at Cochin.
Over night stay at hotel.
Day 3-
Cochin to Thekkady:
By Road 180 km in 4 hr
Morning, proceed to Periyar after breakfast.
Check in at hotel on arrival. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more.
Evening go for boat cruise in the lake to watch wild animals.
Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
Day 4-
Periyar:
Enjoy a half-day nature walk with an expert in Periyar National Park.
Afternoon visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates etc. on your way back to the hotel, you could stop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
In the evening visit the spice plantation and the spice markets.
Overnight will be at Periyar.
Day 5-
Periyar - Kumarakom:
By Road 130 km in 4 hr
Early morning proceed to Kumarakom after breakfast.
The drive is through picturesque mountains and valleys full of tea plantations and coffee estates. Stop at a tea factory to see the process of making tea. Pass through rubber plantations also closer to Kumarakom.
Reach and visit the Bird Sanctuary. Proceed to the Vembanad Lake.
The backwaters of Kerala are a unique product of Kerala and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.
Check into a traditional houseboat of Kerala Style and go on a leisurely backwater cruise along the lake on a thatched houseboat. The houseboat with all modern comforts lets you discover the countryside at your own pace. You will have lunch, dinner and breakfast in the Houseboat. A ride on the houseboat is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters.
Cruise through the backwaters to Alleppey. We will end this wonderful day anchoring at Vembanad Lake. Spend the night on the deck watching the starry sky.
Overnight will be at Houseboat.
Day 6-
Backwaters:
Start cruise after breakfast.
A short stop over at Aryad Church is a must, where one of the oldest pictures of The Holy Virgin is preserved. Then we proceed on to Pathiramanal. This little island or the sand of midnight in the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the worlds.
After lunch, a visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock here in thousands, some from the Himalayas. Some birds are from even as far as Siberia.
Now sit back and lose yourself as your boat glides silently forward on its final journey to Kottayam. Intense experience awaits you in Kottayam, the land of lakes. The journey will be through the paddy fields some of which are known all over the world as "14000 & 9000" fields.
As night approaches we will anchor at 9000 paddy field, where you can tune in to nature in all its calm and serenity.
Day 7-
Alleppey:
After an early breakfast our journey will start towards Kanjipadam, Pallthuruthi, Kuppapuram were you get to see local village life of the people settle on both side of this narrow canal.
Disembark the boat at Alleppey.
Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. "Kuttanad" in Alappuzha is one of few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerala. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills.
Drive through the bridges over canals and villages reaching the airport in time for flight to the next destination with sweet memories of GOD'S OWN COUNTRY - Kerala.
TOUR ENDS
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