Nature, Temple & Backwater Tour
Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days
Destinations Covered : Cochin – Thrissur - Munnar - Periyar –Alleppey – Marari – Cochin Out
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Welcome with Garland and transfer to Hotel –
A cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas, Cochin or Kochi is perhaps the second best poet on the Western Ghats. Known as 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', it reflects the best of all that Kerala has to offer. A rich past and a vibrant present, Kochi gained the status of the business hub of the region long back. Comprising of mainland of Ernakulam, the islands of Willington, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbor, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island north of Fort Cochin, all the parts of Kochi are well-linked by ferries.
Afternoon Sightseeing of Fort Cochin
Fort Cochin is believed to be the oldest European Settlement in India and St. Francis Church was the first European Church to be built in India. The history of this Church reflects the colonial struggle of European powers in India, from the 15th to 20th Centuries. The Portuguese Vasco da Gama was the first European to discover the sea route to India. In 1503 Alphonso Alburquerque was given permission by the Rajah of Cochin to build a fort at the mouth of the river. Within the Fort they erected a church of wood, which was dedicated to St. Bartholomew
The famous Kochi Synagogue (Jewish place of worship) is located at Fort Kochi, about 10 km from Ernakulam in Kerala. The Synagogue was constructed in 1568 and is the oldest in the Commonwealth countries. The synagogue was partially destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid but was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. The articles of interest at the synagogue are a clock tower, hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, great scrolls of the Old Testament, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, ancient scripts on copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the former rulers of Cochin were recorded.
Later visit Mattancherry Palace known as the Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing nets and Fort Cochin area.
Dutch Palace, Kochi is more popularly known as Mattancherry Palace. It is located at Palace Road, 10 km from Ernakulam city, Kochi. The palace was constructed by the Portuguese and presented to the then Rajah of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma. The Rajahs of Keralas made subsequent renovations of the palace, giving it a Hindu texture. In fact, it has become one of the best testimony of the Hindu Temple Art.The Dutch Palace in Kochi is a two stored building built around a central courtyard. This traditional style of architecture is known as 'nalukettus' in Kerala.
A very unusual method of fishing, operated from the shore.
Chinese fishing nets are fixed land installations set up on bamboo or teak poles and is operated from the shores. Used for fishing, each net is at least 10 m in height and consists of a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea. For counterbalance large stones are suspended by rope at the other end. In order to operate each fishing’s net a team of at least six fishermen is required. The net is suspended in the mid air all along the coast. It is then left untouched for few minutes and then lifted gently by the team. Balance has to be maintained while raising the net.
Overnight at Hotel.
Breakfast at hotel
Morning proceed to Kumbalanghi village tour (approx 15 kms)- a lush green village of Cochin –a village declared as the first model fisheries and tourism village of India –a village with its own tradition and culture- a village unique in the way it has maintained its serenity ,beauty ,tradition and culture to the fullest extent with most of the villagers over here engaged in agriculture and fishing. Kumbalanghi provides guests a wonderful opportunity to relax ,refresh and rejuvenate with the lush green ,serene and pollution free atmosphere and at the very same time to get acquainted with the natural and traditional village activities going on peacefully in the Island.
Back to Cochin
Evening enjoy Kathkali dance performance (seat sharing basis –No Guide for this activities).
Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the worls. It originated in the area of Southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation in which dancers take various roles in performaces traditionally based on themes from the Hindu mythology especially the 2 epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Kathakali make-up is the slow metamorphosis of mortals into immortal deities and demons.
Sunset cruise will take you on the waterways of Kochi Harbour, offering picturesque seaside views of Fort Kochi, Bolgatty Island, Willingdon Island, the Kochi shipyard and the structurally impressive Chinese fishing nets.
Overnight at Hotel.
Breakfast at hotel
Check-in at hotel and later continue visit
Vadakkunnathan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva .This temple is a classic example of the architectural style of Kerala and has monumental towers on all four sides and also a kuttambalam. Mural paintings depicting various episodes from Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple..The shrines and the Kuttambalam display vignettes carved in wood. The temple, along with the mural paintings, has been declared as a National Monument by India under the AMASR Act. According to popular local lore, this is the first temple built by Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Thekkinkadu maidan, encircling the Vadakkunnathan Temple, is the main venue of the Thrissur Pooram. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter into the temple.
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Guruvayurappan (a four-armed affiliation of the Hindus god Vishnu), located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus of Kerala and is often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikunta, which translates to as "Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth".
