Rajasthan with Kerala Holidays
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Places Covered: Kochi - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Marari - Kochi
Day
01: Kochi (Cochin)
Arrive at Kochi (Cochin) meet and assistance at the airport by our representative
and transfer to your hotel.
Proceed for a Half day sight seeing of Cochin by private boat.
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 etc. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo
poles 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 SUNSET while on the boat.
Over night stay at Cochin.
Day 02: Kochi
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
In the morning, enjoy a city tour. Visit the Mattancheery Dutch Palace where
the superb series of murals painted on the wooden walls are its main attraction.
Also visit the 16th century Jewish Synagogue and the Church of St. Francis.
Vasco
da Gama was originally buried in the Church's cemetery. Walk around the Fort
Cochin area and admire the Chinese Fishing Nets (this time from the land). Chinese
traders are believed to have introduced them in the late 14th century.
The afternoon would be spent at leisure.
In the evening proceed for KATHAKALI DANCE PRESENTATION. Over night stay at
Kochi.
Day 03: Kochi - Periyar (Thekkady)
Proceed for Thekkady after breakfast.
Drive through the plantations and small Kerala villages. The whole of Kerala
including the towns are like villages and the simplicity of the state can be
felt while driving. All around would be scenic beauty.
Reach Thekkady. (This place is also known as Periyar because of the Lake Periyar)
Check in at the resort.
The river Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. This is the only perennial
river in South India with clean water. The river occupies an important place
in the history of Kerala. In the Sangam age Tamil epics such as Chilapathikaram,
'Akananuru', 'Purananuru' etc. much has been said about this mighty river,
formerly
known as the 'Choorni Nadi' or 'Thamraparni Nadi'. A land route existed in the
Sangam age from Mussuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai, which passed
near the banks of the river Periyar. The capital of the old Chera Empire presumably
existed on the banks of the river Periyar. It is believed that there was a flood
in the 4th century AD that severely damaged the areas along the Periyar and
the people living there had to escape to safer locations, abandoning their homes
and livelihoods. The flood of AD 1341 resulted in the closing of Kodungalloor
port and the opening of a new port at Kochi. The huge landslide that began in
the high ranges as a result of the heavy downpours sent massive flows of mud
and sand which created an Island at the 'Azhimugham' of the Periyar which is
now known as the Vyppin Islands. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to nomadic
tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more.
Inthe evening visit Kumily market to buy the best spices available. Overnight
will be at Thekkady.
Overnight will be at Periyar.
Day 04: Periyar
Breakfast will be at the resort.
Enjoy the boatride through Periyar Lake - Wildlife sanctuary. You can visit
the rare species of plants and animals.
Afternoon
visit spice plantations like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, tea estates
etc. You can in the afternoon go for a short trek in the forests with a trained
guide for some adventure.
Overnight stay will be at Periyar.
Day 05: Periyar - Kumarakom
Early morning proceed to Kumarakom. This journey will also be a beautiful one
passing through rolling tea gardens and rubber plantations. Stop at a tea factory
and watch the tea making process (interesting for children and elders). There
is a beautiful solitary church you pass by and it is a nice place to stop for
photography.
Reach KUMARAKOM and visit the Bird Sanctuary. Proceed to the Vembanand 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 towards Alleppey. Lunch will be served on the
boat. The menu is simple and traditional. The cook (chef) of the boat prepares
the lunch from fresh materials and even you can have a peek at the recipe.
Tea and snacks would be served in the evening. The boat will be anchored in
the backwaters along a paddy field and you can go for a stroll into the village
or relax at the deck of the boat.
Dinner will be on the boat. Overnight will be at Houseboat.
Day 06: Alleppey - Marari
After breakfast start for Alleppey. Cruise through the backwaters watching the
children going to school and the village markets opening.
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 centres
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.
Disembark the boat at the reception of the backwater resort at Alleppey. Proceed
to the beautiful MARARI BEACH RESORTS and rest of the day will be relaxation
on the beach. Overnight will be at Marari.
Day 07: Marari
Breakfast will be at the resort. Relax at the beach or by the pool.
Overnight will be at Marari.
Day 08: Marari - Kochi
After breakfast proceed to Kochi. Proceed to the airport for flight to the next
destination.
Rajasthan with Kerala Holidays, Rajasthan
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