Wonders of Kerala Tour - Solitairhols.co.uk

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Essence of Kerala Tour

08 Nights / 09 Days

Historic Cochin / Kerala Backwaters/ Wildlife Sanctuary/ Cardamom Hills /Tropical Beach

Exceptionally beautiful and tranquil, the south Indian state of Kerala is characterised by meandering rivers, rice fields, spice plantations, verdant hills and palm-fringed beaches. This gently-paced tour takes in the most captivating areas, including the charming port city of Cochin and the backwaters, which can be explored by boat to provide a wonderful glimpse into rural village life.

Day 1 to Cochin:Fly from London to Cochin, via Dubai, with Emirates

Day 02 Cochin

On arrival at Cochin Airport, you are met and transferred to Bolgatty Island Resort. Cochin, the historic centre of India’s spice trade that became the first European township in India which was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later British. The result of these cultural influences is seen in the many examples of Indio-European architectures that still exist. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala’s commercial hub. Later, you are whisked away for a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin covering the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. In the evening you will be entertained by traditional dancers to the spectacular ‘Kathakali dance’ at a local theatre.

Day 03 Cochin – Periyar (192 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast depart for Periyar (Thekkady). Morning drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady, a beautiful area of tea gardens, rubber estates and coffee and pepper plantations, located high in the Cardamom Hills. This wildlife sanctuary is an established tourist spot and home to elephants, tiger, bison, sambar, wild boar, langur etc. The artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar Lake adds to the charm of the park. Spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a declared Tiger Reserve. After check in at Greenwoods Hotel, explore the spice plantation where you will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of the spices are grown.

Day 04 Periyar

Day trip to Gavi – The day starts at 0600 am and ends at 05:30pm. Today, you will travel by 4 x 4 jeeps through native villages and vast forests. You will have the opportunity to trek, sight animals & birds and can take a relaxing pedal boat before returning to your hotel. Your Breakfast, lunch and light refreshments are provided in this program. Overnight stay atGreenwoods.

Day 05 Periyar – Kumarakom (132 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast you will leave for Kumarakom. On arrival at Kumarakom check in at Eastend Lakesong. Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad (granary of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and tributaries along its banks, weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The bird sanctuary here is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Rest of the day at leisurely or relax your body with a smoothening Ayurvedic massage at the Ayurveda Centre (optional extra)

Day 06 Kumarakom – Alleppey

Morning at leisure. At noon, embark on your Houseboat for an overnight cruise to Alleppey. You will cruise through the palm fringed canals, viewing paddy fields, village folk, relax on board hearing lullaby of the wind and waves. This mysterious strip of emerald green land is packed with endless miles of placid backwaters that appends to its charm. Unwind yourself watching the endless strips of greenery passing by you while the boat moves in a relaxing pace.

Day 07 Alleppey – Kovalam (182 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, disembark at Alleppey and you are transferred to Kovalam. The palm-fringed beach of Kovalam is one of the most famous beaches in India. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sand washed away by the surf, make this beach a paradise come true.

Day 8 to 15 Kovalam: At leisure. Guests who are on beach extension enjoy a relaxing week’s stay at the Travancore Heritage and further explore exotic beaches and spice lands of Kerala. Perhaps, you may wish to indulge in Yoga and Ayurveda treatments to unwind and pamper the mind and body.

Day 9 to London: Guests on the tour depart in the morning from Trivandrum airport and fly to London, via Dubai, with Emirates.

Meal Basis: Breakfast & Dinner

Hotels Featured on the tour:

Kovalam – Travancore Heritage

Alleppey – Lake land Cruises (House Boat)

Kumarakom – Eastend Lakesong

Thekkady – Greenwood Hotel

Cochin – Bolgatty Island Resort

Featured hotels are not guaranteed and if not available similar 4 star hotels are substituted.

Itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of Solitair Holidays without compensation.

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