The presiding deity of the Guruvayur Temple is Vishnu, worshipped in the form of his avatar Krishna. The central icon is a four-armed standing Vishnu carrying the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana Chakra, the mace Kaumodaki and a lotus with a Holy basil garland. This image represents the majestic form of Vishnu as revealed to Krishna's parents Vasudeva and Devaki around the time of Krishna's birth; this is the reason why Lord is worshipped in his baby form. Also, the temple is called "Dwarka of South India" due to Krishna's widespread presence. He is currently worshipped according to routines laid down by Adi Shankara and later written formally in the Tantric way, the inter-religious spiritual movement that arose in medieval India, by Chennas Narayanan Nambudiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Nambudiris are the hereditary tantris (high priest) of the Guruvayur Temple.
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast in hotel
In time check-out and drive to Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it's surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century.
Famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks, is located in the Western Ghats
Check-in at Hotel
Every evening, as the sun begins its descent, a walk through the plantation. The leisurely 4km trek usually takes about two hours, and is one of the highlight. You see, cardamom grows only in restrained sunlight, so the grounds are permanently covered in evergreen trees and foliage, many of which we grow specifically to attract butterflies and birds. You can expect to see giant squirrels, clamber over tall trees, babbling streams and down hidden paths. The walks are hosted by expert naturalists from the region who combine their home-grown knowledge of the mountains with science to tell the most fascinating stories of the flora and fauna you’ll see.
Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy Beauty of Kerala Mountain – No Guide considered
Overnight at Hotel.
Breakfast at hotel
Morning visit Eravikulam National Park WALK TOUR with Naturalist 3 hours is the first of its kind located in Munnar, Kerala. Different Areas in the Park. Flora of Eravikulam National Park. Fauna of Eravikulam National Park.
Later visit Tea Museum One can observe thehistory and growth of tea estates in the area. We get to watch the transition from the rudimentary tea roller to the modern fully-automated tea factory. Various stages of tea processing can be seen, which includes the making of black tea.
A demonstration room for tea tasting is another attraction where on would come across different varieties of tea. One can taste some of the most exotic varieties of tea available around the world here. It has steadily turned into a must-visit spot for those who wish to delve into the soul of Munnar.
Overnight at Hotel.
Breakfast at hotel
In time check-out and drive to Periyar
Check in at Hotel.
You are in spice country and a great opportunity to get to know more about the spices you use daily in your kitchen.
Afternoon Jungle walk
2-hour walk through the forest where you can see a lot of bird life including the great hornbill and interesting vegetation.
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast at hotel
Boat Ride on Lake Periyar (seat sharing subject to water level – permission) Thekkady offers two hour boating trips at the artificial lake formed near the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary.
one hour with elephant ride, elephant bath, Photo session, Commands and communication In this safari you will get a unique experience , seated a top an elephant guest are taken along rides in to the spice plantation to get the good views of valleys and mountains.
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast at hotel
In time check-out and drive to Alleppey and embark the Houseboat.
Kettuvallam or a House Boat is widely used in Kerala. In the Malayalam language "Kettu" means "to tie" and “Vallam” means boat – the two together make the local name "Kettuvallam”. Each houseboat is constructed using the ancient principles and techniques of boat building by the local carpenters using 'Anjili' wood. Coir ropes are used for fastening the wooden planks together. These boats have thatched roof covers over wooden hulls.
Enjoy a Full Day Cruise on the Backwaters of Kerala.
The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways, and sometimes compared to the American Bayou. In the midst of this landscape, there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and end points of backwater cruises.
Dinner will be served onboard
Overnight at Houseboat. (Boat will remain docked through the night and not be sailing).
Awake early to watch the sun rise over the backwaters and the fishermen returning to their villages on their little boats through the backwaters.
Morning after breakfast disembarks at Allepey and drive to Marari
Check into hotel.
Nestled in the Alappuzha District of Kerala, Marari Beach is a perfect location for holidaying with family or friends. This beach in Kerala is eternal with coconut palm trees and golden sands. The beach is quite beautiful and the name 'Marari' arises from 'Mararikulum', which is a local village on the Arabian Sea Coast.
Marari originates from 'Mararikulum', a local fishing village on the Arabian Sea coast. The serenity and tranquility of this beach take beach lovers backwards in time. The indolent pace of local life makes vacationing near the Marari beach a reviving experience.
Rest of the day at leisure No transport – book Ayurveda treatment on direct payment
Overnight at Hotel
American Breakfast
Rest of the day at leisure No transport / No Guide Explore by own
Overnight at Hotel
American Breakfast
Morning at leisure
Late check-out subject to availability
In time check-out and drive to Cochin Airport to board flight for final destination